Sydney is buzzing with activity this week, from cultural celebrations to vibrant festivals and exciting entertainment. With NAIDOC Week taking centre stage and the ever-popular Bondi Festival in full swing, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the Harbour City.

Celebrating First Nations Culture: NAIDOC Week 2025 (July 6 – 13)

This week marks NAIDOC Week, a significant national celebration of the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year’s theme, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy,” reflects on 50 years since the first NAIDOC poster and celebrates the enduring journey of Indigenous peoples, empowering young leaders, and building a future guided by community-led vision and self-determination. Sydney is hosting a diverse range of events across the city, offering profound opportunities to engage with the world’s oldest continuous cultures.

Here’s a glimpse of what’s on:

• NAIDOC in the City (Thursday, July 10): A free celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, featuring performances, stalls, and activities for all ages. Details are often announced closer to the date by the City of Sydney.
• National Indigenous Art Fair (Saturday, July 5 & Sunday, July 6): Head to the Overseas Passenger Terminal at The Rocks for this vibrant market showcasing over 50 First Nations artists, designers, and makers. Expect ethical stalls, live music and dance, bushfood tastings, weaving circles, and cooking demonstrations. Every purchase directly supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
• NAIDOC Week in Darling Harbour (Saturday, July 5): Celebrate with special NAIDOC-themed fireworks, Welcome to Country ceremonies, Smoking Ceremonies, and more. This promises to be a spectacular cultural display.
• AbSec NAIDOC Family Fun Day (Wednesday, July 9): Held at PCYC Marrickville and Steel Park, this free event is a fantastic opportunity for families to connect with and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Expect traditional cultural performances of dance and music, interactive workshops, storytelling sessions, food stalls, and kids’ activities.
• NAIDOC Week Burrawa Climbs (from Sunday, July 6): BridgeClimb Sydney offers special climbs with a First Nations guide, providing a unique opportunity to uncover Sydney’s Aboriginal history from the iconic Harbour Bridge.
• NAIDOC Week Open Day at the Australian National Maritime Museum (Sunday, July 6): Celebrate the start of NAIDOC Week with free entry and special programming at the museum.
• Dancing by the Water at Barangaroo South (Monday, July 7): Immerse yourself in a First Nations dance experience as part of the celebrations at Barangaroo.
• NAIDOC Week Activity Centre at the State Library of NSW (Monday, July 7): A drop-in centre offering all-day fun for children during the school holidays.
• Aboriginal Cultural Talks: Sky, Land & Waters (Tuesday, July 8): Connect with Country through insightful talks with Uncle Jimmy Smith at St Helen’s Community Centre.
• Garrima: The Country Cries for Truth live at the State Library of NSW (Tuesday, July 8): A night of performances from Bundjalung artists across various art forms, celebrating Dr Bronwyn Bancroft’s exhibition.
• Weaving the Colours of Country Workshop at the Museum of Sydney (Tuesday, July 8): A creative, intergenerational workshop with Gumbaynggirr textile artist Sancia Ridgeway.
• Volume presents: Lightning Song at the Art Gallery of NSW (Wednesday, July 9): A huge free night of music featuring King Stingray.
• Bangarra NAIDOC Week Workshops (Wednesday, July 9): Join Bangarra Dance Theatre for workshops focused on creativity, connection, and cultural celebration.
• Redfern Community NAIDOC Festival at NCIE (Friday, July 11): The National Centre of Indigenous Excellence (NCIE) hosts a free, fun-filled day with live performances by First Nations artists, inflatable fun, cultural activities, workshops, community stalls, and delicious food.
• Mi-kaisha feat. RIAH at Bondi Pavilion (part of Bondi Festival): As part of the Bondi Festival, this performance showcases phenomenal First Nations talent with honey vocals, soaring soul, pop melodies, and hard-hitting lyrics. This is a must-see to celebrate “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy.”

Winter Fun at the Bondi Festival 2025 (July 4 – 20)

The Bondi Festival is back, transforming Bondi Beach and its surrounds into a hub of arts, culture, and pure winter joy. Running from July 4 to July 20, this year’s festival boasts its biggest program yet, offering an eclectic mix of live music, theatre, comedy, visual arts, and interactive performances.

