More than 5,000 people are expected to gather in the Northern Territory's remote community of Barunga this weekend for the annual Barunga Festival, one of Australia's most significant celebrations of First Nations culture, music and sport.

The festival, held near Katherine and running from June 5 to 7, is expected to attract a record number of visitors from across the Territory and the country.

On Thursday, the federal government announced $250,000 towards the event, which combines traditional cultural activities, live music, art, dance and major sporting competitions.

Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy, said the festival remained an important celebration of First Nations culture and identity.

"Each year, the remote community of Barunga welcomes visitors from across the Northern Territory and the country to celebrate First Nations culture, music and sport," she said.

"Festivals like Barunga help ensure First Nations cultures and languages remain strong."

Barunga holds a special place in Australia's political and cultural history.

It was the site where the Barunga Statement was presented to then-prime minister Bob Hawke in 1988, calling for Indigenous rights and self-determination.

This year's festival is being managed by the Bagala Aboriginal Corporation, which represents the Jawoyn communities of Barunga and Beswick.

Organisers say local leadership is central to the event's success and reflects broader goals of community ownership and self-determination.

It is a festival which continues to serve as a gathering point for communities across the NT while also providing an opportunity to celebrate and strengthen First Nations culture, language and connection.

After decades of management and control by outside third-party operators, the Bagala Aboriginal Corporation (BAC) assumed management of the event in February this year, ensuring local ownership and self-determination drives every aspect of the festival.

CEO Jarah Maraschio said the event would record its largest crowd in the festival's storied 41-year history.

"This year, the Barunga Festival is proudly under the direction of its local Traditional Owners," he said.

"The Bagala Aboriginal Corporation and its board are thrilled to welcome a record-breaking 5,000 ticket holders to the festival site in the Barunga community."

Festival-goers will take part in cultural workshops and performances, while more than 40 teams from across the Northern Territory are set to compete in AFL, basketball and softball throughout the weekend.

The music line-up includes some of the country's leading First Nations artists, including Troy Cassar-Daley, Jem Cassar-Daley, Frank Yamma and Emily Wurramara.

They will be joined by 10 newly added musical acts, alongside a dedicated wave of emerging Indigenous artists competing on the Ngamutjulu Stage for the highly anticipated Battle of the Bands.

Special Envoy for Remote Communities, Marion Scrymgour, described Barunga as a place of national significance.

"It's a place that brings people together and is a symbol of the resilience, strength and culture of our remote communities," she added.

Additional reporting by Phoebe Blogg

Barunga Festival 2026 commences Friday June 5 and runs until Monday June 8.