Festuri Defies the Odds – 26 Years of Free Culture, Connection and Community

As free entry festivals across Australia continue to vanish – overwhelmed by rising costs, red tape and shrinking funding – one Sunshine Coast celebration refuses to fade quietly into the background.

Festuri Festival returns to Buderim Village Park on 9th August, marking 26 years of multicultural music, dance, food and connection. It stands as one of Queensland’s longest running, free entry cultural festivals and a proud example of what grassroots community leadership can achieve.

“Festuri was created by the community, for the community,” says founder Dominique Cisse, who has guided the event for over two decades.

“We’re still here because we believe access to culture, celebration and connection should be for everyone, not just those who can afford a ticket.”

From its humble origins to its current home at Buderim, Festuri has survived and thrived in the face of increasing challenges. As major council run and tourism focused events receive significant investment, not-for-profit initiatives like Festuri continue to deliver meaningful outcomes on limited resources.

“We’ve built bridges between communities, amplified underrepresented voices and provided a platform for performers of all ages and backgrounds,” Cisse says.

“But too often, grassroots events are overlooked, even though they’re the ones with the deepest impact.”

Despite these pressures, Festuri has never lost sight of its purpose and this year’s program proves it. A jam-packed lineup of global music, youth performances, cultural dance, storytelling and international food stalls will take over Buderim Village Park for a full day of connection and celebration – entirely free to the public.

But Cisse believes there’s more to be done.

“If even a portion of the funding allocated to major tourism events was redirected to proven community organisations, we could see a full year of cultural programming that’s genuinely accessible, meaningful and community driven,” he said.

Festuri is more than a festival – it’s a movement.

Join the celebration on 9th August at Buderim Village Park.

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