The Pembroke Multicultural Festival returns to the waterfront this July 17 and 18, bringing two days of free food, music, and family activities to the community. Organized by the Pembroke Public Library, the event marks the 10th anniversary as a formally recognized annual event. Friday runs from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Saturday goes from noon to 8:00 p.m., with everything taking place at the Pembroke Waterfront and Riverwalk Amphitheatre.
Admission is free, and visitors can expect international food vendors, craft sellers, cultural performances, and a history walk. Families will find bouncy castles and face painting for kids. The festival was formally established as an annual event in 2017, starting as a small gathering inside the library, and has grown into one of the Ottawa Valley’s biggest summer events. Last year, an estimated 6,000 people attended, representing more than 39 cultures.
The festival has earned several tourism awards, including the 2023 Ottawa Valley Tourist Association Event of the Year, the 2023 Excellence in Tourism & Recreation Award, and a provincial innovation award for its Multilicious food program. It has also received $20,000 from the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund to support its growth. Festival organizer Karthi Rajamani, CEO of the Pembroke Public Library, was awarded the W.J. Robertson Medallion for Public Librarian of the Year in 2025 by the Ontario Library Boards’ Association, with the festival cited as a key part of her community work.
Residents can now plan their weekend around the activity times. The event is a partnership between the library and the City of Pembroke, celebrating the region’s cultural diversity with food, performance, and hands-on experiences for all ages.
