Thai Culture and Food Festival

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The Thai Culture and Food Festival Inc. is a not for profit incorporated association in Melbourne, Australia that was established in 2004. It organises Melbourne's annual Thai Culture and Food Festival at Federation Square held in March. The festival is now one of the largest multicultural festivals held at Federation Square and the largest food festival.

Each year over 40,000 visitors pack the square and riverbank terrace to enjoy the best in Thai food, music, dance, martial arts, fashion and more.

It usually starts with prayers by local Buddhist monks, followed by an opening ceremony with various dignatories. Then on the main stage at Fed Square the colourful Thai dances are performed. Interspersed with other cultural performances are a number of special shows. In 2006, the 60th Anniversary of King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand to the throne was celebrated with a performance by the Melbourne Jazz Ensemble of a number of His Majesty's own jazz compositions.[1] The 2007 Festival celebrated the King's 80th birthday.

Many of Melbourne's leading Thai restaurants sell delicious Thai food from stalls on the riverside terrace. Thai products are sold from stalls in the main square.

The 5th Annual Festival was held on 2nd March 2008