From rock ‘n’ roll theatre to traditional weaving: 20+ NAIDOC Week Events you won’t want to miss
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This year, NAIDOC Week marks an important milestone – 50 years of honouring and elevating Indigenous voices, cultures and resilience in the community.
So, it makes sense that the theme for 2025 is The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy.
Taking place from Sunday 6 until Sunday 13 July, NAIDOC Week 2025 not only celebrates the achievements of the past but looks ahead to a bright future – one that’s empowered by the strength of young First Nations leaders, the vision of their communities, and the legacy of their ancestors.
Beginning 50 years ago as a movement for recognition and rights – sparked by Indigenous communities who saw a future built on justice and equality – here’s how you can join in on NAIDOC Week celebrations in Canberra.
Special Events and Festivals
Elegance in Heritage: First Nations Jewellery Exhibition
Join emerging Artist Thomas Coen Bonson, one of Australia’s few First Nations Jewellers, at his inaugural solo jewellery exhibition during NAIDOC Week 2025. This collection bridges high jewellery with cultural storytelling, featuring unique pieces rich in heritage symbolism and artistry. The exhibition showcases the intersection of traditional cultural elements with contemporary jewellery design, celebrating the continuation of First Nations artistic traditions in new forms.
Sunday 6 until Sunday 13 July, 12 pm – 5 pm | ANCA Gallery, Dickson | thomascoenjewellery.com.au
A Good Kind of Trouble with Brooke Blurton and Melanie Saward
Join Brooke Blurton and Dr Melanie Saward as they yarn about their new young adult novel, A Good Kind of Trouble, and what it means to write Indigenous-led stories for today’s young people. This event during NAIDOC Week celebrates the theme of The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, highlighting achievements of the past and the bright future ahead empowered by young leaders, community vision and ancestral legacy.
Tuesday 8 July, 6 pm – 7 pm | National Library of Australia, Parkes Place West, Parkes | library.gov.au
NAIDOC at Tuggeranong Library
Celebrate 50 years of NAIDOC and 65,000+ years of storytelling and resilience at the Tuggeranong Library as they unveil the artwork created by the community during National Reconciliation Week! There will also be a special Story Time and a craft activity for the jarjums (the little ones) by the Making Peas/ce Foundation, a performance by Bama Dreaming and some yummy food by a First Nation business. Take the whole family along. The event is free to attend, but registrations are encouraged to ensure there is enough seating and refreshments.
Wednesday 9 July, 11 am – 1.30 pm | 175/245 Cowlishaw Street, Greenway | librarycatalogue.act.gov.au
Big Name, No Blankets
This is a rock ‘n’ roll theatre extravaganza celebrating the phenomenal journey and impact of Sammy Tjapanangka Butcher, one of the founding members of Australian music icons Warumpi Band. This epic theatre show features Warumpi hits, showcasing Luritja and Gumatj (Yolngu Matha) languages and culture. Named after Warumpi Band’s debut album, the show celebrates the band that made history as the first rock ‘n’ roll band to sing in Aboriginal languages, creating Blak anthems including Jailanguru Pakarnu, My Island Home and Blackfella/Whitefella.
Thursday 10 July, 7.30 pm – 9.05 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, Canberra | canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Spotlight Conversations: Keeping Country Strong
Join this special NAIDOC week event featuring a screening of Keeping Country Strong, a new documentary highlighting the critical work of Indigenous Rangers in Indigenous Protected Areas (IPA) across Australia. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion with Traditional Owners with experience in IPA creation and management. Learn how IPAs are transforming Indigenous communities and contributing to the global fight against environmental degradation, species loss and climate change. This documentary, which premiered in 2024 at Beyond Borders international film festival in Greece, will have its first public screening in Australia.
Thursday 10 July, 6 pm – 7.30 pm | National Museum of Australia | nma.gov.auv
NAIDOC Week at Westfield
Celebrate NAIDOC Week across two Westfield locations with engaging cultural experiences. At Westfield Woden, immerse yourself in a creative sand art workshop inspired by native Australian elements, running daily from Thursday 10 July to Sunday 13 July, 11 am-2 pm. This hands-on experience is exclusive to Westfield Members.
Meanwhile, Westfield Belconnen hosts a captivating cultural performance with Wiradjuri Echoes on Saturday 12 July. Experience traditional dance, music, and storytelling celebrating the rich heritage of the Wiradjuri people in this special 30-minute performance located on Level 1 near David Jones.
Thursday 10 – Sunday 13 July, 11 am-2 pm (Woden) | Saturday 12 July, 11:30 am-12 pm (Belconnen) | Westfield Woden & Belconnen | westfield.com.au/woden
NAIDOC in the North – Celebrating 10 Years
Join Belco Arts for the 10th anniversary of NAIDOC in the North and celebrate First Nations culture! This free, family-friendly event welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds to learn from the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community through workshops, performances, activities and entertainment. To celebrate 10 years of community coming together, there will be more performances, workshops, kids activities, exhibitions, artist stalls and community organisations than ever. Take the family and be part of this celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culture through story, song, art, dance and ceremony.
