First Nations storytelling, culture and cuisine take centre stage at Vivid Sydney 2026 with an exciting line-up of artists and events across the Light, Music, Ideas and Food programs. Here’s a complete list of everything to see and experience.
The celebration of Australian Indigenous talent and the world’s oldest continuing culture will be a highlight of Vivid Sydney when it opens on May 22, 2026 and runs until June 13. From large-scale visual storytelling and immersive ideas programming, to groundbreaking live music and culinary experiences, First Nations perspectives are peppered throughout every aspect of the Vivid program.
First Nations Curatorial Advisor Travis De Vries says the global scale of Vivid Sydney makes it a vital platform for Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander voices, where they can step into the spotlight. De Vries described his role as a “huge honour” and “full circle moment” as his first major project was working at the Sydney Opera House in 2013 with the late Rhoda Roberts, who passed away earlier this year.
“Seeing Mob artists take these opportunities, expand their ideas and share their perspectives in such powerful and creative ways is one of the most exciting parts of the festival,” De Vries said.
“Obviously Vivid is a huge program with so many international visitors and local audiences that get to enjoy Sydney in a way unique to the festival, having First Nations and Torres Strait Islander talent be able to grab onto that opportunity and share their perspectives on the large stage of Vivid is an absolute must.
“The way that these Mob artists rise to the occasion, take the light and shine it in such different and amazing ways is so exciting and important.”
De Vries added that he hoped people going to Vivid got to build a sense of community amongst themselves and the artists.
“It’s something that feels so important and yet so fragile at the moments. I hope they find those moments, make friends with someone they haven’t met before and walk away from the festival with a new experience and new friends.”
Here’s a list of all the First Nations artists and events at Vivid Sydney 2026.
Creative Experiences
Dungeons & Damper: Inside the D20
Created by Wonnarua writer-directors and sisters Maddison and George Coles, Dungeons & Damper is an unmissable fusion of fantasy, storytelling and Indigenous humour. Inspired by tabletop roleplaying culture through a uniquely Aboriginal lens, this immersive, free adventure will drop groups of 10 right in the middle of the Game Master’s world to face the power of a Creation Spirit.
Where: University of Technology, UTS Data Arena, FEIT Building 11, Ultimo
When: May 30-31, 11am-7pm
Price: Free but ticket required
Manawan
An ode to Bardi Jawi Country in Western Australia’s Kimberley Region, Manawan brings the region’s towering, tropical gum trees to Circular Quay with this large-scale public artwork created by Bard man and artist Darrell Sibosado. Manawan is a forest of seven steel poles standing between 3 to 6.5 metres tall, radiating with two vertical lines of light from opposing sides.
Where: Circular Quay, Cnr Alfred St and Loftus
When: May 22 – June 13
Price: Free
Mythical Mashup: The Graphic Worlds of Brian Robinson
A collision of Indigenous culture, mythical sea creatures and pop-culture transforms the Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM), drawing upon the playful world of decorated Torres Strait artist Brian Robinson. For the past 30 years, Robinson has developed his unique style across graphic linocut prints and sculptures, blending with equal parts humour and reverence, a mix of ancient Greek, Roman and Indigenous mythologies with his childhood pop-culture icons of the ’80s.
Mythical Mashup: The Graphic Worlds of Brian Robertson is made up of two major works: Cosmic Chase, an animated adventure projected onto the ANMM rooftop, and Floating Realm, a triptych of LED sculptures atop the Harbour seas and scaling the Museum’s lighthouse.
Where: Australian National Maritime Museum
When: May 22 – June 13, 6pm -11pm
Price: Free
Panel discussions
Sea Gathering: Myth & Modernity
Led by Torres Strait Islander artist Brian Robinson, Sea Gathering: Myth & Modernity the Australian National Maritime Museum becomes a living canvas of light, play and sound as it transforms into a vibrant meeting place for one night during Vivid Sydney. It’s a rare chance to explore the museum after dark and embrace this rich celebration of Indigenous culture via artmaking sessions and live music.
