For thousands of years, the land that Sydney Opera House is built on was a gathering place for the Gadigal and Eora people who danced and sang here. This October, Homeground celebrates the very best First Nations artists with free music, dance, food, workshops and markets over two big days.

During October 8th and 9th, artists from the very heart of Australia as well as from all around the world show their different contributions to this extraordinary event. Featured musicians include East Journey, the winners of the 2015 NT Song of the Year (Rock category), Dubmarine, the 15-year-old Mi-Kaisha Masella of Aboriginal and Tongan heritage, who already wowed audiences on The Voice Kids, and many more. Click HERE to find out more about the event’s music.

In terms of dance, the program offers a variety of interesting groups and single dancers, including Amrita Hepi and the Aboriginal Dancing groups Naisda and Naygayiw Gigi. Click HERE to see all performers.

But the best is yet to come: Dance Rites, the Sydney Opera House’s groundbreaking Indigenous dance competition, returns this year with even more communities across Australia preparing to compete on Sunday 9 October from 5 to 7 pm. A highlight of the Homeground program, Dance Rites aims to safeguard and revitalise vanishing cultural practices – language, dance, skin markings and instruments – to ensure they are shared from one generation to the next. In 2015, the standard of performance was incredibly high – convince yourself:

Moreover, Homeground offers free weaving and dancing workshops: A great option for both children and adults to connect to the country and its original inhabitants themselves.  No bookings required, just show up! The Homeground Arts Market and a food menu created specifically for Homeground by Clayton Donovan, Australia’s most acclaimed and only hatted Indigenous chef, complete the event.

What: Homeground festival

When: Saturday, 8 October and Sunday, 9 October

Where: Sydney Opera House

To register for free tours and Collisions and for more information, visit the website.