Sydney will celebrate the start of NAIDOC Week this Sunday, July 5, with events taking place across the city in honour of this year’s theme, “50 Years of Deadly”.
We’ve created a comprehensive guide to help you plan your week, including details on the most popular NAIDOC Week events and some exciting newcomers and performance debuts. From fireworks to art fairs, there are plenty of chances to learn, connect and have a great time. We’ve also rounded up our favourite Indigenous cultural tours in Sydney that are available year-round, not just during NAIDOC week.
What is NAIDOC week?
NAIDOC (which stands for National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee) is a celebration of First Nations history, culture and achievement. It’s a time for all Australians to come together, appreciate and learn about First Nations peoples’ heritage. The week-long, annual celebrations start on the first Sunday of July, and every year there is a new theme, chosen by the national organising committee.
This year, NAIDOC week commences on Sunday, July 5, until Sunday, July 12, and the theme is “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy”. It will offer a powerful reflection on the 50-year journey since the first event, honouring the past while looking boldly into the future.
The history of NAIDOC Week
Before the 1920s, Aboriginal rights groups boycotted Australia Day (January 26), but as public indifference persisted, protest strategies shifted. A pivotal moment came on Australia Day in 1938, when protestors gathered at Australia Hall in Sydney for the Day of Mourning, an appeal for equal rights, education, and full citizenship for First Nations people.
This event sparked a legacy of activism that continued through the 20th century. From 1940 to 1955, the Day of Mourning became Aboriginal Day and was held annually before Australia Day. In 1955, the date was moved to the first Sunday in July to also celebrate Aboriginal culture. The National Aboriginal Day Observance Committee (NADOC) was soon formed, and by 1974, the committee was composed entirely of Aboriginal members. In 1975, it was decided that the celebration should span a full week.
In 1991, NADOC became NAIDOC, formally recognising the distinct cultural identities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and now, in 2026, we celebrate 50 years of NAIDOC Week, a vibrant and growing recognition of Indigenous culture, art, food, talent, and enterprise.
NAIDOC Week Sydney events
National Indigenous Art Fair
This year marks the seventh anniversary of the National Indigenous Art Fair, and for the first time, it will be presented at Barangaroo’s brand new cultural hub, the Cutaway. The 2026 edition of the fair will be its most expansive to date, presenting works by more than 100 artists from over 30 Indigenous Art Centres, alongside large-scale installations, live music, dance, talks, and fashion.
Shaped by a team of First Nations curators, the Fair offers an opportunity to view and purchase works from some of Australia’s most remote art centres, with 100% of profits going directly to the art centres and their communities.
This year, guests can secure tickets to a special opening night event, offering exclusive early access to the artworks alongside a program of performances from talented First Nations singers, dancers and fashionistas.
Where: The Cutaway, 1 Merriman St, Barangaroo NSW 2000.
When: July 3-5.
Price: Adult admission starts at $15.
Free Aboriginal Cultural Tours in Barangaroo
During NAIDOC Week, you can join free guided tours of Barangaroo Reserve to discover the rich Aboriginal history of Sydney Harbour and the enduring cultural significance of the land. Along the way, you’ll wander through some of the reserve’s 75,000 native Australian trees and shrubs, learn about the Gadigal people and the wider Eora Nation, and even handle traditional Aboriginal tools and weapons as guides share stories of the Country that existed long before Sydney was established.
Where: Meet at Munn Street, Barangaroo Reserve.
When: July 6-11 at 10:30am and 1pm.
Price: Free.
Live at the MCA: More than 50 years of Deadly
The Museum of Contemporary Art is honouring NAIDOC Week on Thursday, July 9, inviting audiences to reflect and connect across two levels of the gallery. Stories of place, culture and Country will be shared by poets including Nathan mudyi Sentance, Nicole Smede, Melanie Mununggurr and Lorna Munro, while sound Yuin-Walbunja sound artist Hayden Ryan mixes soundscapes inspired by the nature and music of Country.
