The Gai-mariagal Festival is back for 2026 — and there is a fantastic lineup of free events right on our doorstep.
Running from 26 May to 13 July 2026, the festival is held on Cammeraygal Country and has been raising awareness of First Nations people living in the Northern Sydney region since 2001. This year’s program spans exhibitions, weaving workshops, bilingual storytimes, author talks, guided heritage walks, films and family-friendly activities — there is genuinely something for every age and every level of familiarity with First Nations culture.
The festival is timed around three significant dates:
- National Sorry Day: 26 May
- National Reconciliation Week: 27 May – 3 June
- NAIDOC Week: 5 – 12 July 2026
The Lane Cove Event to Book Now: Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Walk
If you only do one thing this festival, make it this one.
On Sunday 28 June 2026, Lane Cove Council is partnering with North Sydney Council to present a guided Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Walk visiting Tambourine Bay in Riverview and Berry Island in Waverton.
The walk runs from 10am to 1pm and will be led by Karen Smith from the Aboriginal Heritage Office. Many readers may remember Karen from the brilliant Heritage Boat Cruise she led as part of the 2024 festival.
Participants will learn about the culture, spirituality, language and ongoing connection to Country of the Cammeraygal and Wallumedegal people.
Bookings are essential to secure your spot — BOOK HERE.
More Events Worth Getting Along To
First Nations Bilingual Storytimes
Friday 29 May, Friday 19 June and Friday 31 July 2026 | 11am to 12pm | Stanton Library | No bookings required
A welcoming program for families and little ones — presenters share books, stories and language in sessions designed for children of all backgrounds.
The sessions include Yanyuwa with Ros Moriarty on Friday 29 May, Noongar with Jade Goodwin on Friday 19 June and Dharug with Melissa-Jane Fogarty on Friday 31 July.
Mothers groups, preschools and larger groups are encouraged to email [email protected] ahead of time to make sure there is enough space.
Basket Weaving Workshops with Jodie Dowd and Sasha Parlett
Saturday 30 May and Saturday 20 June 2026 | 10.30am to 1pm | Free, bookings essential | All materials and refreshments provided
Local First Nations artists Jodie Dowd and Sasha Parlett lead hands-on workshops where participants will learn traditional weaving techniques and create their own bangle and mini basket.
The workshops are suitable for adults and young people aged 12 and over, with young people to be accompanied by an adult.
Weaving and Yarning Circle with Koori Kinnections
Thursday 4 June 2026 | 6pm to 7.30pm | Bookings essential | Ages 13 to 35ish
A cross-generational weaving and yarning circle focused on connection, conversation and community. Participants will learn traditional First Nations weaving methods while deepening their understanding of culture through shared stories.
Threadlines Art Exhibition
Thursday 2 July to Sunday 2 August 2026 | Opening night: Thursday 2 July, 6pm to 8pm
Curated by Nicole Monks, Threadlines brings together five First Nations artists across residency pathways in an exhibition shaped by weaving, journey and connection.
The exhibition features current North Sydney Council Creative Spaces First Nations residents Jodie Dowd, Nathan Sentance and Emma Hicks, alongside Ngaire Pakai and Jasmine Christie from Newcastle’s Creative Incubator First Nations emerging artists residency.
Creative Drop-In Workshop: Connection to Country Through Waterways
Saturday 4 July 2026 | Bookings essential
Artist educators Merindah Funnell and Emma Hicks will lead a relaxed workshop exploring connection to Country through waterways, plants and animals.
Participants will use a range of materials to create a personalised tote inspired by native plants and habitats.
Meet the Author: Melissa-Jane Fogarty
Wednesday 8 July 2026 | 2pm to 3pm | Stanton Library, Level 1 | No bookings required
First Nations author Melissa-Jane Fogarty will share stories, insights and writing inspiration in an author talk at Stanton Library. Books will be available for purchase afterwards.
Melissa-Jane is a kidlit author, illustrator and freelance editor. Her debut picture book, Tubowgule: A Sydney Opera House History, was published in 2025.
How to Book
Some events require bookings. For the full program and booking links, head to the North Sydney Council website under Gai-mariagal Festival 2026.
About the Gai-mariagal Festival
The Gai-mariagal Festival was founded in 2001 and is a region-wide celebration of First Nations culture held across the Northern Sydney region each year. It brings together local councils, community groups, libraries, galleries and businesses all working together to create space for listening, learning and connection.
In the Cove acknowledges the Cameraygal People, the Traditional Custodians of the Lane Cove area, and pays respect to Elders past, present and emerging. We also acknowledge the Wallumedegal People, whose Country connects through the waterways featured in this story.
