NAIDOC Week is a nation-wide observance to celebrate and recognise the history and culture of Indigenous peoples.
This year, the theme is ‘Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud.’ Running from 7-14 July, it is all about the enduring strength and importance of Indigenous cultures. It speaks to the celebration of First Nations voices, and their importance in reclaiming the narrative.
We’ve put together a list of NAIDOC Week events to help you learn more about Indigenous history and celebrate the oldest living culture in the world.
Adelaide
Blak Reels – Wednesday 10 July
In the Radford Auditorium at AGSA, you can attend a night of arts and culture championing Indigenous stories.
It all kicks off at 5pm with a soulful performance from Katie Aspel, before guests move inside for a back-to-back screening of award-winning films from some of the country’s best Indigenous filmmakers, followed by a Q&A with local filmmakers about their craft and storytelling purpose.
March and Family Festival – Friday 12 July
Locals and visitors alike are invited to gather at Tarndanyangga (Victoria Square) to join the march to Parliament House in recognition of Indigenous rights.
Once the march has concluded, the NAIDOC Family Festival will begin. Featuring stalls, live music, amusement rides, food trucks and kid-friendly activities, families are encouraged to learn more about First Nations culture and practices. The performance lineup includes a Welcome to Country, and shows by some of the best local Indigenous artists
Darwin
Flame Tree Ceremony – Wednesday 10 July
The Flame Tree Ceremony is a celebration of First Nations culture and connection to the country, where you can witness the official Flame Tree planting in the Palmerston City centre.
The Flame Tree, also known as the Poinciana Tree, blooms in a vibrant red colour symbolic of fire. For Indigenous people, fire is central to many aspects of traditional life including cooking, storytelling and ceremony.
Deckchair Cinema screenings – weeklong
Deckchair Cinema will be screening a selection of the best Indigenous short films and features from Flickerfest 2024. The lineup includes animations, documentaries and dramas centred around First Nations experiences.
Sydney
NAIDOC in the City – Wednesday 10 July
In Sydney’s Town Hall, you will find a free event showcasing Indigenous music, dance, art and products.
All day long, performers from around the city will descend on Town Hall for a stellar musical lineup including headline act Barkaa, an Aboriginal rapper and musician. Don’t forget to check out the wide range of stalls and food trucks on offer too.
Family Fun Day – Thursday 11 July
Hosted by Eora NAIDOC Community Group, the Family Fun Day features an exciting program of dancers, singers and bands. While here, you can also participate in Jarjum activities and fuel up on a delicious BBQ lunch.
Brisbane
Musgrave Park Family Fun Day – Friday 12 July
This family-friendly festival has been showcasing Indigenous culture and heritage for 30 years. It is now one of the biggest events on the NAIDOC calendar, drawing a crowd of more than 20,000 Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants.
This year, you are invited to attend a weaving workshop where you can learn how to weave earrings, bracelets and dilly bags. Plus, there’s plenty of amusement rides, live entertainment, First Nations food stalls, art and craft, cultural education and more.
Brisbane NAIDOC Awards – Saturday 27 July
Enjoy a three-course meal, 5-hours drinks package and entertainment from local performers at this annual event recognising First Nations leaders in Queensland.
Each year, communities are invited to nominate those whose actions have made a difference to the Indigenous community. Categories include youth, education, sport, media, music and more. Get glammed up and head into town to chat to some of the most inspirational people in the country.
Melbourne
NAIDOC LGBTQIA+ Pride Gala – Thursday 11 July
The Koorie LGBTQIA+ community has been organising NAIDOC week events for more than two decades, and they continue to be a staple of Melbourne’s celebrations. Now, these events are known as Pride Night, an acknowledgement of queerness and culture held in a safe space for all.
Attendance at the gala dinner includes a sit down meal, performance, music and art installations all about the existence of LGBTQIA+ Indigenous people, their history and their struggle. The Gala is a fun and inclusive night that brings the whole community together.
Community March – Friday 12 July
Departing from Fitzroy, the community march welcomes all people, organisations and councils to join the walk to Parliament House. From 10 am, the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service will be hosting community members as they make banners for the march, get their faces painted and enjoy live music.
Perth
Central Park Art – Starts Monday 8 July
Perth’s Central Park has teamed up with the Waalitj Foundation to present an art exhibition focusing on healing stories. This free exhibit features 11 First Nations artists from all across Western Australia. Each piece tells a story about First Nations Peoples’ experiences and connection to the land.
The artists strive to show the healing power of art, and the importance of sharing forgotten stories.
NAIDOC Perth Ball – Saturday 13 July
The NAIDOC Ball is the grand closing event for celebrations in Perth. Each year, communities, sponsors and VIPs dress to impress as they mingle with friends, watch incredible Indigenous performances and enjoy a three-course meal.
Tickets include a live DJ, photobooth and front row seat to all the exciting shows across the night. It is a fabulous way to end NAIDOC Week with a bang.
Canberra
Boomerang Workshop – Tuesday 9 July
For those celebrating with kids, the National Arboretum Canberra will be hosting a children’s boomerang workshop across two days, with interactive sessions to teach kids all about boomerangs, their unique flight patterns and how to properly throw them.
Led by an Indigenous educator, they will decorate their own boomerang while learning about the history and importance of these tools to Aboriginal communities.
National Archive film screenings – weeklong
The National Film and Sound Archive of Australia will be hosting film screenings all week long.
The selected films include Maralinga Tjarutja, which follows the Maralinga people who were institutionalised in the 1920s after being kicked out of their ancestral lands. It also includes The Australian Dream, a documentary on the experience of AFL star and Australian of the Year Adam Goodes.
For a more comprehensive guide to NAIDOC Week events in Australia, head to the official website.
To read about the 2024 National Indigenous Arts Fair, click here.
