From 5 – 12 July 2026, communities across Australia will come together to honour the voices, cultures and united resilience.
The 2026 NAIDOC Week theme, 50 Years of Deadly, celebrates a significant milestone, marking five decades of recognising and celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures and achievements. It acknowledges the generations of organisers, artists, Elders, activists and communities who have helped shape the movement, ensuring NAIDOC Week remains a powerful platform for truth-telling, cultural pride and community connection.
To celebrate this milestone, the City of Perth is presenting the 2026 NAIDOC Week Art Exhibition at Perth Town Hall from 6 – 31 July 2026. Featuring works from the City of Perth Cultural Collections alongside loans from leading local collections and organisations, the exhibition showcases the creativity, stories and lasting impact of Indigenous Australian artists.
The City is also proud to present Songs from the Six Seasons with Dr Richard Walley OAM on Friday 10 July, from 7:30pm - 8:30pm at Perth Town Hall. Through music and storytelling, this special performance celebrates the six Noongar seasons and the rich knowledge and culture that has been shared across Noongar Country for tens of thousands of years.
Learn more about how you can get involved in NAIDOC Week 2026 with the City of Perth:
City stall at NAIDOC Week opening | 5 July | Wellington Square | 12pm – 4pm
The NAIDOC Week Perth Boorloo Opening Ceremony marks the official commencement of NAIDOC Week celebrations in Perth.
The ceremony will feature a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony led by Whadjuk Elders, alongside performances by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dancers and singers. Attendees can also enjoy community stalls, children's activities, an Elders Marquee, and performances on the Midar Boodja (Dancing Ground) sand art installation.
Throughout the day, Noongar Radio will provide a live broadcast, sharing the celebrations with listeners across the community.
2026 NAIDOC Week Exhibition | 6 – 31 July | Perth Town Hall | 10am – 4pm
Join the City of Perth in celebrating extraordinary local artists and their invaluable contributions to Australia’s rich cultural landscape. In recognition of NAIDOC Week, this art exhibition showcases Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists who have made a lasting impact between 1976 and 2026. The exhibition honours the trailblazers who paved the way for future generations while celebrating the strength, creativity and stories that continue to shape Australia's cultural landscape.
Songs from the Six Seasons with Dr Richard Walley | 10 July | Perth Town Hall | 7:30pm – 8:30pm
A mix of storytelling, instrumental and vocals, this performance is a celebration of our place in the world, the South-Western corner of Australia, and the knowledge and culture that has existed here for tens of thousands of years. With Richard Walley OAM on didgeridoo, Junkadelic Collective and special guest Adriel Opum on vocals, the concert is a collection of original songs using different musical genres to tell the Six Seasons story: Makuru, Djilba, Kambarang, Birak, Bunuru and Djeran.
Bush Flower Essence Workshop | 11 July | City of Perth Library | 1pm – 2:30pm
Join First Nations educator Nikki Quartermaine for a hands-on workshop exploring the benefits of Australian Bush Flower Essences. This gentle and restorative session introduces participants to how native plant essences can support emotional wellbeing, balance, grounding and self-connection. Through a mindful and reflective process, you'll explore your current emotional needs before intuitively selecting essences to create your own personalised blend to take home.
Lighting up for NAIDOC Week | multiple dates | Council House | Nightfall
The City of Perth will recognise NAIDOC Week by illuminating Council House in Aboriginal Flag colours on the nights of 5 – 9 July and 10 – 11 July.
Check out some other NAIDOC events located in the city:
Aboriginal Cultural Awareness: Bridging the Knowledge Gap | 2 July | Bishops See, 235 St Georges Terrace | 8am – 12pm
Auspire is offering a 4-hour Aboriginal Cultural Awareness workshop to deepen understanding of the culture, history and experiences of Australia’s First Peoples in the lead-up to NAIDOC Week. Facilitated by a First Nations leader, the workshop explores Aboriginal cultures, values and belief systems, and examines the ongoing impacts of colonisation and how these continue to be experienced today.
Djinda Kaatijin | 4 July | Scitech Discovery Centre | 11am – 2pm
Join Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company for an immersive theatre experience at Scitech Discovery Centre. Djinda Kaatijin (to understand stars) is a collection of Dreaming stories from various countries around the world.
Cultural performances | 2, 8 & 9 July | Nine the Esplanade, Brookfield Place, 235 St Georges Terrace
Wadumbah will take to the stage at Nine The Esplanade and Brookfield Place, showcasing their vibrant dance style and dynamic singing in a performance that promises to leave a lasting impression. Kwobidak Kenniny Yok Kenning will deliver a captivating traditional dance performance at 235 St Georges Terrace, offering a truly breathtaking cultural experience.
Moort Day | 9 July | 211 Royal St, East Perth | 11am – 3pm
Come along to a Moorditj day of Free Moort Fun, proudly run by Wungening Aboriginal Corporation. This community celebration brings people together to share and honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture. For the first time, the event will feature live entertainment, including local artist Iconyx and the Aliwah Dancers. There will also be plenty to enjoy for all ages, including a reptile zoo, art activities, games, and a range of food and drinks available throughout the day.
Ngalak Nidja Bilya (We Are The River) | 10 – 11 July | The Rechabite | 7:30pm – 1am
Come to the ancient wetlands of Boorloo and move, dance and celebrate on the same ancient boodja of those who came before us, paying tribute to First Nations trailblazers and LGBTQIA+ trailblazers alike.
