Riverway came alive on Saturday, 15 August, as more than 25,000 people gathered for India Fest Townsville 2026, bringing together communities from across Townsville, North Queensland and beyond for a day of Indian culture, food, music and entertainment.
Held around India’s Independence Day, the festival featured traditional and contemporary performances, classical dance, music, regional cultural presentations, workshops, demonstrations, food stalls and family activities.
Visitors could also take part in sari draping, mehndi, cooking and yoga sessions, offering opportunities to engage with Indian traditions.
For Townsville’s Indian-Australian community, the festival provided an opportunity to celebrate cultural heritage and share traditions with younger generations. The event also welcomed visitors from across the wider community, providing an introduction to the cultural traditions and regional diversity of India.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli, Townsville Mayor Cr Nick Dametto, members of parliament, councillors, community leaders and representatives from across the region attended the official opening ceremony.
India Fest Townsville Inc. President Binu Jacob said the attendance showed the strength of support for the festival.
“More than 25,000 people came through Riverway, and what makes us particularly proud is that they came from all backgrounds,” Mr Jacob said.
“People came together to enjoy the culture, food, performances and atmosphere, and to celebrate what makes our community so diverse.”
The festival’s programme reflected India’s regional diversity through different languages, customs, music, dance and cuisine. Local performers, community groups, businesses, cultural organisations and volunteers also contributed to the event.
Giving back to the local community remained part of the festival, with organisers continuing their Thrift Shop initiative. Proceeds support Fuel for Schools, a local charity assisting school communities and children in need.
The initiative allowed visitors to purchase pre-loved items while contributing to the fundraising effort.
India Fest Townsville Inc. Secretary Nick Attam said the initiative was one way the festival could support the community beyond the event itself.
“For us, community means more than coming together for one day,” Mr Attam said.
“It means looking after each other and using the opportunities we have to make a positive difference. Our Thrift Shop is one small way India Fest can turn community participation into meaningful support for local people.”
India Fest Townsville is organised by a volunteer-led not-for-profit community organisation. Hundreds of volunteers contribute throughout the year, working across planning, logistics, cultural programming, sponsorship, marketing, stalls, hospitality and event-day operations.
The festival was named Best Event in Queensland at the Queensland Day Awards 2025. Mr Jacob said the recognition belonged to the wider community involved in delivering the event.
“Winning Best Event in Queensland was an incredible honour, but our biggest reward is seeing more than 25,000 people from different backgrounds celebrate together,” he said.
The festival also created opportunities for local businesses, food vendors, market stallholders, performers, community organisations and service providers, while bringing visitors to Riverway.
Organisers said their focus now turns to future editions, with plans to continue developing India Fest Townsville as a multicultural event for Townsville and regional Queensland.
The organising committee thanked visitors, volunteers, performers, sponsors, stallholders, community organisations, government representatives, emergency services and media partners for their contribution.
“India Fest belongs to everyone who walks through the gates,” Mr Attam said. “Whether you are Indian, Australian, from another cultural background or simply someone who loves a great community celebration, you are part of India Fest.”
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