UNSW Languages Festival 2026
Discover Your Voice in Every Language
This year's UNSW Languages Festival will be held on the 14 and 15 of October. Join us to celebrate the diverse languages we teach and speak in the School of Humanities & Languages.
Explore the World Without Leaving Campus!
Wednesday, 14 October at 12:00pm – Opening Ceremony, UNSW Sydney, Kensington
Join us for a spectacular multicultural celebration that brings the world to you! Experience the thunder of Japanese taiko drumming, the vibrant rhythms of Latin America, and the lively atmosphere of traditional German and Bavarian beer-hall music. Try kimono dressing, explore the art of Chinese calligraphy, take part in a global treasure hunt, a poetry competition and enjoy delicious flavours from Asia, South America, and Europe. From live performances and interactive activities to food and cultural discovery, this is your passport to a world of music, traditions and unforgettable experiences.
Welcome to Country followed by the official opening by Humanities & Languages Head of School, Professor Taylor Sherman
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
THE OOMPAH LOOMPAH BAND
Opening Wednesday, 14 October 12:15pm, Merilyn Sleigh Lawn
You won't have to find the party, it'll find you! Roaming throughout the Languages Festival, the Oompah Loompah Band brings the infectious energy of Oktoberfest to campus with lively brass, German favourites, and pop hits with a Bavarian twist. Follow the music, join the singalong, and get ready for a festival atmosphere wherever they go.
LA FAYA
Thursday, 15 October 12:05pm, Merilyn Sleigh Lawn
LA FAYA is a vibrant Mauritian cultural ensemble. Through energetic music, live drumming and dance, they bring the rich traditions of Mauritius to life in a way that is interactive, accessible and fun. Join in, learn new rhythms, experience the excitement of Sega performance, and discover one of the world's most vibrant cultural traditions.
TAIKO DRUMMING WORKSHOP BY YUNION
Thursday, 15 October 12:35pm, Merilyn Sleigh Lawn
Yu – blend, Ni – two, On – sound. Join us for an unforgettable performance by YuNiOn! Experience the powerful rhythms of the Japanese taiko drum combined with percussive sounds, festive song, and energetic dance. Full of movement, music, and audience spirit, YuNiOn takes you on a fun, uplifting, and immersive journey into one of Japan's most dynamic performance traditions.
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!
Language Careers Unleased
Thursday, 15 October 5:00pm –7:00pm, Gallery, Anita B Lawrence, School of Built Environment. Catering provided. Registration Essential.
Where Words Meet Worlds: Your Gateway to Global Opportunities
Turn your language passion into career gold! Discover exciting paths in diplomacy, tech, translation, and beyond while hearing success stories from alumni who've transformed their linguistic skills into dream careers. Plus, enjoy FREE Argentinian empanadas and networking drinks! Whether you're into interpretation, education, or applying your language expertise in unexpected ways, this event unlocks the incredible potential waiting in your multilingual future.
Languages in the Library Treasure Hunt
Main Library Help Zone, all day both days
Ready for a challenge? Take part in the Languages in the Library Treasure Hunt and explore the incredible range of languages represented in the Library's collections. Starting at the Main Library, follow the clues as you journey through the building and discover hidden treasures along the way.
Complete the hunt, and you'll go into the draw to win a prize pack filled with coveted UNSW Library merch, including reusable keep cups and more!
ENERGY FOR MORE?!
Kimono Dressing and Chinese Calligraphy
Anita B Lawrence Gallery Space, Thursday 15th 12–3pm
Interested in Japanese cosplay? Visit the Japanese stall to try on a beautiful summer kimono and have your photo taken. You can also discover the art of Chinese calligraphy and create your own piece. It's a fun, creative opportunity to experience Japanese and Chinese cultural traditions. Come along, get involved and transform yourself into someone new!
Poetry Reading at the Library
Wednesday, 5pm–6pm @ Main Library, room 506
This event celebrates the linguistic and cultural diversity of our student community by showcasing original poems submitted by students on the theme “Memory, Land, Me, Home.” Selected student poets will share their work in their mother or heritage languages, reflecting on identity, belonging, memory, migration and the different meanings of home.
FREE Cooking Classes (Spanish and French)
Paella Perfection - SOLD OUT
Wednesday, 14 October 10:00am, Merilyn Sleigh Lawn
Are you ready to master the art of making authentic and delicious paella? Look no further! Our paella cooking class is the perfect opportunity for you to learn the secrets of the iconic Spanish dish. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn the art of paella cooking while having fun and learning some Spanish sentences.
French Crêpes Crafting - SOLD OUT
Thursday, 15 October 10:00am, Merilyn Sleigh Lawn
Learn how to make French crêpes with our easy and foolproof recipe. Our French crêpes cooking class is the perfect opportunity for you to learn the art of creating these delectable treats while learning some French.
A message from the Head of School
Celebrating Linguistic Diversity Through Art, Music and Performance.
"This festival not only highlights all the languages offered at UNSW but serves as a vibrant celebration of linguistic diversity and cultural exchange. By bringing together exceptional artists from different cultural backgrounds, we're creating an immersive environment where the transformative power of language learning comes alive through art, music, performance, and culinary experiences. Learning a language opens up entirely new worlds of possibility – join us to discover your voice in each of them."
– Professor Taylor Sherman, Head of School, School of Humanities & Languages, UNSW Sydney
LEARN WITH US
Ready to transform your world?
Research shows that learning a language enhances cognitive function, boosts career prospects, and opens doors to global opportunities. Join our language programs to advance professionally, access exciting exchange programs, connect with diverse communities, and gain deeper cultural understanding – all while having fun!
Explore previous events
