Blak Out is set to return as the centrepiece of Sydney Festival's 50th anniversary program, marking the final curation by Aboriginal Creative Artist in Residence Jacob Nash.

Running January 8-25, the Indigenous-led program will showcase a powerful lineup of First Nation's artists across dance, music, and visual art, celebrating culture, identity, and connection.

Among the highlights is Garabari, a new large-scale participatory dance work by acclaimed Wiradjuri choreographer Joel Bray.

Performed under the stars on the Northern Broadwalk of the Sydney Opera House, the piece transforms the space into a dance floor, inviting families, friends and patrons to move together.

Created with Wiradjuri Elders and community in Wagga Wagga and the Riverina, the work shares the Story of the Making of the Murrumbidgee, gifted by the late Uncle James Ingram.

With ethereal costumes by Wiradjuri designer Denni Francisco of Ngali, music by Byron Scullin and projections by Katie Sfetkidis, Garabari blends ceremony and celebration in a joyful, inclusive performance.

At Barangaroo, Yuwaalaraay Wirringgaa artist Lucy Simpson will unveil HELD, a series of sculptural vessels honouring Country - earth, fire, sky and sea.

The installation will provide the setting for Vigil: Belong, the festival's closing ceremony on 25 January.

Led by musician and writer Nardi Simpson, with Uncle Matthew Doyle tending the fires, the event will bring generations together through song and sacred smoke in a reflection on belonging and ancestry.

The world premiere of Garrigarrang Badu by Jannawi Dance Clan will also feature at the Opera House.

Directed by Peta Strachan and performed by an all-female ensemble, the work celebrates Dharug Country and the role of women in carrying culture, continuing the company's legacy of cultural storytelling through movement.

Blak Out's musical program includes Take Me to the River, a soulful performance by Emma Donovan at City Recital Hall, reimagining the classics that shaped her voice and career.

Also performing is Gooniyandi, Walmatjarri and Bunuba Elder Ms Kankawa Nagarra, known as the "Queen of the Bandaral Ngadu Delta".

The 80-year-old singer-songwriter, whose debut album Wirlmarni won the 2024 Australian Music Prize, will perform a solo show on 8 January and appear with American musician Mr Lonnie Holley on 10 January.

Theatre works include Dear Son, adapted by Isaac Drandic and John Harvey from the writings of Kaurareg Aboriginal and Kalkalgal man Thomas Mayo, bringing to life reflections on fatherhood from Indigenous men including Stan Grant and Troy Cassar-Daley.

Other key events include Redfern Renaissance, curated by Wiradjuri Yuin actor Angeline Penrith, which revisits the legacy of the 1970s National Black Theatre through performance readings and discussions, and The Bogong's Song: A Call to Country by Bangarra Dance Theatre, a children's production celebrating connection and healing.

Closing out the Blak Out program, Burarra artist Ursula Yovich will deliver a world-premiere tribute to Nina Simone, while A Night of Rock & Roll with Bogan Villea, led by Iwaidja and Malak Malak performer Ben Graetz, will bring a high-energy blend of drag, rock and Blak pride to Sydney Theatre Company's Wharf 1 Theatre.

Together, these works reflect the strength, diversity and creativity of Indigenous artists, reaffirming Blak Out as one of Sydney Festival's defining celebrations of culture and community.

More info can be found on the Sydney Festival Website.