Quandamooka Festival returns to Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) this weekend, bringing two days of music, dance, art and cultural experiences to QUAMPI Arts & Cultural Centre and locations across the island.
The free festival across September 12-13 will centre on the theme Sea Country, celebrating Quandamooka culture and connection to Country.
Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation chair Cameron Costello welcomed visitors to share in the gathering.
"Quandamooka Festival is a gathering on Country—an opportunity to celebrate the strength and creativity of our people while welcoming visitors to listen, learn and experience Minjerribah with us," Mr Costello said.
Dan Sultan will headline Saturday's Deadly Choices main-stage program at the waterfront cultural centre at Gumpi (Dunwich).
Three Fires, featuring Radical Son, Jungaji and Candice Lorrae, will perform alongside Quandamooka artists Kaylah Truth and Adam James.
The music program also includes Adam James & the Dreamtime Swing, Maibre and Solwata Songs with Georgia Corowa and Luke Captain.
Traditional and contemporary dance performances will feature Yulu Burri Ba, Gubbi Gubbi, Kutaw Zoeru Torres Strait Island dancers and Nalingurrie contemporary dance.
Across QUAMPI, visitors can take part in weaving and other workshops, explore markets and exhibitions, and enjoy children's activities, food and the centre's café and gift shop.
Saturday will also mark the opening of 'Nyunngeh Djarajem (Threads from Country)', a new QUAMPI Gallery exhibition running until mid-October.
The exhibition brings together works by leading and emerging Quandamooka artists, pieces from the centre's art collection and loans from private collectors and galleries.
Contributing galleries include Onespace Gallery and Milani Gallery in Brisbane, and N. Smith Gallery in Sydney.
Through ancient narratives and contemporary expressions, the exhibition explores identity, cultural heritage and relationships with the environments and histories of the Redlands Coast region.
Sunday's program will focus on workshops, QUAMPI Conversations and island experiences, offering opportunities to hear from First Nations artists, cultural practitioners and community leaders.
The conversations will bring together visual artists, musicians, dancers, architects, activists and Custodians for discussions spanning dance, music, design, conservation and cultural practice.
Guest speakers and participants include Tipruthanna Ruth Langford, Djakapurra Munyarryun and Blakdance, with sessions also exploring Caring for Country.
Visitors can join guided tours of two new exhibitions at QUAMPI, while markets, workshops, children's activities and food will continue throughout Sunday.
Beyond the festival hub, bookable and self-guided experiences include whale watching, island and cultural tours, walks and conservation activities.
An afternoon koala tree planting activity at Ganaba is among Sunday's experiences, with bookings potentially required and capacity limited for some events.
The University of Queensland Research Station will be present throughout the weekend, with touch tanks and information about the bay.
Other forums, talks and performances will explore film, Indigenous design and architecture, threatened species, Olympic legacy and First Nations business.
QUAMPI is a gathering place for the Noonuccal, Ngugi and Goenpul clans of the Quandamooka People.
The centre at 14-16 Ballow Road is a short walk from the SeaLink ferry terminal, with local bus access from both passenger ferry terminals.
The family-friendly event will provide accessible ramps, an Elders' space and volunteer support.
Free registration is available through Oztix with the full program, session times and experience booking information on the Quandamooka Festival website.
