NAIDOC Week is a celebration of the histories, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
It has origins in Aboriginal protest and activism. The event can be traced to the emergence of Aboriginal groups in the 1920s which sought to increase awareness in the wider community of the status and mistreatment of First Nations people.
This year’s theme, '50 Years of Deadly’, is a tribute to the people who built this movement – the Elders who stood firm, the organisers who made space, the artists who turned resistance into expression and the communities who keep showing up, year after year.
Learn more about Aboriginal culture and history at the Sydney Barani website.
We encourage everyone to connect with NAIDOC events across our local area. You'll find them in Glebe, Woolloomooloo and Redfern.
Here are some ways to get involved.
NAIDOC projections at Sydney Town Hall
See Sydney Town Hall transformed by bold artworks from Studio Gilay, celebrating 50 years of NAIDOC. Through abstract animation, symbolism and striking First Nations design, the work highlights key moments in history and reimagines the landmark as a living timeline of culture, resilience and achievement.
Sunday 5 to Sunday 19 July from 6pm
Credits: Produced by Studio Gilay, written and directed by Isaiah Stewart (Kuku Yalanji/Wemba Wemba), produced by James Hackett, designed and composited by Jalamara Towney (Wiradjuri), Paul Carlton and Isaiah Stewart with 3D animation by Jalamara Towney and Paul Carlton.
Eora NAIDOC family fun day
Celebrate community with live music, performances, activities for kids, an Elders space and a free barbecue.
Carriageworks, Eveleigh
Thursday 9 July from 10am to 2pm
Sing with the Barayagal Choir
Experience a special performance by the ensemble, then take part in an interactive workshop to learn a song together.
Ultimo Community Centre
Thursday 9 July from 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Free open day at the National Maritime Museum
Enjoy a day of performances, artmaking, workshops, tours and storytelling celebrating First Nations cultures.
Australian Maritime Museum
Sunday 5 July from 11am to 4pm
Head to the National Indigenous Art Fair
A vibrant program of First Nations art, design, live music, talks, fashion and workshops, with artists from remote art centres across Australia.
The Cutaway, Barangaroo
Friday 3 July, 5:30pm–8:30pm
Saturday 4 July, 10am–5pm
Sunday 5 July, 10am–4pm
The Lucky Country: NAIDOC Week panel and concert
A powerful new performance by Jardwadjali/Wotjobulak composer Mark ‘Munk’ Ross, alongside a panel discussing storytelling, identity and belonging.
Church Street Studios, Camperdown
Friday 10 July, 6:30pm to 8pm
Want more?
Experience the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories that have shaped Australia using the Sydney Culture Walks app.
Find all NAIDOC week events happening around Sydney on the official NAIDOC website.
See more NAIDOC Week events and subscribe to our newsletter to get the best events in Sydney delivered straight to your inbox every week.
Published 29 June 2026, updated 7 July 2026