There’ll be a performance by the Jannawi Dance Clan at 5:15pm, a Welcome to Country with Uncle Ray Davison at 5:30pm and a poetry workshop with Lucy Norton at 6pm-8pm. Two-for-one tickets are available for the evening, which includes access to the full program as well as all current exhibitions, including Tony’s Albert’s incredible Not a Souvenir.
Where: 140 George St, The Rocks NSW 2000.
When: Thursday, July 9, 5pm-9pm.
Price: $35 for one ticket, two for $35.
Fireworks at Darling Harbour
NAIDOC Week celebrations begin in Darling Harbour with a spectacular fireworks display over Cockle Bay on Saturday, July 5. The evening will start with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony at 8pm, followed by cultural performances from the Jannawi Dance Clan at Cockle Bay Green. At 8:30pm, the sky will come alive with a dazzling fireworks display choreographed to a special NAIDOC Week soundtrack.
Where: Cockle Bay, Darling Harbour.
When: Saturday, July 4, at 8:30pm.
Price: Free.
Free Open Day at Australian National Maritime Museum
Head to the Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM) on Sunday, July 5, for their free open day, which includes access to all museum galleries, the Kids on Deck maker space, vessels, and the LEGO Bricktropolis-Viking Village. They’re hosting a packed program of performances, artmaking, tours, workshops and more, all kicking off with an 11am Smoking Ceremony.
Highlights of the day include free live performances from Baakanji Kunya musician Ross Knight, Native Animals Magnet making by Haus of Dizzy and the Koori Kulcha pop-up kiosk, where Aunty Marie and the Koori Kulcha street warriors will serve up a delicious range of native ingredients.
Online tickets have sold out for this event, but there will be some available to buy on the door.
Where: 2 Murray St, Darling Hbr, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: July 5, 11am-4pm.
Price: Free.
EORA NAIDOC Inner City Family Fun Day
Organised by the Eora NAIDOC Community Group and hosted at Carriageworks’ Blacksmith’s Workshop, this free family fun day will feature live music, traditional and contemporary Aboriginal performances, activities for children and a free community barbecue.
Where: Carriageworks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh NSW 2015.
When: July 9, 10am-2pm.
Price: Free.
Burramatta NAIDOC
Parramatta Park will host a huge, free outdoor festival this NAIDOC Week, with an incredible concert lineup celebrating the traditions and contemporary culture of Parramatta’s local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
The lineup features an impressive showcase of First Nations talent, including performances by the Jannawi Dance Clan, acclaimed all-Indigenous group Stiff Gins, Wiradjuri/Gadigal artist Akala Newman, ARIA Award-winning musician DOBBY and multidisciplinary duo Cooee.
Cultural workshops, including beading, art, dance and weaving, will take place throughout the day, while market stalls will pop up to serve everything from one-of-a-kind artworks, stunning jewellery and an array of First Nations food vendors.
Where: The Crescent, Parramatta Park, Parramatta.
When: July 11, 11am-3pm.
Price: Free to attend.
Burrawa Aboriginal Climb Experience
BridgeClimb is one of Sydney’s most iconic tourist attractions, but did you know you can experience it through a unique cultural lens? Join a First Nations Storyteller to uncover Aboriginal history and landmarks as you make your way to the summit. The Burrawa (meaning ‘above’ or ‘upwards’) Climb adds another layer to your experience, as you’re invited to view Sydney from an Aboriginal perspective.
This NAIDOC week, BridgeClimb are offering increased availability of Burrawa Climbs, as well as free limited-edition water bottles, designed by local Indigenous artist Taleena Simon. They will also be donating $100 from every adult ticket to the charity partner, Tribal Warrior, to help support Indigenous programs and communities. On Friday, July 10, Climbers can also enjoy a pop-up native food tasting experience by Indigiearth.
Where: BridgeClimb, 3 Cumberland St, The Rocks NSW 2000.
When: Increased availability of Burrawa Climbs during NAIDOC week.
Price: Adult tickets start at $338.
