NAIDOC week is a celebration of the histories, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
It has its origins in Aboriginal protest and activism. It 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 treatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
The 2023 theme, ‘For our elders’, pays homage to Elders who have played, and continue to play, an important role for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and families.
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.
Visit NAIDOC in the City
The City of Sydney’s annual event celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures will take place from 10am to 3pm on Saturday 8 July in Hyde Park north.
Come along to experience Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance, song, food and more in the heart of Sydney. NAIDOC in the City is a free, family-friendly day out. Enjoy performances by Aboriginal musicians, dancers and storytellers.
Plus, there’ll be games, activities and market stalls. We’re proud to work alongside leading Aboriginal arts and media organisation, Gadigal Information Service, on the program of events.'
Hyde Park north
Saturday 8 July, 11am to 3pm
Get along to NAIDOC Up Late
Join a soulful evening of urban beats, eats and a street basketball competition at The Cutaway, Barangaroo.
This free festival is headlined by ARIA nominated hip hop emcee BARKAA with performances by Tasman Keith, Nooky, B Wise, A.GIRL, Mau Power, WIZZ, AIM 4 More, Munkimuk and Australia’s leading R&B DJ Nino Brown.
Saturday 1 July, from 1pm to 10pm.
Learn about local bush foods
Join Sydney City Farm's bush food planting day. Learn about bush foods suitable for growing in the local area, their uses and plant up a pot to take home. Includes a guided walk with Koori Kinnections.
Sydney City Farm, St Peters
Sunday 2 July at 12pm, 1pm or 2pm.
Visit the National Indigenous Art Fair
The showcase of contemporary First Nations artists, designers and makers returns. This year there’s also a 2-day festival program running alongside the event. Enjoy bush tucker cooking demonstrations, weaving and cultural workshops, live music, children’s activities and Aboriginal dance performances.
Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay
Saturday 2 July and Sunday 3 July, 10am to 5pm.
Scale the Harbour Bridge with Burrawa Climb
Celebrate Sydney's rich Indigenous history with an unrivalled view. Climb the Harbour Bridge with a First Nations Storyteller as your guide. See Sydney from the oldest perspective with plenty of facts and stories about the Aboriginal culture, languages and history of Sydney
BridgeClimb Sydney, The Rocks
Saturday 2 July - Sunday 9 July, 9am to 4pm.
Want more?
- Join a traditional weaving workshop in Glebe. Learn about the culture behind it and make your own dilly bag using natural fibres.
- Learn about local Aboriginal culture and caring for Country through endangered native plants and bush foods with the CEO of IndigiGrow.
- Explore the city’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and discover the stories that have changed the nation using the Sydney Culture Walks app.
- Find all NAIDOC week events happening around Sydney on the official NAIDOC website.
Published 23 June 2023, updated 10 July 2023