Saturday 12 July, 11 am – 2 pm | Belco Arts, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
Stage and Screen
SPEAR + Q&A with Stephen Page AO
Join director Stephen Page AO for a screening of his first feature film SPEAR, followed by a Q&A exploring themes of dislocation and identity. The film follows Djali, a young First Nations man on a confronting journey, shadowed by Suicide Man. Celebrated choreographer Stephen Page’s film is a story told through dance, adapted from work by Bangarra Dance Theatre, beautifully scored by David Page, and stunningly shot by Bonnie Elliott.
Saturday 12 July, 1 pm – 3pm | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, McCoy Circuit, Acton | tickets.nfsa.gov.au
Top End Wedding – Dementia Friendly Screening
Head along to this NAIDOC Week screening of the warm and light-hearted comedy celebrating the joyful chaos of family and community strength. The film follows Lauren, a successful Sydney lawyer, and her fiancé Ned as they search for her missing mother just one day before their wedding. Written by Larrakia and Tiwi actress Miranda Tapsell, this beloved film earned AACTA Award nominations and features thoughtfully designed dementia-friendly screening conditions. Carers receive free tickets, and all attendees enjoy complimentary Bulla ice cream!
Saturday 12 July, 10.15am to 1.15pm | Arc Cinema, National Film and Sound Archive, McCoy Circuit, Acton | tickets.nfsa.gov.au
Exhibitions
Exhibition: 10 years of NAIDOC in the North
Belco Arts is celebrating NAIDOC week by marking 10 years of NAIDOC in the North! Take a walk back through special moments captured over a decade of celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture through story, song, art, dance and ceremony. The exhibition showcases performances, workshops and activities by Canberra’s finest First Nations artists and cultural leaders, documenting the growth of artists and the joy of thousands of families experiencing the oldest continuing culture on earth.
Friday 11 July, 10 am – 4 pm | The Window Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
Djinindira (Ginninderra) by Bradley Mapiva
Djinindira means “sparkling ray of light” in the Ngunnawal language and is the true name of Ginninderra. This work by Ngunnawal artist and Traditional Owner Bradley Mapiva reflects the moment when Bagariin (the sun) touches Nadjung (the water), creating light that dances across the surface. Patterns and forms echo riverlines, pathways, and shimmering reflections, capturing the spirit of a place still rich with presence and carrying the strength of story, language and place. Go along to see it for yourself.
Friday 11 July, 10 am – 4 pm | West Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
Footsteps Through Country by Wilay Designs ‘Honouring Our Old People, Country and Personal Journeys.’
This exhibition celebrates connection, growth and strength found in culture, community and Country. Each artwork by Ngunnawal Artists Jazz and Kristal Matthews shares personal and collective journeys shaped by Country, guided by Australia’s Old People and inspired by lived experiences. Through layers of colour, symbolism and story, it reflects passion and purpose to share culture and build positive connections, honouring people, plants, animals and places.
Friday 11 July, 10 am – 4 pm | Pivot Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
Home by Dominika Cady, Shawnah Cady, Hannah Langford & Eva-Lee Williams
Presented by Yurauna CIT Cultural Arts Students, “Home” explores the varied and deeply personal meanings of the word through the eyes of four aspiring student artists. Each work reflects individual interpretation, ranging from physical spaces, kinship, childhood memories and identities. This exhibition showcases the diverse perspectives of emerging artists as they explore what home means to them through their creative practice.
Friday 11 July, 10 am – 4 pm | Generator Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
Kulata Tjuta: Tirkilpa
Don’t miss seeing the largest and most significant installation of the culturally important Kulata Tjuta (Many Spears) Project. This ongoing cultural maintenance project shares the skills of carving and making the punu kulata (wooden spear) across generations, involving over 100 Aṉangu men across the APY Lands. The artistic outcomes take the form of large-scale, multi-disciplinary installations incorporating film, sound, live performance and other artistic collaborations, rooted in age-old traditions designed around keeping Country and culture strong.
Until Sunday 13 July | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes | nga.gov.au
Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia
This is a survey of historical and contemporary works by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from across Australia, drawing from the national collection and Wesfarmers Collection. This exhibition includes over 260 works from more than 200 artists, challenging stereotypes and using art as a tool of resistance. The works explore seven themes: Ancestors + Creators; Country + Constellations; Community + Family; Culture + Ceremony; Trade + Influence; Resistance + Colonisation; and Innovation + Identity, underlining the ever-present existence of our First Peoples.
