BARKAA Headlining Blak Nite 2026

Blak Nite returns for an evening celebrating First Nations music, culture and creativity.⁠

Blak Nite returns to Carclew this May for a special night celebrating First Nations music, performance and culture.

Produced by Carclew in partnership with Indigenous Languages and Arts Australia and Create SA, supported by Balya Productions, Blak Nite 2026 will feature an eclectic lineup of First Nations talents, headlined by proud Malyangapa and Barkindji woman BARKAA.

Fresh from performing at WOMADelaide, where she received rave reviews, BARKKA is an ARIA Award and National Indigenous Music Award-winning artist whose 2024 sophomore EP, Big Tidda, won the inaugural NSW First Nations Music Prize.

Also taking to the stage will be performers from Carclew’s Gig Rig Tracks program, which is responsible for music and dance initiatives in regional areas such as Whyalla, Port Augusta and Ceduna.

Music lovers can also experience Adelaide-based singer-songwriter Nathan May and his band, experimental artist Cringetrender, pop meets soul singer-songwriter Katie Aspel, Sandy Abbott and DJ SVVLO.

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Along with a stacked music program, with more artists to be announced in the coming weeks, the evening includes fun activities the whole family can enjoy, including contemporary dance and storytelling with WAYIN:THI Dance Collective, Light n’ Glow tents with Patch Theatre Co., roaming native wildlife encounters with Animals Anonymous, jewellery‑making workshops with Haus of Dizzy, painting and posca collaborative wall with Shane Cook and face painting with Zoe Kopp.

Carclew’s First Nations Programs Manager, Thomas Readett, said the event continues to create space for First Nations artists, families and communities to come together through music, visual art, dance and shared cultural experience.

“BLAK NITE celebrates the strength and diversity of First Nations creativity while developing meaningful opportunities for young artists to step onto major stages, connect with community and build pathways into the future.”

Blak Nite 2026 takes place at Carclew on Friday 1 May. Tickets on sale at humanitix.com.