NAIDOC Week returns in 2026 from July 5-12 under the theme 50 Years of Deadly, celebrating five decades of recognising and honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, achievements and leadership.
Listed are some of the top events happening across Sydney during NAIDOC Week. Event times and locations may be subject to change.
What: NAIDOC Week Special High Tea Experience at Strangers' Restaurant featuring native ingredients and Indigenous-inspired cuisine.
When: Wednesday 8 July.
Where: Strangers' Restaurant, 6 Macquarie St, Sydney.
What: Eora NAIDOC Inner City Family Fun Day at Carriageworks. Featuring live music, performances, an Elders space, youth activities and a free barbecue. The event is one of Sydney's biggest community NAIDOC celebrations.
When: Thursday 9 July.
Where: Carriageworks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh.
What: Live at the MCA: More than 50 Years of Deadly at Museum of Contemporary Art Australia celebrating First Nations artists, poets and creatives.
When: Thursday 9 July.
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art, 140 George St, The Rocks.
What: Aboriginal Cultural Talk at Pyrmont Community Centre with Gadigal Elder and cultural educator Uncle Jimmy Smith.
When: Thursday 9 July.
Where: Pyrmont Community Centre, Corner of John &, Mount St, Pyrmont.
What: The Lucky Country: NAIDOC Week Panel & Concert at Church Street Studios featuring music and discussion around First Nations voices and culture.
When: Friday 10 July.
Where: Church Street Studios, 62-68 Church St, Camperdown.
What Cultural Walk and Planting Activity at Sydney City Farm exploring Aboriginal connections to Country.
When: Saturday 11 July.
Where: Sydney City Farm, 52 Barwon Park Rd, St Peters.
What: 50 Years of Deadly Celebration at Petersham Bowling Club with markets, live music, Aboriginal art, food stalls and community activities.
When: Sunday 12 July.
Where: Petersham Bowling Club, 77 Brighton St, Petersham.
What: Indigenous Literacy Foundation, book pop-up store.
When: Monday 7 July.
Where: 207 Kent Street.
What: NAIDOC Week Badge Making Workshop. The Rocks Discovery Museum will host free Badge Making Workshops, offering families the opportunity to engage with First Nations culture through a creative, hands-on activity. Children aged 5-12 can make Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flag badges while learning about the history, meaning and cultural significance of each flag.
When: The drop-in workshops will run from 11am to 1pm, Monday 6 to Friday 10 July and Monday 13 to Friday 17 July.
Where: The Rocks Discovery Museum, 2/8 Kendall Ln, The Rocks.
