Cafe Carnivale is Sydney's year-round world music festival, presenting authentic and inspiring performances of the music of the diverse cultures of our city.

Established in the year 2000 to provide performance opportunities for Sydney musicians of non-English speaking backgrounds, Cafe Carnivale is a celebration of what we call our hidden treasures - extraordinary musicians from around the world, performing right here in Sydney, giving captivating and inspiring performances of music.

Café Carnivale made its debut on the Sydney stage in the 2000 Olympics and has grown a solid reputation for presenting authentic performances of music from around the globe. South American, Balkan, rembetika, Greek, Indian, African, Asian, Italian, Egyptian, flamenco, Chinese, gypsy, percussion, tango, salsa,– the musical journey goes on and on.

Café Carnivale began as an idea of Justo Diaz, NSW multicultural music coordinator, for the Carnivale Festival, collaborating with Carol Hirt of Eastside Arts. When the Carnivale Festival closed, Café Carnivale found a new home with Musica Viva Australia, through funding provided by the NSW Ministry for the Arts.

The series presents the hidden multicultural treasures of Sydney – musicians of diverse backgrounds who have come to live here but struggle to find places to perform.

Turning the spotlight onto world music might seem to be a new direction for the world’s largest chamber music presenter, Musica Viva. But, according to Musica Viva’s General Manager, Mary Jo Capps, it is consistent with our long-standing goal to take music to as many Australians as possible.