CELEBRATE DIVERSITY THROUGH FOOD, MUSIC AND DANCE ON SATURDAY 12 OCTOBER
This year, The Levee, Central Maitland will transform into a global village on Saturday 12 October from 2.00pm – 9.00pm, where you can see, taste, feel and experience over 30 different cultures from around the world. Collect your Riverlights Cultural Passport on the day and explore your way through The Levee’s global village. Stop by the World Stage, Language Lounge, the Groove Fusion stage and the Global Kitchen to experience a trip around the world right here in Maitland.
Don’t miss the Riverlights Finale on the riverbank. From 7.45pm the multi layered finale consists of the lantern parade from The Levee Shared Zone, a lantern river flotilla, music, dance and a dynamic light show.
Join in the fun of lantern making, cultural workshops and more happening across Maitland the week leading up to Maitland Riverlights main event.
RIVERLIGHTS PROGRAM
Stay tuned for the full program and map to help you get the most from your Riverlights experience.
MUST SEE ON SATURDAY
2024 AMBASSADOR
ADAM LIAW
Experience Riverlights with Adam Liaw as he joins us as the Maitland Riverlights Ambassador for 2024. Adam will be popping up around the event and at the Global Kitchen on Saturday 12 October, as well as hosting a ticketed dinner on Friday 11 October.
RIVERLIGHTS FINALE
The multi layered finale will bring together the community lantern parade from The Levee Shared Zone, lantern river flotilla, music and dance on the Riverlights Stage, with a dynamic lighting show. Join in the fun from 7.45pm on the riverbank, this finale is not one to be missed.
CULTURAL VILLAGES
Riverlights Cultural Villages are the heart of the festival. Representing different nations and cultures, the Cultural Villages offer free interactive experiences, delicious food samplings and arts and crafts to purchase.
Visit each one to taste traditional food and learn more about the culture. Be sure to collect a stamp in your official Riverlights Cultural Passport, which will be available from the festival volunteers at the event or for download on the website closer to the event.
STAMP YOUR PASSPORT
Learn about cultural traditions, language, art, cuisine, games and more importantly, each other at the Cultural Villages. Visit each one and collect a stamp in your official Riverlights Cultural Passport.
EXPLORE THE EVENT
RIVERLIGHTS STAGE
Be captivated by a range of local and national bands with a range of performances influenced from across the globe.
WORLD STAGE
Filled with vibrant and colourful cultural song and dance performances, a cultural fashion parade as well as the Citizenship Ceremony and Official Ceremony.
CULTURAL VILLAGES
Learn about cultural traditions, language, art, cuisine, games and more importantly, one another.
EXPRESS YOURSELF LANGUAGE LOUNGE
A crowd favourite at Maitland Riverlights, come along and learn songs to sing, common words and greetings, hear stories read in different languages as well as poetry.
GLOBAL KITCHEN
Featuring different flavours from around the globe with expert presenters taking the stage to share their top cooking tips and tricks.
GROOVE FUSION STAGE
See a range of fun and exciting performances and lessons delivered for audiences to participate in.
SOUND GARDEN INSTALLATION
Walk through an interactive cultural ‘garden’ experience, connecting to the sounds, patterns, colours and aromas of our local multicultural communities.
WONDERWORLD
Stop by this interactive art installation and photobooth located inside a shipping container to grab the perfect background for your pictures.
RIVERLIGHTS EATERY
Located in Dransfield Lane and Bulwer Street, the Riverlights Eatery is a dedicated food area featuring your favourite local and regional food trucks and stalls serving up a range of delicious food inspired from around the world.
DISCOVER YOUR NEW FAVOURITE DISH
Wander through the Riverlights Eatery and experience the delicious range of cuisines available.