We've officially hit the second half of the year folks. Don't ask me how, I don't want to talk about it. This weekend we're ringing in July with NAIDOC Week. Taking place from July 3-10, it's a time to celebrate the achievements, excellence, culture and history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. As a result, you'll find a range of NAIDOC Week events to get you in the spirit below; from Bangarra's performance of SandSong: Stories from the Great Sandy Desert at Bangarra to NAIDOC Up Late at Barangaroo. As for the rest? Find a list of what's on this weekend across Australia, below.
NSW
In honour of the 50th anniversary of Redfern's National Black Theatre, the Sydney Opera House presents ALWAYS HERE – 50 Years of Black Theatre, a free photographic exhibition spotlighting the actors at its helm. It opens on July 3, the first day of NAIDOC Week.
NAIDOC Up Late is happening at Barangaroo Reserve. See Ziggy Ramo, Mo'Ju and more perform.
Book tickets to see SandSong: Stories from the Great Sandy Desert at Bangarra.
After a two year hiatus Bondi Festival is back with. music, comedy, conversations and an ice skating rink.
Head to the Seymour Centre for its Seymour Sessions and see Melbourne flautists Eliza Shephard and Runa Cara.
Friday nights are staying spooky at Golden Age Cinema, so pop down tonight to see a screening of Midsommar.
Griffin Theatre Company presents the long-awaited season of Golden Blood by Merlynn Tong at SBW Stables Theatre this weekend.
The Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes are open for your viewing pleasure at the Art Gallery of NSW.
Victoria
Leaps and Bounds Festival is kicking off this weekend, beginning with Queers to the Front, a party celebrating LGBTIQA+ artists.
Comedy Republic is revisiting the best shows from Melbourne International Comedy Festival this July, with it Replay Festival program.
Saké is firing up the robata for winter, introducing a new menu of smokey dishes to get your mouth around.
Latin Dance lovers assemble for Rumbia Festival.
QUEER: Stories from the NGV Collection is on at the National Gallery of Victoria.
Queensland
See if can muster up a ticket to see Ball Park Music play Tank Arts Centre.
There are still tickets left to see iconic duo Penn & Teller perform at QPAC.
Brisbane Music Festival is bringing the joy of sound to the city this weekend.
The Soul Trembles highlights twenty-five years of Chiharu Shiota’s artistic practice. Open at QAGOMA this weekend.
Brisbane's best local comedians come together for After Hours at Brisbane Powerhouse.
The Asia Pacific Triennial is open at Queensland Art Gallery of Modern Art.
ACT
Music on the Greens continues at ANU Kambri.
Step into the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia to see Australians & Hollywood.
Spend your afternoon hanging out at Capital Brewing Co.
Hippo Co. are leading one of its famous whisky tastings on Saturday evening at 6pm.
South Australia
Illuminate Adelaide is bringing a month's worth of bright lights, music, art and ideas to the city centre. Explore the full program here.
Umbrella Festival is taking over Adelaide for the month of July. Check out what's on at the website.
Explore the Fleurieu Peninsula, starting with these 5 beaches.
Western Australia
Freo.Social is your reliable source for a good time. Head down there on Saturday night to see Josh Pyke.
Hot Dub Time Machine is making a pit stop in Perth for one night only.
Catch some live music this Sunday at Fremantle Arts Centre.
Northern Territory
Pull up a chair and settle in for Flickerfest this weekend in Darwin.
It's Territory Day friends. Scopes out your local fireworks and have a literal blast.
The Annual Alice Springs show is bringing all the fun of a festival to the bottom end.
Explore a side of the Territory you haven't seen before with this guide.
Make your way over to Nightcliff Markets for Laksa, pastries, massages, and jewellery.
Tasmania
See Xavier Rudd perform at the Odeon Theatre.
Unyoked has added two new off-the-grid accommodation sites to its portfolio, this time in Hobart. Book your next weekend getaway now.
As always, Music at Mona is on this weekend. This time around Chris O and SRKO are just some of the acts set to perform.
Salamanca Market is open and calling your name this Saturday.
Road trip your way to any of these magical stays in Tasmania.
If art is on the menu this weekend then take this guide to Australian art in July.
Image: @griffintheatre