Where: Australian National Maritime Museum
When: June 2, 6pm-8pm
Price: Free but registration required
Vivid Music
Awesome Black Block Party
Awesome Black returns to Carriageworks with the free, all ages Awesome Black Block Party – a massive one-night celebration of Blak music, Culture and community. Headlined by Mob favourites Tasman Keith and Wire MC with special guests, Awesome Black has called up some of best artists on the scene right now. The lineup is stacked with talent, including Akala Newman, Mr Rhodes, Mari, Prodikal-1, Chill Cheney, AP BREEZIN, Source Decay, Desert Empress, Izzy and Lehm – each bringing their own sound, story and fire to the stage.
Where: Carriageworks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh
When: May 31, 4.30pm – late
Price: Free but registration required
Zipporah & Mi-kaisha
Two of Australia’s gifted young singers combine for a night of heavenly vocals, soulful R&B, and jazz-inflected music as Zipporah, a descendant of the Samu and Suy people of Saibai Island, and Mi-kaisha, a proud Darumbal and Tongan woman make their Vivid debut. This is bound to be one of those, “I saw them before they were big” gig .
Where: Sydney Opera House
When: May 30, 7.30pm-8pm
Price: From $29.90
King Stingray
Hailing from Yirrkala in North East Arnhem Land, ARIA Award-winning rockers King Stingray make their long-awaited Sydney Opera House Concert Hall debut for one night only at Vivid LIVE. Blending Indigenous melodies with punk energy, indie sensibility and
surf-rock grooves, the band has been described by Rolling Stone as “one of the most exciting rock bands to emerge from this country in a generation”. I’ve seen them live and I can attest to that!
Where: Sydney Opera House
When: May 22, 8pm-9.30pm
Price: From $49.90
PA777IENCE & Miles Nautu
Born on Dharug Land and now based on Gadigal Country, PA777IENCE delivers rich, genre-defying R&B and neosoul soundscapes. Sharing the stage is Miles Nautu, a Melbourne based Aboriginal and Fijian rapper and producer whose jazz-infused hip-hop has captivated audiences nationwide.
Where: Sydney Opera House, The Utzon Room
When: May 22, 7.30pm – 8.30pm
Price: From $24.90
Gut Health + Mulga Bore Hard Rock
Feverish Melbourne post-punk and Eastern Anmatyerre glam-rock collides in an electric night of defiant rock riffs. Mulga Bore Hard Rock is a sextet of siblings and cousins from the remote Northern Territory community of Akaye who recently supported KISS on their farewell tour. They are joined by the electrifying Gut Health, led by the frenzied presence of frontwoman Athina Uh Oh.
Where: Tumbalong Park
When: May 28, 6pm – 10pm
Price: Free
Tjaka
Brisbane-based trio Tjaka deliver explosive live shows that fuse reggae, funk, hiphop and Indigenous sounds. Brothers Geoff and Jake Fabila (descendants of the Jabirr Jabirr people of the Kimberley) and bandmate Felix Fogarty utilise innovative instruments inspired by the didgeridoo, including the Didjeribone and FaceBass.
Where: Tumbalong Park, 11 Harbour St, Sydney
When: June 6, 6pm-10pm
Price: Free
Keanu Nelson
A Luritja singersongwriter from Papunya, Keanu Nelson presents his distinctive “dubgospel” sound, singing in both Papunya Luritja and English across his acclaimed debut album Wilurarrakutu. He will be joining The Congos at Tumbalong Nights for a free concert.
Where: Tumbalong Park, 11 Harbour St, Sydney
When: June 7, 6pm -10pm
Price: Free
Jem Cassar-Daley
Jem Cassar-Daley returns to the Sydney Opera House after her captivating forecourt performance in 2025 with Dan Sultan. A proud Gumbaynggirr/Bundjalung woman and the daughter of country music legend Troy Cassar-Daley, this rising star has established a reputation for her magnetic stage presence, soulful vocals and heartfelt storytelling since emerging onto the scene in 2021.
Where: Sydney Opera House, The Utzon Room
When: May 29
Price: 7.30pm – 8.30pm
Drifting Clouds
Dubbed “the most chill band in Arnhem Land”, with the name to matc, Drifting Clouds is the unique musical project of Yolŋu singer, songwriter and keyboardist Terry Guyula, boasting an ethereal sound that combines synth pop and ’80s rock with ancient Songlines sung in his first language, Liyawulma’mirr-Djambarrpuyngu. This is their Sydney Opera House debut.
