Clancestry, Queensland Performing Arts Centre’s (QPAC) vibrant celebration of First Nations theatre, music, dance and storytelling will return from July 30 to August 8, 2026, to venues across Magandjin (Brisbane).

Since 2013, Clancestry has been a vital platform for established and emerging First Nations artists to share stories of identity, resilience, connection and community.

This year’s program spans intimate theatre works, major concerts and family-friendly experiences, featuring some of Australia’s most respected First Nations artists and companies including Jessica Mauboy, Yothu Yindi, Troy Cassar-Daley, Dale Woodbridge-Brown, Andrea James, ILBIJERRI Theatre Company, The First Creatives, Cheryl Overton and Djinama Yilaga.

Among the festival highlights is Camp Culture, the latest work from Kamilaroi performer and circus artist Dale Woodbridge-Brown. Presented at the Cremorne Theatre from July 30 to August 1, the show transforms the traditional summer camp experience into a celebration of self-expression, blending circus skills, comedy and high-energy performance. Irreverent and life-affirming, Camp Culture invites audiences to embrace authenticity while enjoying a spectacle of flips, laughs and camp spirit.

Cremorne Theatre will also play host to a new work from The First Creatives – Ya’djin Spirit Women. Developed from the experiences of the Ya’djin Women’s Collective – a grassroots sisterhood of First Nations women survivors of sexual assault and domestic and family violence – the production combines dance, theatre and film to explore colonial violence, motherhood, connection to Country and healing. Running from July 30 to August 1, the work honours the women whose stories inspired its creation while offering a profound reflection on survival, strength and Blak joy.

Music will take centre stage across the festival, beginning with one of Australia’s most celebrated performers, Jessica Mauboy, with her acclaimed cabaret production The Story of Me: A Musical Journey Through My Career playing in the QPAC Concert Hall on August 1. Jessica’s show combines live performance and personal storytelling as she reflects on the defining moments of her life and career. Featuring some of her most beloved songs, it offers audiences an intimate portrait of one of the nation’s most recognisable voices.

Theatre audiences can look forward to Gunawarra Re-creation, a new work by Taungurung writer Isobel Morphy-Walsh, directed by Andrea James and produced by ILBIJERRI Theatre Company. Presented from August 5-8, the production draws on stories passed down through generations of Taungurung women, exploring cultural preservation, creation and healing through a contemporary lens.

Country music icon Troy Cassar-Daley makes a welcome return to QPAC on August 6 with a new performance that reimagines the tradition of fireside storytelling. Accompanied by a string quartet, the Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung artist will share personal stories alongside songs that have earned him an extraordinary career that has earned him 45 Golden Guitars, six ARIA Awards and four CMAA Entertainer of the Year titles.

On August 7, the Playhouse will host Barragga Yangga – meaning “Many Songs” in Dhurga language – a celebration of First Nations language, story and song created under the artistic direction of Cheryl Overton. Developed over three years in partnership with Four Winds and Bundanon Trust, the work brings together the intergenerational Yuin choir Djinama Yilaga with a team of acclaimed collaborators.

Last but by no means least, closing the festival on August 8, is a landmark concert from legendary Indigenous band Yothu Yindi – celebrating 40 years since the group’s formation. Featuring original members alongside a new generation of performers, the concert will also mark the 35th anniversary of the groundbreaking album Tribal Voice, which including the enduring anthem Treaty.

Across ten days of performances and events, Clancestry 2026 will also offer plenty of free and low-cost events with tickets now on sale at: qpac.com.au