Each year, Canberra celebrates NAIDOC Week with a range of events and activities.

NAIDOC Week 2025 is a special time to stop, reflect and celebrate the enduring culture, history and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This year’s theme is 'The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy – 50 Years of NAIDOC Week’. It marks an important milestone and honours the voices, culture and strength of Indigenous communities.

The theme looks back on the past with pride and looks forward with hope. It celebrates the work of young leaders, the dreams of communities and the powerful legacy left by ancestors.

Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD), Parkes
From Sunday, 6 July to Sunday, 13 July
Hear stories of how First Nations Australians have created change. Learn about Wiradjuri Elders travelling to Old Parliament House, activists who campaigned for a voice and visit heritage spaces of significance.
Bookings required.
Cost: free.

Australian Parliament House
From Sunday, 6 July to Tuesday, 8 July
Visit Parliament House to see Michelle Lewis’ breathtaking artwork illuminated on the Parliament House façade. View the striking colours and designs of Michelle’s Tjala Dreaming (Honey Ant), a 2023 artwork.
To mark the event, a ceremonial lighting will be held on Monday, 7 July from 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm.
No bookings required.
Cost: free.

National Museum of Australia (NMA), Acton
Thursday, 10 July
The NMA is featuring a screening of Keeping Country Strong on Thursday, 10 July. This new documentary highlights the critical work of Indigenous Rangers in Indigenous Protected Areas across Australia.  A panel discussion with Traditional Owners will follow.
Bookings required.
Cost: $15 for a standard ticket, $12.50 for a concession and $10 for friends.

National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA), Acton
Saturday, 12 July
The NFSA is hosting a dementia-friendly screening of A Day at the Movies: Top End Wedding on Saturday, 12 July.
Enjoy a warm and light-hearted comedy that celebrates the joyful chaos of family and the strength of community.
Bookings required.
Cost: $16 for a full price ticket, $12 for concession card holders and free for carers.

National Library of Australia, Parkes
Tuesday, 8 July
Join Brooke Blurton and Dr Melanie Saward as they yarn about their new young adult novel, A Good Kind of Trouble. They discuss what it means to write Indigenous-led stories for today’s young people. Bookings required. Watch online or attend in person.
Cost: free.

Palace Electric Theatre, Canberra
Tuesday, 8 July
Come and watch the award-winning film from 10 Indigenous filmmakers from Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. It interweaves eight stories – both fictional and non-fictional – that span 1,000 years. Each showcases the resilience and survival of Indigenous peoples.
Bookings required.
Cost: admission is free for First Nations attendees and $10 for non-First Nations attendees.

ANCA Gallery, Dickson
From Sunday, 6 July to Sunday, 13 July
Join Thomas Coen Bonson, an emerging artist and one of Australia’s few First Nations jewellers. His solo exhibition is called Elegance in Heritage: First Nations Jewellery Unveiled.
RSVP required
Cost: free.

Belconnen Arts Centre, Belconnen
Saturday 12, July
Belco Arts is celebrating the 10th anniversary of NAIDOC in the North. The event is a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culture through story, song, art dance and ceremony. Check out a huge program of events. Learn from our local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community through workshops, performances, activities and entertainment.
No bookings required.
Cost: free.

Tuggeranong Arts Centre, Tuggeranong
From Saturday, 5 July to Sunday, 13 July
Visit the Arts Centre for a range of events including workshops and exhibitions that celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, traditions and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Bookings required.
Cost: from free to $10.

ACT Historic Places, Tharwa
Saturday, 12 July
Join Ngunawal custodian Wally Bell on a walk at ACT Lanyon Homestead. Learn about Aboriginal connection to the area and the Murrumbidgee River. Discover the significance of the Canoe Tree to the Ngunnawal people and what its presence here tells us of the strong community that lived within the cultural landscape.
Bookings required.
Cost: $30 for standard ticket and $25 for concession.

National Capital Authority (NCA), Reconciliation Place
From Monday, 7 July to Sunday, 13 July
Join the NCA for a guided tour along Reconciliation Place that explores the rich history, culture and contributions of First Nations peoples. Bookings required. 
Cost: free.

Winnunga Warriors Basketball Club and Basketball ACT
Friday, 11 July to Sunday, 13 July
Be part of a fun and exciting event with over 125 teams from around the country. Celebrate Indigenous culture through basketball and enjoy games for all age groups as they honour NAIDOC Week together.  
No bookings required.
Cost: free for spectators.

To learn more about NAIDOC Week and explore upcoming events, visit the official NAIDOC website.