Warami

Good to see you.

Warami is Parramatta’s season of First Nations events bringing people together to honour, connect and learn on Dharug Country.

What is Warami?

Warami is the City of Parramatta’s annual program honouring traditional and contemporary First Nations culture. Developed in consultation with local Dharug representatives, the campaign highlights our ongoing commitment to acknowledging, respecting, and elevating First Nations voices.

The name Warami (pronounced Wah-ra-mee) means “good to see you” in Dharug. Calling Parramatta home for over 60,000 years, Warami recognises the Burramattagal people’s connection to the land and community.

Our 2026 program features two key events: National Sorry Day on Tuesday 26 May, and the Burramatta NAIDOC outdoor festival on Saturday 11 July.

Warami 2026 Events

Sorry Day: 26 May 2026

Street protest with people blocking a city street. Wooden barricades with greenery in foreground. Tall modern buildings line the street, under a clear sky.

Sorry Day: 26 May 2026

Join us for a day of acknowledgement and reflection. Observe National Sorry Day by learning the stories of the Stolen Generation and reflecting on the importance of acknowledging historical trauma.

Burramatta NAIDOC: 11 July 2026

A man and woman smile while posing at an outdoor festival. Crowds and trees are in the background under a bright blue sky, conveying a lively atmosphere.

Burramatta NAIDOC: 11 July 2026

Join us for a free event in Parramatta Park. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the traditions and contemporary culture of Parramatta’s local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

More information to come.

Highlights from our 2025 Burramatta NAIDOC event

A woman joyfully holds a smiling child outdoors, both wearing casual clothes. Abstract purple and white swirls in the background add a whimsical touch.

Warami Artwork

Kamilaroi/Gamilaraay artist Dennis Golding has created a beautiful artwork referencing the Parramatta River for our Warami program. 

A man and a woman smile while browsing pottery at an outdoor market. The man holds a ceramic bowl as they stand near a tent with greenery in the background.

Burramatta NAIDOC Market EOI

We are seeking Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives, businesses and organisations in the wider Sydney Region and local Aboriginal Community Organisations.

Acknowledgement of Country

For over 60,000 years the Parramatta area has been home of the Burramattagal people, a clan of the Dharug, who settled along the upper reaches of the Parramatta River. City of Parramatta respectfully recognises the Traditional Owners of the land and waters of Parramatta, the Dharug people, and pay our respects to the Elders past, present and emerging. We extend our respect to all First Nations people visiting these sites.

Upcoming Major Events

Parramatta Lanes

A group of five friends happily take a selfie outdoors, framed by a purple archway. They are enjoying a lively street atmosphere, surrounded by trees and people.

Parramatta Lanes

October 2026

Parramatta Lanes is Sydney’s biggest street festival over four nights of food, music and art taking over unexpected laneways and hidden corners of the city. Discover pop-up bars, live performances and local flavours as Parramatta transforms into a playground of creativity, culture and late-night energy.

Diwali

Five young women in purple dance costumes pose confidently with arms crossed outdoors. A child in front spreads arms joyfully under a clear sky.

Diwali

October/November 2026

Celebrate Diwali in Parramatta with a vibrant festival of light, colour and community. Enjoy cultural performances, food stalls and family-friendly activities as the city lights up in honour of new beginnings. It’s a joyful night that brings people together to share traditions, stories and delicious food.

Foundation Day

A smiling woman in a hat and a man in a cap lean on a gate at an outdoor event, with a pink "Foundation Day" sign overhead, creating a joyful atmosphere.

Foundation Day

2026 date coming soon

Discover Parramatta’s history through tours, workshops, heritage activities and live music. Foundation Day is a free, family-friendly celebration that invites everyone to explore the stories, people and places that shaped our city for a day full of curiosity, connection and educational experiences

What’s Happening in Parramatta

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