Until Wednesday 6 August | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes | nga.gov.au
Our Story: Aboriginal–Chinese People in Australia
This exhibition sheds light on the little-known history of Aboriginal and Chinese relations in colonial Australia. Through personal accounts, archival photographs and documents, alongside contemporary artworks, it explores themes of identity, survival, resilience and cultural connection. Curated by artist and researcher Zhou Xiaoping, this project draws on historical records and oral histories to bring these untold stories from the gold rush era to today into the collective consciousness of all Australians.
Until 27 January 2026 | National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton Peninsula, Acton | nma.gov.au
Sport and Wellness
First Nations Experience of Democracy
Hear stories of how First Nations Australians have created change on this daily tour. Learn about Wiradjuri elders who travelled 150km to attend the opening of Old Parliament House, activists who campaigned for a voice in Federal Parliament, and Neville Bonner, the first Aboriginal Australian elected to parliament. Visit heritage spaces including the Prime Minister’s Office and Senate Chamber while learning about contributions of activists like Wenten Rubuntja, Charlie Perkins and Faith Bandler.
Sunday 6 until Sunday 13 July, 11 am – 12 pm | Museum of Australian Democracy, 18 King George Terrace, Parkes | moadoph.ticketing.veevartapp.com
Reconciliation Place Walks
Take a meaningful step toward understanding, respect and unity by joining guided tours exploring the rich histories, cultures and contributions of First Nations peoples. Tour the captivating artworks along Reconciliation Place with knowledgeable guides. By better understanding our past, participants become voices for generations, embracing the spirit of reconciliation and paving the way for a more inclusive Australia. Tours provide insight into the significance of this important cultural site.
Monday 7 until Friday 11 July, 10 am – 11 am | Reconciliation Place, Canberra | nca.gov.au
Warriors Basketball Club NAIDOC Tournament 2025
The Warriors Basketball Club hosts the Warriors NAIDOC Tournament, celebrating Indigenous culture through sport. Since its launch in 2017, the tournament has experienced remarkable growth, welcoming 127 teams in 2024. Held over three days, it brings together local and interstate teams with divisions for boys and girls from U10 to U19, and A, B, and C grades. The event promotes inclusion, community spirit, and cultural pride, featuring cultural events and a 3-Point Shootout with prizes for winners!
Friday 11 until Sunday 13 July, 8 am – 8 pm | Australian Institute of Sports and Belconnen Basketball Courts | facebook.com/atsiwarriors.com.au
Maring Ngala Walk at Lanyon Homestead
Join Ngunawal custodian Wally Bell on a walk at Lanyon Homestead to learn about Aboriginal connection to the area and the Murrumbidgee River. Discover the significance of the Canoe Tree to the Ngunnawal people and what its presence tells us of the strong community that lived within the cultural landscape. This NAIDOC Week event provides an opportunity to connect with Country and learn from a Traditional Owner about the deep history and ongoing connection to this significant place.
Saturday 12 July, 10.30 am to 12 pm | Lanyon Homestead, Tharwa Drive, Tharwa | historicplaces.com.au
Workshops and Programs
NAIDOC Week Lino Cut Printmaking Workshop
Join First Nations artists Rechelle Turner and Megan Daley for a two-hour workshop learning to use lino and block inks to create your own “From Country” themed print to take home. Participants are invited to bring images of Country, including birds, animals, trees, insects, and flowers to use for inspiration. This hands-on creative workshop provides an opportunity to learn traditional printmaking techniques while creating personal artwork celebrating connection to Country.
Saturday 5 July, 11 am – 1 pm | Tuggeranong Arts Centre, Reed Street North, Greenway | tuggeranongarts.com
Culture on the Move weaving workshop
Celebrate NAIDOC week at the ANBG with Pitta Pitta Wangkamahdla weaver and artist Ronnie Jordan from Culture on the Move. Learn about traditional weaving techniques that have existed for thousands of years and continue today as part of the oldest continuing living culture. This workshop provides hands-on experience with ancient techniques, with all materials supplied. The session offers insight into cultural practices while creating your own woven piece.
Tuesday 8 July, 2.30 pm – 4 pm | Australian National Botanic Gardens, Clunies Ross Street, Banksia Centre, Acton | parksaustralia.gov.au
NAIDOC Week Yuma Yarn Weaving Workshops
Learn step-by-step basic coil weaving techniques while enjoying wonderful live music at Tuggeranong Arts Centre. These yarning workshops are open to anyone with no experience necessary and all materials provided. Wiradjuri artist Rechelle Turner introduces the joyful meditative practice of slow-stitched coiled weaving using raffia, helping you master making a centre and growing your coiled piece. Murawari musician Belle Whyte performs, sharing cultural stories alongside the weaving instruction.
Tuesday 8 until Saturday 12 July | Tuggeranong Arts Centre, Reed Street North, Greenway | tuggeranongarts.com
