A celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music, dance, art and enterprise will take over Sydney Town Hall on Wednesday 10 July, as part of NAIDOC Week. 

This year’s NAIDOC in the City event includes a free, all-ages, night-time live music concert from 6pm featuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists including hip hop icons BARKAA and JK-47, country stars Loren Ryan and Jarrod Hickling, and comedian Isaac Compton. Grab your free ticket now.

Markets showcasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, clothing, homewares and local services will take place alongside dance performances at Lower Town Hall during the day from 11am to 4pm.

National NAIDOC Week runs 7 to 14 July and recognises the history, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It’s a chance for Australians to learn about and celebrate the world’s oldest, continuous living cultures. This year’s theme is ‘Keep the fire burning! Blak, loud and proud’. 

NAIDOC in the City is produced by the City of Sydney in partnership with Gadigal Information Service.

“We are committed through Koori Radio, Yabun and NAIDOC in the City to showcasing our best First Nations talent. It is so important for us all to come together to celebrate and share our culture. We welcome everyone to come and stand with us,” Elizabeth Wymarra from Gadigal Information Service said.

“I’m super pumped to host this deadly event right in the heart of Gadigal! We’ve got an awesome lineup celebrating Blak Excellence, and I know you’ll feel the energy all night long. If your fire isn’t burning at the start, it definitely will be by the end of the night,” host of the night-time concert Isaac Compton said.

Minak (Night) concert line-up:

8:55pm – BARKAA

First releasing music in 2020, BARKAA served an introduction with impact: an artistic vision and handle on storytelling that was unshakably confident and honest. The Malyangapa, Barkindji woman has become one of Australia’s most exciting hip hop artists.

8:10pm – Loren Ryan and Band

Crowned the 2023 Toyota Star Maker Winner in her hometown’s Tamworth Country Music Festival, Loren’s honest and weathered voice is making waves as she crafts original songs and translates well-known Australian tunes into her native language. 

7:40pm – Jarrod Hickling

From the Githabul tribe in Muli Muli, NSW, music has always been a powerful influence in Jarrod’s life. With a sound that is a unique blend of country and gospel, Jarrod is a dynamic artist poised to set the country music scene on fire.

7:05pm – JK-47

This talented Indigenous hip hop artist is a force to be reckoned with. Once Triple J’s Artist of the Year, JK-47 is now a mainstay on the festival circuit. A familiar name beyond his Tweed shire home turf, JK-47 has an ability to produce timeless lyrics and paint pictures with music that’s second to none.

6:45pm – Isaac Compton

A proud Munanjali, Minjungbul and Wiradjuri man born in Griffith, Isaac now calls Newcastle home. Professional musician, First Nations activist, social media phenomenon, reality TV personality and self-proclaimed comedian, Isaac is using humour to bring important issues to the surface.

6:15pm – Western Sound Band

A dynamic and lethal band from Western Sydney that will make you hit the dancefloor. Featuring Mark Knight and Todd Williams, Western Sound plays all genres and country, Motown and reggae classics. 

5:45pm – Riah  

A talented singer from southwest Sydney, Riah is deeply connected to her Aboriginal, Tongan, Fijian and Italian heritage. Riah’s sound is a fusion of 90s R&B and jazz, with her music reflecting the rich diversity of her upbringing.

Hosted by Isaac Compton and Bianca Hunt. Doors open 5pm. 

Darraburra (Day) markets and dance performances 

11am – Smoking Ceremony

11:30am – Jannawi Dance Clan

12:30pm – Mui Mui Bumer Gedlam

1:30pm – Yangkay Dance

2:30pm – Gamay Dancers 

Don’t miss the daytime markets with 25 stalls featuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander homewares, clothing, food, art and services. Pick up goodies from businesses like Marara Designs showcasing games and home decor, Koori Threads, Bakarindi Bush Foods and Tarri Jayne offering art and early childhood cultural resources.

“NAIDOC in the City is our celebration of the oldest continuing living cultures in the world. This day to night event is free, and features song, dance and markets,” Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO said. 

“It’s a perfect school holiday activity and a wonderful learning opportunity for all ages. It’s never been more important to be aware of the deep connections First Nations people have to Sydney. Always was, Always will be.

Event details
What: NAIDOC in the City

Where: Sydney Town Hall

When: Wednesday 10 July

Time: Markets and dance performances – 11am-4pm

           Live music concert – 6pm-9.30pm (doors open 5pm)

Cost: Entry is free but the live music concert is ticketed. Book your free spot.