Free Open Day - Celebrate NAIDOC

Celebrate the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth this NAIDOC Week at the museum.
Join us for a Free Open Day packed with lively performances, hands-on artmaking, drop-in workshops, and powerful storytelling as we celebrate "50 Years of Deadly."
All NAIDOC Open Day activities are completely free, drop-in and family-friendly.
🗓️ Sunday 5 July 2026, 11am to 4:00 pm
📍 Australian National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour (Gadigal Land)
🎟️ Cost: Free (Pre-booking online recommended)
Program Highlights
✨ Live Performances
11:00am: Welcome to Country & Smoking Ceremony with Koori Konnections.
11:30am & 1:30pm: Yuin dance performance and interactive workshop with the Marra-Wanggan Dance Group.
12:15pm, 2:15pm & 3:15pm: Live music sets with Baakanji Kunya musician Ross Knight.
🎨 Creative Workshops & Kids Activities
All Day: NAIDOC face painting, watercraft modelling and tote bag stamping in the Kids on Deck Maker Space.
Drop-in: Mixed media collage workshops with Dunghutti/Gomeroi artist Nioka Lowe-Brennan.
11:30am & 1:00pm: Live illustration demo and drawing workshop with award-winning author Dub Leffler.
11:30am to 3:30pm: Native animal wooden magnet crafting with the acclaimed accessory artists at Haus of Dizzy (while stocks last).
🐋 Immersive Spaces & Food
All Day: Screenings of Cosmic Chase, an animated projection colliding mythology with arcade fantasy based on the art of Brian Robinson.
All Day: Relax in the Bamal Gallery Book Nook or get hands-on with touchable artefacts at the Cabinet of Curiosities.
10:30am to 2:30pm: Native ingredient tastings and pop-up food kiosk with Aunty Marie and the Koori Kulcha street warriors.
Your free entry also includes access to our permanent and temporary First Nations exhibitions, including Ur Wayii (Incoming Tide), Pearling Elders, Shaped by the Sea, and Serving Country.
Bring the whole family down for a deadly day of community and culture.