Yabun Festival

Overview

Yabun — which means "music to a beat" in the Gadigal language — is an annual festival bringing a wide range of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander talent to Sydney's Victoria Park. Held each year on January 26 on Gadigal Land, the festival consists of Corroboree, performances from First Nations musicians, a marketplace, discussions, speeches and children's activities.

After a few COVID-impacted years, the festival returned in full last year — and for 2024, it's serving up a huge program of beloved musicians. The lineup features a mix of up-and-coming and longstanding songwriters and performers. Emily Wurramara and Tasman Keith lead the way, alongside Velvet Trip, Fred Leone, Chasing Ghosts, Tjaka, Mi-Kaisha, Frank Yamma, GLVES, Cindy Drummond and Green Hand Band.

Joseph Mayers

A heap of dance groups will also be performing on the day, including Yangkay, Jannawi Dance Clan and Mui Mui Bumer Gedlam. Plus, you can attend panel discussions and community forums at the Speak Out tent, and shop for goods from First Nations businesses at the market.

If it's a hot day, Victoria Park Pool is also right there for anyone who wants to cool off, so pack your swimmers just in case.

If you can't make it down to Yabun Festival 2024 — or you want to join in from interstate — you can watch via a live stream via the festival's website.