Experience the vibrant rhythms of Africa through an electrifying showcase of renowned bands, dynamic DJs, and high-energy dance performances. Immerse yourself in a powerful celebration of Africa’s rich cultural tapestry, where music, movement, and community come alive in an unforgettable festival atmosphere.

More to be announced soon!

Head to the rear of the Powerhouse near the iconic graffiti tanks and dive into our high-energy drumming and Afrobeats dance workshops. Open to all ages and experience levels, these interactive sessions invite everyone to feel the rhythm, move their body, and unleash their inner performer in a vibrant, joy-filled atmosphere.

Discover a vibrant marketplace brimming with handmade crafts, artisan treasures, and unique goods waiting to be explored. Wander through our extensive market stalls throughout the day and shop one-of-a-kind finds that celebrate creativity, culture, and craftsmanship.

See our Market Lineup below!

Explore our curated lineup of stallholders serving authentic, flavour-packed dishes from across Africa — from vibrant street food to rich traditional favourites, there is something for everyone!

Bellbird Dining will also offer an African-inspired menu, along with tasty kids’ options, ensuring a delicious experience for the whole family.

*GF – Please check with Stallholders on the day of the event if they offer

Join in the fun with our exciting lineup of FREE family-friendly activities designed to spark creativity and celebrate culture. Get hands-on with vibrant arts and crafts, transform your look with colourful face painting, and embrace beautiful traditional hair braiding! Liverpool City Library will also be here for Storytime and crafts – stop by and say hi!

South African Film Festival is proud to partner with Liverpool Powerhouse with a special screening of the documentary Diary of an Elephant Orphan, a great film for the whole family to enjoy.

Diary of an Elephant Orphan takes us through the struggles and turmoils of orphaned baby elephants and the people who have made it their life's mission to save them. Khanyisa is the newest addition to the elephant sanctuary.

The film was nominated in 2024 for Best Edited Film at the Encounters South African International Documentary Festival and Best Documentary at the Romford Film Festival.

Our Performance Space will also screen three short films, made and produced by South African Creatives!

See film screen timings below - Come and relax in our Performance space!

Join artists Nicole Barakat and Kamil Abdullahi for a fun and engaging drop-in workshop in the Marsden Studio connecting with plants and experimenting with plant dyes to draw and print.

Learn to connect and listen to plants while experimenting with natural colour, mark-making and printing to create a collaborative artwork on delicate mulberry paper.

All ages and abilities welcome.

11am - 3pm

Marsden Workshop Space

Dance the night away at the ultimate African experience, at Recharge Fridays on Friday 27^th March.

Indulge on African inspired drinks, drumming performances and delicious delicacies prepared by Bellbird Dining.

See timings of activities below, NOW with a special curated lineup of short films by South African Film Festival.

Book your table today!

Embark on a vibrant culinary journey across Africa with an exclusive tasting experience, thoughtfully curated by Bellbird Dining & Bar. Savour bold, authentic flavours while being swept away by captivating live music performances that elevate the atmosphere and create an unforgettable feast for the senses.

Be delighted by a musical performance at Bellbird by Australian-Mauritian singer Anieszka.

Also book your movie ticket to feature film Barakat, presented by South African Film Festival.

See the special menu here.

To book your table, head over Bellbird Dining Website.

As part of Motherland festivities, South African Film Festival is proud to partner with Liverpool Powerhouse with an exclusive screening of the feature film Barakat.

Barakat, an Arabic word meaning blessings, is a story about celebrating life, culture, and the importance of family.

How does a family move on after the death of a father? That is the question at the heart of South Africa's first Muslim film in Afrikaaps. An aging matriarch aims to bring together her fractured, dysfunctional family over Eid-al-Fitr to break the news about her new romance.

Attendees will be treated to a special Kora performance by Moussa Diakite and Malin Sylla before the movie screening.

Doors Open from 7pm

Moussa Diakite and Malin Sylla: Performance time from 7.30pm

Barakat moving screening: 8pm

Tickets: $18 plus booking fees

To book your tickets now - click here.

Patrons are also encouraged to book their pre-film dinner at Bellbird Dining & Bar, for an African-inspired tasting experience.

To book your table, head over Bellbird Dining Website.

Check out the map to discover where all activities are located at Motherland at Liverpool Powerhouse.

Is this an 18+ event?
This is an all-ages/ family friendly event.

If Motherland African Festival is a free entry event?
This is a free entry event.

Where is it located?
The event will be held at Liverpool Powerhouse located behind Casula Parklands.
1 Powerhouse Road, Casula 2170

What is going to be at the event?
Grab a delicious bite from our street food stalls, explore our artisan markets and celebrate music and dance from the regions of Africa. The event will also feature an array of free kid’s activities including face painting, hair braiding and paid adult ceramics and print making workshops.

What time does the event begin?
Event opens at 10am and the event finishes at 4pm on Sunday 29 of March 2026.

How do I get updates on this event?
Council will be letting you know what you can expect from Motherland African Festival event including food vendors, performers and activities on our social media channels so be sure to give us a follow.

Facebook: Liverpool City Council Australia

Instagram: @liverpoolcitycouncil

Will the Liverpool Powerhouse Exhibitions be accessible during the event?
Yes, the exhibition spaces currently showing “Revealing Dress’ will be open and accessible during this time.

Will Recharge Fridays still be running on Friday 27th of March?
Yes, in fact Recharge Fridays will be Motherland themed. With an African inspired menu and cocktails along with afrobeats music, hair braiding, face painting, short film screenings and a drumming experience. This event is 18+ years plus.

Will Bellbird Bar & Dining be open during this event?
Yes, Bellbird will be open, with a menu specially curated to complement the Motherland African Festival, featuring delicious food and drinks inspired by African culture and cuisine.

