The late Jack Charles has been honoured through the opening of the Yirramboi festival.

The opening night on May 4 was conducted at the Uncle Jack Charles Festival hub and celebrated Blak love, joy and excellence. The hub will be a gathering place for the 300 First Nations creatives who are taking over Naarm (Melbourne) for the next 10 days.

In their fourth year and most accessible festival yet, their 2023 program sees over 70 per cent of new works taking up the program.

The opening weekend will see a citywide 'blak out' with Yirramboi's free headlining events Barring Yanabul and the Uncle Archie Roach Block Party, on Saturday, May 6.

Yirramboi lead creatives Sherene Stewart and J-Maine Beezley said there's something for everyone in the fourth iteration of the festival.

"We're incredibly excited to have opened the festival with such a strong message: First Nations culture is ever evolving and absolutely thriving," they said.

"We invite everyone from all cultures, to celebrate with us. With over 170 shows and performances, there really is something for everyone."

Other events at the festival include Brraing Yanabul, an immersive experience and installation across the city taking place for the first time at night.

The Uncle Archie Roach Block Party will present a live music line-up of Blak excellence with rapper Kobie Dee, triple j host Nooky, RnB singer-songwriter Keely and son of Archie Roach, Amos Roach.

Yirramboi concludes on May 14.