Papua New Guinea will celebrate 50 years of independence from Australia on 16 September 2025 with a public holiday, but during the year there will be special events commemorating the 50th Anniversary, including diverse cultural festivals. Throughout Australia there will also be many celebrations to observe the anniversary.

Celebrate Our History: Inspire Our Future

Papua New Guinea is planning a variety of celebrations, including not only cultural events and festivals listed below, but also the awarding of the 50th Independence Anniversary King’s Medal.

Among the highlights are the launch of PNG’s NRL team in February, a youth-focused initiative, celebrating 50 years since the introduction of PNG’s own currency, and a series of events leading up to the main celebrations, where up to 30 world leaders, including all Pacific leaders, are expected to attend.

In August, churches will host a national revival and reconciliation program; a ceremony will be held in Bougainville for those affected by the Bougainville crisis, involving police and defence forces.

The PNG Games are slated for Southern Highlands, and the Education Department will also align the school calendar with the year’s events.

JUNE: Madang Festival—Madang, Madang Province

JULY: National Mask Festival—Kokopo, East New Britain

AUGUST: Sepik River Crocodile Festival—Ambunti, East Sepik

    Mt Hagen Show—Mt Hagen, Western Highlands

    Enga Cultural Show—Wabag, Enga Province

SEPTEMBER: Goroka Show—Goroka, Eastern Highlands

    Official Anniversary Celebrations—Port Moresby, NCD

    Frangipani Festival—Rabaul, East New Britain

    Bougainville Chocolate Festival—Buka, Bougainville

    Kutubu Kundu & Digaso Festival—Southern Highlands

OCTOBER: Morobe Show—Lae, Morobe Province

NOVEMBER: Kenu & Kundu Festival—Alotau, Milne Bay