Indulge in an African-inspired tasting menu on Saturday 28 March, and continue the experience with African-inspired offerings available on Sunday 29 March.

Will the Powerhouse Growers Markets be running on Saturday 28th March?
Yes, the weekly Growers Market will still be in operation on Saturday 28th March at Liverpool Powerhouse.

Will the Casula Station still be accessible for commuters outside of the event?
Yes, there will be parking available at our commuter carpark, and you will be able to access Casula Station freely.

Is there parking? / How do I get there?
There will be limited parking available at Liverpool Powerhouse. We strongly encourage attendees to use public transport where possible.

TRAIN
If you would like to drive, we would recommend that you park at local train stations such as Leppington, Edmondson Park, Glenfield and Warwick Farm and catch the train to drop you off right at the event!

Liverpool Powerhouse has its very own train station. Disembark at Casula Station on the T2 Inner West & South Line or T5 Cumberland - first stop after Liverpool (from Sydney) or Glenfield (from Campbelltown). www.131500.info

Please note the T2 Airport line is different from the T2 Inner West/South - if coming from City Circle via airport, please change at Glenfield.

BICYCLE
Liverpool Powerhouse has limited spots for bicycle parking, and we recommend you park them at/near Casula train station.

UBER
Ubers will pick-up and drop off at Liverpool Powerhouse. Please warn the driver that the entry road is long and they need to head to the very end of Powerhouse Road, past the Casula Parklands. Please note, drop offs directly in front of the centre is not permitted as the side road next to the centre will be temporarily closed for the event.

ACCESS
Accessibility parking spots are available at Liverpool Powerhouse and drop-off and pick-up areas are available please follow the directions of Traffic Controllers.

Visitors with restricted mobility can enjoy all public areas of Liverpool Powerhouse. Guide and Hearing Dogs are welcome.

Email events@liverpool.nsw.gov.au to discuss your requirements with one of the event staff.

CAR
Limited parking spots are available at Liverpool Powerhouse, we recommend using public transport and disembark at Casula Station.

From Parramatta or Campbelltown way (without tolls)

Take the Hume Highway going towards Liverpool. Follow it all the way into Terminus Street, Liverpool and turn right into Pirie Street. Follow the signs to the Liverpool Powerhouse, Shepard Street Entrance.

From the M5/City (with tolls)

Take the M5 to Liverpool. Exit at Moorebank Avenue and drive towards Liverpool turning left at Newbridge Road. Turn left into Speed Street and follow the signs to Liverpool Powerhouse.

Will I be searched upon entry?
For safety reasons, Council staff, event crew and security reserve the right to check your bags upon entry. Please check our ‘prohibited items’ list below to ensure you are aware of what not to bring to the event.

Can we bring our own food?
You sure can, but why would you? There will be plenty of tasty and affordable food options on the day. Food items will be priced to be family friendly.

Are there vegan / vegetarian / gluten free options?
There will be plenty of food options that cater for every dietary requirement. Please look at our website to see the full stallholder list when the lineup has been finalised.

Can we bring our own alcohol?
Bringing your own alcohol is not permitted for this event.

Can I smoke or vape at the event?
Smoking including e-cigarettes and vapes, is not permitted at this event. Please follow all signs and directions of security and staff to designated smoking areas outside of the event site.

Can I bring in Eskies / BBQs / Shade Structures?
For safety reasons, you are unable to bring your own esky / barbeque or shade structure. There will be plenty of seating available.

What items are prohibited?  What items are prohibited?
Items prohibited at the event include:

• Alcohol and illicit substances of any kind;
• Glass bottles, glassware or breakable containers;
• Drones or any other remote-controlled devices;
• Bicycles, scooters, skateboards or skates;
• Animals (excluding service animals) within the Liverpool Powerhouse building;
• Eskies, barbecues or shade structures;
• Weapons of any kind, including any item that can be used as a projectile;
• Knives or scissors;
• Fireworks, sparklers or flares;
• Laser pointers;
• Cameras and recording devices for commercial use (unless prior approve by Council; and
• Other items deemed by security, police or event coordinators as having potential to cause injury or public nuisance.

Can I take photos / film at the event?
Photos can be taken for personal use. We encourage attendees to submit a photo at the event to Council’s Instagram using the hashtag #LoveLiverpool.

Professional photography (including the use of tripods for safety reasons) will not be permitted on the night without prior consent from Liverpool City Council’s Communications team.

Contact Council’s Communication team at communications@liverpool.nsw.gov.au.

Can I bring my pet to the event?
Dogs are allowed on site so long as they are kept on a leash and are well behaved. Pets are prohibited to enter the Liverpool Powerhouse Building. Council will not tolerate any aggressive behaviour or excessive barking, and owners must clean up after their pets. If this is not adhered to, Council staff reserve the right to remove dogs from the event site at any time.

Will vendors accept cash?
We strongly recommend you use a credit or debit card to purchase refreshments. Vendors will have EFTPOS facilities available.

Are there ATMs on site?
There are no ATM’s available at Liverpool Powerhouse.

I am a local resident – how will this affect me?
There will be a road closure in place to mitigate event traffic and event attendee parking, along Powerhouse Road, Casula. Additionally, there may be a volume of patron parking and movements in surrounding streets such as Rushton Place, Casula Road, St Andrews Boulevard, Woodbrook Road, Shepard Street and Casula Station.

What happens if it rains?
The show must go on! If weather conditions become extreme and pose risk to attendees, performers and crew, the event may be cancelled. Notification will be provided via Council’s social media channels.

Media accreditation?
Media are requested to contact Events Team, Liverpool City Council Communications Officer, to receive accreditation to photograph, film or run interviews at the event – events@liverpool.nsw.gov.au.