Every year, the first week of July is painted in celebration, historical recognition and the rich culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
NAIDOC Week 2026 is especially momentous, as it marks 50 years of celebrating First Nations culture, strength and community. 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.
Across NSW, communities will come together for a deadly week of events featuring incredible First Nations musicians, artists, storytellers and cultural leaders. Check out just some of the fantastic NAIDOC Week events happening across the state below, or explore the official NAIDOC calendar for more.
TUESDAY 7 JULY
Warrawong NAIDOC Family Fun Day
TIME: From 10AM
WHERE: Darcy Wentworth Park, Warrawong
Free, family fun day with games, prizes, food, music, animals and much more, in celebration of 50 years of Deadly.
TIME: From 10AM
WHERE: Kyeamba Smith Hall, Wagga Wagga
Free live music, cultural demonstration, interactive activities, community connection and family-friendly fun.
Galambila NAIDOC Family Fun Day 2026
TIME: From 9:30am
WHERE: Norm Jordan Pavilion, Coffs Harbour Show Grounds
Onsite activities including Welcome to Country, smoking ceremony, didgeridoo, dance and song, lunch and more.
WEDNESDAY 8 JULY
TIME: From 10AM
WHERE: Dening Park, Byron Bay
Join the Bundjalung of Byron Bay (Arakwal people) and Byron Shire Council to celebrate NAIDOC Week in Byron Bay on Wednesday 8 July at a free community family day from 10am to 2pm. The event will kick off with a march from Railway Park to Dening Park at 10am, and festivities will continue at Dening Park. Here there will be a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony, cultural dances, stalls, an elders' tent, and more. Stay for a free BBQ lunch.
TIME: 9:10pm
WHERE: ABC TV and ABC iView
That Blackfella Show returns this NAIDOC week, hosted by Jessica Mauboy and Ian Zaro. Expect performances by Baker Boy, Dyagula, and Drifting Clouds, and the acting debut of the one and only, BARKAA.
THURSDAY 9 JULY
Inner City EORA NAIDOC Family Fun Day
TIME: From 10AM
WHERE: Carriageworks, Eveleigh
Organised by the Eora NAIDOC Community Group, this free event will feature performances of Aboriginal dancing & music with an Elders space, Jarjum activities, BBQ lunch and more.
FRIDAY 10 JULY
Ngulla NAIDOC Festival (Ulladulla)
TIME: 10am - 2pm
WHERE: Ulladulla Civic Centre, Ulladulla
Free, all-ages celebration of 50 years of deadly, bringing community together on Murramarang Yuin Country. Live music, food and exhibits.
THE LUCKY COUNTRY: NAIDOC WEEK PANEL & CONCERT
6:30pm to 8pm at Church Street Studios, Camperdown
GA tickets from $20 (free entry for mob)
Ensemble Offspring presents a powerful new work for quintet and narrator, by First Nations Composer in Residence Mark Munk Ross. This world premiere performance traces an arc from tens of thousands of years of First Nations custodianship through the ruptures of colonisation, the resilience of migrant communities, and the rise of hip hop as a voice for marginalised youth.
Presented alongside a panel discussion on “The Lucky Country?”, which invites reflection, dialogue, and a reckoning with the narratives that shape so called Australia.
SATURDAY 11 JULY
From 11am
Parramatta Park, Parramatta
Head to Western Sydney for a free outdoor festival in Parramatta Park. This is an opportunity to celebrate the traditions and contemporary culture of Parramatta’s local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. Catch Stiff Gins, Akala Newman, Cooee and more on the 50 Years of Deadly Stage, explore the colourful market stalls selling art, fashion, jewellery and more & enjoy family activities and cultural workshops.
SUNDAY 11 JULY
TIME: 7pm
WHERE: Carriageworks, Eveleigh
From $34
Beyond the Tracks shares the extraordinary autobiographical journey of renowned dancer, choreographer and educationist Michael Leslie, who founded Aboriginal performing arts institutions across Australia and helped shape landmark works including Bran Nue Dae. Leslie steps onto the stage to embody his own story, tracing a life forged at the intersection of history, culture and performance.
TIME: From 9am
WHERE: Rouse Hill Estate, Rouse Hill
A family-friendly celebration featuring Aboriginal musicians, dance, cultural demonstrations, workshops and community activities.
Be sure to check out our First Nations Sounds playlist to soundtrack your NAIDOC week, featuring new releases from artists that have shaped the sound of this country. Curated by First Nations Project Coordinator, Thalia Skopellos.
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