Buddha's Birthday Festival

Overview

Feel like you could use a little spiritual growth? Good thing Buddha's Birthday Festival is around the corner, as this two-day event offers boundless ceremonial immersion, not to mention fascinating performances, vegetarian cuisine and enriching handicrafts.

Running across the weekend of Saturday, May 3–Sunday, May 4 at Tumbalong Park, this peaceful green space in Darling Harbour will serve as the ideal host for guided meditations and mindfulness workshops. Forming part of the Culture Alive series, now is your chance to evoke a sense of enlightenment. That shouldn't be too difficult, considering the cultural exchange on display.

Saturday's schedule features lion dancing, purification ceremonies and an after-dark light offering. Then, Sunday adds baby blessings and multicultural performances, featuring traditional dances and contemporary beats. You're also invited to attend Alms Round – a daily practice where Buddhists collect food offerings.

Of course, a vast array of vegetarian bites are spread throughout the festival, with dishes from Malaysia to India keeping you well fed. Then, you can put your skills to the test by crafting your own water-marbled silk scarf. Plus, if you're feeling active, take part in VegRun – an easygoing charity fun run that kicks off with some morning Tai Chi. The $5 entry fee goes towards mental health organisations, including the Black Dog Institute and Lifeline.