5 things you can’t miss at Burramatta NAIDOC
To celebrate Parramatta's local Dharug community, join us for Burramatta NAIDOC.
Every July, communities across Australia come together for National NAIDOC Week — a time to honour the rich history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. In Parramatta, that spirit comes to life at Burramatta NAIDOC, part of Warami, the City of Parramatta’s annual program honouring traditional and contemporary First Nations culture on Dharug Country.
This year, Burramatta NAIDOC takes over The Crescent, Parramatta Park from 11am to 3pm on Saturday 11 July for a free outdoor festival filled with live music, dance, art and food. It’s a chance to come together, celebrate Parramatta’s local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, and experience the creativity and culture that makes this day so special.
Here are 5 things you can’t miss at Burramatta NAIDOC.
1. If you only do one thing, make it the music.
At the 50 Years of Deadly Stage, voices will rise, rhythms will pulse and stories will unfold live on stage. Featuring DOBBY, Stiff Gins, Akala Newman and Cooee, the line-up will move from soulful to electric - blending song, poetry and powerful storytelling.
Find your spot, feel the rhythm carry across Parramatta Park and stay for the moments that give you goosebumps.
Explore the 50 Years of Deadly Stage.
2. Market stalls filled with art, fashion and unique finds.
Make time for a wander through the colourful market stalls, where you’ll find art, fashion, jewellery and more. It’s a chance to browse handcrafted works, clothing and wares that bring colour, creativity and culture into the heart of the festival and maybe head home with something special in hand.
3. First Nations flavours to savour and share
Burramatta NAIDOC delivers with First Nations food vendors, including Kallico Catering, the Wilka Thalta food truck and even more delicious options to explore on the day. Whether you’re after something hearty, a tasty dessert or a hot coffee, there’ll be plenty to choose from.
4. Cultural workshops and family activities
Burramatta NAIDOC is more than a day of performances, it’s also a chance to get involved. The festival will feature family activities and cultural workshops, with opportunities to explore weaving, art, traditional dance and more alongside skilled artists and cultural practitioners. It’s hands-on, welcoming and designed to help people of all ages connect with First Nations culture in meaningful ways.
5. Bush to Bowl: where flavour meets culture
Follow the smell of something cooking and you’ll find Bush to Bowl, bringing native ingredients and First Nations food knowledge to life in a way you can taste, learn and share.
In partnership with SBS and NITV, this vibrant space will blend food, storytelling and fun. Drop into the hands-on cooking class, snap a moment at the interactive photo booth, or explore the Dharug Ngurra kids’ language resource - a playful way for families to learn and connect with the local language together.
Learn more about Burramatta NAIDOC, including the line-up of workshops and musicians.