Key highlights of the Bondi Festival include:

• Bondi Festival Ice Rink & Ferris Wheel: These beloved festival favourites return, offering classic winter fun right by the beach.
• Blue Sky Markets: A new offering for foodies, these markets will bring delicious dishes from local Eastern Suburbs businesses to Bondi Park every Saturday throughout the festival (11am-9pm).
• Bondi Festival Comedy Gala (Friday, July 4 & Saturday, July 5): Kick off the festival with two big nights of side-splitting laughter featuring some of Sydney’s funniest comedians at the Bondi Pavilion Theatre.
• Live Music:
  • Mi-kaisha feat. RIAH (as mentioned above): A powerful celebration of NAIDOC Week on the first Saturday of the festival.
  • Meg Washington (Friday, July 18): Four-time ARIA award-winner Meg Washington will headline the second week, bringing her magnetic voice and soulful storytelling to Bondi Pavilion Theatre.
• Theatre & Performance:
  • POV by re:group (Thursday, July 10 – Saturday, July 12): An experimental on-stage docu-drama that combines mischievous meta-comedy with emotional authenticity, as an 11-year-old filmmaker searches for truth.
  • Bondi from the Barber’s Chair with Madeleine Stewart (Thursday, July 10 – Saturday, July 12): Award-winning comedian Madeleine Stewart interviews legendary locals from the intimate setting of Badlambs Barbershop.
  • Sincere Apologies by Alternative Facts: The Sydney premiere of this intimate, thought-provoking theatrical experience.
  • Queer Compost by Fruitbox Theatre: Five featured storytellers share tales from their queer lives.
• Visual Arts:
  • Waverley Art Prize: The winners’ announcement kicks off the festival at the Bondi Pavilion Art Gallery.
  • Bondi Beach Sea Wall: Watch Australian street artists transform the sea wall into a living canvas with new large-scale works created in real-time.
  • Gladdy Drawing Club: Inclusive life drawing sessions featuring guest artists.
• Pavilion Paw Parade: A much-awaited return for dog lovers, featuring dog-themed art activities, stalls, and pup processions.
• Daytime Dance Party with Betty Grumble and DJ Hiphophero: An all-inclusive, fully accessible dance party in week two of the festival.

Other Notable Events Around Sydney This Week

Beyond the major festivals, Sydney offers a vibrant array of events this week:

• Children’s International Film Festival (CHIFF) 2025 (until July 20): Still running this week, CHIFF brings 23 joyful film titles for kids and families across Sydney.
• Candlelight Concerts: Experience the magic of live, multi-sensory musical experiences in awe-inspiring locations. This week features tributes to The Weeknd and Ed Sheeran, among others.
• “MJ The Musical” (Sydney Lyric Theatre): Michael Jackson’s unparalleled artistry comes to life in this multi-Tony Award®-winning musical.
• “Cats” (Theatre Royal Sydney): The iconic musical continues its run, inviting audiences to “let the memory live again.”
• “The Play That Goes Wrong” (Theatre Royal Sydney, until August 3): If you’re in the mood for uproarious laughter, this chaotic comedy promises a night of mishaps and mayhem.
• Various live music gigs: From independent artists at smaller venues like The Lansdowne and The Botany View Hotel to larger acts at the Sydney Opera House (including Diesel and other artists on Sunday, July 6) and ICC Sydney (hololive STAGE World Tour ’25 ~Synchronize!~ on July 12), there’s a live music option for every taste.
• Exhibitions:
  • “Cerith Wyn Evans …. in light of the visible” (Museum of Contemporary Art): Explore epic environments of light and sound.
  • “Seeing Sydney, Knowing Country” (Museum of Sydney): Follow the development of the NSW colony through historical maps, plans, artworks, and objects.
  • “The Model Makers” (Customs House): Discover the fascinating world behind Sydney’s urban planning tools.
  • “Gulamanmanha: Bringing Something Closer (Wajarri)” (Australian Design Centre): A powerful collection in collaboration with Yamaji Art, featuring designer Nicole Monks.
• Markets and Outdoor Vibes:
  • The Loco Markets (Eveleigh): Artisan stalls, handcrafted gems, free live music, and family-friendly workshops.
  • The Entertainment Quarter Markets (EQ Markets): Fill your basket with seasonal produce and gourmet treats.
  • Le Marché French Markets at The Entertainment Quarter: Enjoy French fun, food, and stalls.
  • Yoga under the bridge (Dawes Point): Start your Sunday with a free stretch and flex yoga session.

Whether you’re looking to delve into First Nations culture, embrace the winter festivities by the beach, or simply enjoy a night out, Sydney has an abundance of experiences to offer this week. Make sure to check individual event websites for specific timings, ticketing information, and any last-minute updates. Enjoy your week in Sydney!