NAIDOC Week is almost here, and there’s lots of interesting things to do in Melbourne. NAIDOC, which stands for National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee, takes place every July. It’s a time to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC Week is celebrated by all Australians, and is a great opportunity to learn more about First Nations cultures and histories. The theme this year is ‘Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud’. It celebrates the survival and enduring spirit and strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. NAIDOC Week will run from Sunday July 7 to Sunday July 14.
1. NAIDOC in the City at Fed Square
Celebrate First Peoples talent at NAIDOC in the City. Head to Fed Square and enjoy an awesome line-up of performers on the Main Stage, then check out a market, try arts and crafts, take part in activities and enjoy a BBQ. This event will take place on Friday July 12 from 3pm to 6pm. Learn more here.
Check out the full NAIDOC Week program at Fed Square here.
đź“Ť Swanston St & Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000
2. KHT NAIDOC Market at Fed Square
Koorie Heritage Trust has partnered with Aboriginal Melbourne, City of Melbourne and Fed Square to present a bustling market of over 25 stalls from First Peoples creatives. Look forward to art, design, fashion, workshops and more. The KHT NAIDOC Market will take place on Friday July 12, alongside the NAIDOC in the City event from 3pm to 6pm, as well as on Saturday July 13 from 10am to 3pm. More info here.
đź“Ť Swanston St & Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000
3. NAIDOC Week Family Day at Melbourne Museum
Pop over to Melbourne Museum and celebrate the start of NAIDOC Week with a Welcome to Country, market stalls, performances and family-friendly activities. Then, check out the exhibition, Biik Milboo Dhumba | Country is Always Talking, in the Forest Gallery, and listen to stories from Kulin Nations artists and Elders. After that, check out the exhibition Piinpi – Contemporary Indigenous Fashion. NAIDOC Week Family Day will take place on Sunday July 7 from 10am to 3pm, but you can check out the exhibitions on a daily basis. Find out more.
đź“Ť11 Nicholson St, Carlton VIC 3053
4. NAIDOC Week Celebration at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia
The Ian Potter Centre will have a whole range of things for you to see and do for free. Check out the exhibitions, Wurrdha Marra and My Country. Go on tours, listen to artist talks, see a film screening and watch a performance filled with Kulin songs and dance. It’s all happening on Saturday July 13 from 11am to 4pm. See what’s on here.
đź“ŤFederation Square, Flinders St &, Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000
5. NAIDOC Community Day at Melbourne Zoo
Melbourne Zoo will have a range of First Nations-led activities for children, young people and families. Look forward to storytelling, face painting, live music and more. Check it out on Sunday July 14. Learn more here.
đź“ŤElliott Ave, Parkville VIC 3052
6. Dan Sultan x MSO at Hamer Hall
Australian singer-songwriter Dan Sultan is joining the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra for a special performance for NAIDOC Week. Celebrate the 10th anniversary of his thid studio album, Blackbird, with cool orchestral arrangements. See it on Friday July 12 and Saturday July 13. Find out more.
đź“Ť100 St Kilda Rd, Southbank VIC 3004
7. NAIDOC Family Day at Collingwood Children’s Farm
Have plenty of fun at Collingwood Children’s Farm with the free event, NAIDOC Family Day by Aboriginal Housing Victoria. Listen to live music, headlined by First Nations artist Kee’ahn. There will also be activities like a footy clinic, face painting, storytelling, crafts and even a free BBQ. Check it out from 10:30am to 3pm on Wednesday July 10. See more here.
đź“Ť18 St Heliers St, Abbotsford VIC 3067
8. Clothing The Gaps pop-up at Melbourne Central
The iconic Shot Tower at Melbourne Central will be lit up with custom artwork from Clothing the Gaps. There will also be an exclusive pop-up outside of Sephora, with a range of clothing that celebrates this year’s theme. Check it out from Friday July 5 to Sunday July 14. Learn more here.
đź“ŤCnr LaTrobe and Swanston Streets, Melbourne VIC 3000
9. Blak, Loud and Proud: First Nations Classics at The Wheeler Centre
Hosted by Tony Birch, this event will celebrate First Nations storytelling in literature. Hear from acclaimed writers and see a special performance from Tamala Shelton and Neil Morris. Find it at The Wheeler Centre on Thursday July 11 from 6:30pm to 7:45pm. Check it out.
đź“Ť176 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000
10. Keep the Fire Burning at Bluethumb Art Gallery
Bluethumb Art Gallery will showcase over 100 works by established and emerging First Nations artists in their exhibition, Keep the Fire Burning. This exhibition is free to the public from Wednesday July 3 to Monday September 9, and there will be an official opening on Thursday July 11, from 6pm to 8pm. More info here.
đź“Ť330 Bridge Rd, Richmond VIC 3121
11. Gumbuya Dreaming at Gumbuya World
Celebrate Indigenous culture with stories, installations and soundscapes at Gumbuya Dreaming. After exploring the different zones, go on rides and enjoy a bite to eat from food trucks. Find it at Gumbuya World from now until Sunday July 21.
đź“Ť 2705 Princes Hwy, Tynong North VIC 3813