HIGHLIGHTS
The 42nd Annual Pako Festa Parade
From 11am | Along Pakington Street BTW Waratah & Autumn Street
Pakington Street will transform into a marching, dancing, singing procession of diverse performers from around the world, and just around the corner. Supported by Xtreme Technology and Broadcast live on 94.7 The Pulse.
UNIFIED TECHNOLOGY CARMEN MIRANDA BAR
From 12:30pm | Albert Street Car Park
Relax with a drink in the licensed Unified Technology Carmen Miranda Bar and visit the Archive Wine Bar Team for tasty food and imported wines including some special treats from the Coravin List.
This is a great space to enjoy a diversity of dance, song and live entertainment on the Cultura Stage from 12:30pm-5pm.
NEW - PAKO FESTA GLOBAL CRAFT MARKET
12:30pm-5.00pm | West Town Hall (indoors)
New to Pako Festa in 2024 is a Global Craft Market inside the West Town Hall open from 12.30pm on the day through to 5pm. This new element is guaranteed to engage and take you on a journey around the globe via traditional crafts with a contemporary twist.Look out for the National Wool Museum pop up display and free activities for all ages. Discover the rich flavours of Hazara cuisine as the community makes its culinary debut at this year’s Pako Festa.
NEW - RECYCLE4CHANGE
9am-5pm | West Park & the Northern end of Pakington Street
We are thrilled to have the Recyle4Change team on site to collect eligible containers that can be recycled and assist us in reducing our environmental foot print! You can find the team at each end of the festival precinct, so visit them to learn more about recycling for change at Pako and ongoing at their facility in North Geelong!
ADROIT INSURANCE AND RISK CHILL OUT ZONE
11.30am-5pm | Hope Street Parking Bay
A great place to sit, dine, and soak up the Pako vibes. From 12.30pm the Geelong Arts Centre Stage kicks off. Families are welcome and Eureka Hotel pop up bar will be ready to quench your thirst.
GEELONG WEST PARK
9am-5pm | Southern End of Pakington Street Corner Pakington & Autumn Streets
The Park will be bustling with global food stalls and interactive activities. The Gordon Stage kicks off at 12.30pm and is jam packed with entertainment for the entire family. Geelong West Neighbourhood House will be hosting children’s activities, art displays and a great spot to rest from 12-3pm.
Here you will also find the TAC’s Booster Tag activation, where you can expect fun, family-friendly activities and bonus education and safety advice around children’s car booster seats.
BARWON WATER CHILL OUT ZONE
9am -5pm | Carpark Area corner of Pakington Street and O’Connell Street
Come on down and visit the Barwon Water Team in the Chill Out Zone, it’s a great place to sit and dine on the amazing food you have purchased along the street. There will be free drinking water, family-friendly activities, giveaways and useful information on offer for those wanting to take a rest. Mackillop Family Services located in this Zone will be inviting you to participate in an interactive creative activity including a photo booth.
NORTHERN END OF PAKINGTON STREET
12pm-5pm | From Waratah to Waterloo Streets
At the Northern end of Pakington Street visit the newly completed Geelong West Presbyterian Church to chill out and rehydrate. There will be free plaster painting for the kids, a game space and live music in the forecourt.
Don’t miss the SES and Fire Rescue Victoria HUB to learn about general safety and free activities for children. To get the children active check out the Sporting Zone; Netball Victoria and Barwon AFL will be there to teach you some tricks of the trade and connect you to your next sporting club. Free Entertainment at Queen of the West with the Carpark Party: including stage and kids play area in the beer garden. Finally don’t miss The Petrel Hotel Stage and bar area which is a great spot to soak up the vibes in the sun.