Where: Sydney Opera House – The Utzon Room
When: May 28,
Price: Not confirmed
Beddy Rays
Jackson “Jacko” Van Issum (lead vocals & guitarist) is a Woppaburra man, of four-piece Brisbane band Beddy Rays. Boosted by an ARIA nomination for Best Breakthrough Act and a series of energetic live performances, the boys returned with last year’s Do What Ya Wanna, featuring the bangers “Stay the Same” and “Hold On”, and turned in a killer Like A Version performance of Cold Chisel’s classic, “Khe San”. With their powerhouse rock energy and outgoing stage presence, Beddy Rays are already among the country’s favourite live acts.
Where: Sydney Opera House, The Utzon Room
When: May 23, 7.30pm – 8.30pm
Price: From $49.90
Vivid Food
An Evening at Parliament House
Arrive to canapés and sparkling rosé, as you explore our First Nations art exhibition by Archibald-winning artist Blak Douglas on the Parliament’s Reconciliation Wall. This three-course dinner, paired with wines from Hunter Valley vineyard Tyrrell’s, celebrates NSW’s finest regional produce, including ingredients harvested from Parliament House’s rooftop garden, curated by Executive Chef Vanessa Harcourt. You’ll also learn more about native ingredients, via a fascinating talk from Clarence Slockee, who will highlight how native ingredients are used in contemporary and traditional Indigenous cuisine.
Where: NSW Parliament House, 6 Macquarie St, Sydney
When: May 28, 6pm – 9pm
Price: From $195
Saltbush & Starlight
Experience the Sydney Opera House in a completely new light, via an exclusive guided tour followed by a show-stopping three-course dinner from First Nations chef Mark Olive in one of the House’s gorgeous hidden spaces. As a leading Indigenous chef, Mark Olive (aka The Black Olive) will celebrate native ingredients and culture across his three-course menu, paired with NSW wines, craft beers or non alcoholic options.
Where: Sydney Opera House
When: May 22 – June 13, 4.15pm – 8pm
Price: From $290
Warakirri Dining Experience
Step into the world of Warakirri, meaning to grow, for an unforgettable degustation that celebrates the richness of Aboriginal culture, cuisine, and storytelling. Weilwan chef Sharon Winsor will create an intimate multi-course dining experience celebrating native Australian ingredients. The bad news is this is already sold out so good luck finding a ticket.
Where: Carriageworks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh
When: May 31, 5pm -9pm
Price: Sold out
Culture in Motion: Mindy Woods & Danielle Alvarez
Highlighting Byron Bay in a multi-sensory feast as part of the Regional Dinner Series, Bundjalung woman and culinary powerhouse Mindy Woods (Karkalla) pairs with Danielle Alvarez, the Sydney Opera House’s culinary director of events and a paddock-to-plate expert. Cuisine, art and performance collide in this special event, where Indigenous ingredients and NSW artisan producers are paired with curated wines, immersive Indigenous art, and live music blending Indigenous sound, jazz, blues and strings.
Where: Sydney Opera House, Yallumundi Rooms
When: May 22-23, 6.30pm – 9.30pm
Price: From $275.00
Vivid Fire Kitchen
Gwainga – First Nations Culinary Showcase every Wednesday
Named after the Dharug word for fire, this weekly First Nations series is presented in partnership with the National Indigenous Culinary Institute.
Kup Murri at the Vivid Fire Pit
Kup Murri a traditional earthen oven, used for special occasions by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for tens of thousands of years is brought above ground for live demonstrations led by Chefs Mindy Woods (Karkalla), Luke Bourke and Jack Brown.
On Country: Growing, Gathering, Cooking at the Vivid Food For Thought Stage
Hosted by Nathan Lovett, the Food For Thought Stage is free to attend and features conversations with leading Indigenous voices, including Peter Cooley (Indigirow), Anthony Freeman (Bush to Bowl), Jayde Harris (20 Chapel, NICI Alumna), Arabella Douglas (Currie Country) and Corey Gretch (Native Botanicals).
For the full program, all tickets and more information head to vividsydney.com.
