Mt. Hagen Cultural Show was first staged in 1964 by many different tribes from Western Highlands Province. The show was for the purpose of sharing the cultural experience with each other, calming the ever-present tribal animosities and enmities by bringing all tribes together in a one cultural event to expose the positive side of life, and to celebrate the diversity of cultures among the natives.

In 1964, Papua New Guinea was still under its colonial power, Australia. Between 1964 and 2002, there has been some huge paradigm shifts, which has meant that the focus of the show has also shifted. The Mt. Hagen Cultural Show now focuses on tourist entertainment and is designed to attract international and domestic travellers. There is also now prize money on offer for the winning cultural group, which makes the competition aggressive, colourful and exciting.

Over 50 different cultural groups perform their different dances (or "singsings") for the tourists. Local musicians and other modern entertainment events and attractions also occur during the show.