Stories Under the Stars

Listen, learn and participate in a beautiful evening by the Parramatta River.

Join us at a family-friendly event celebrating First Nations art, language and culture with an outdoor cinema, a glow-in-the-dark artwork installation, storytelling, markets, music and more.

Outdoor Cinema sponsored by Optus

Cinema starts at 6pm

Bring your picnic blanket, rug up and snuggle down to watch documentary Araatika Rise Up! under the moonlight. This powerful film follows NRL star Dean Widders’ journey to invent a new pre-game ceremony in response to the Māori Haka, to celebrate Aboriginal cultures and counter racism in rugby league.

The Outdoor Cinema is proudly sponsored by Optus. With thanks to SBS for providing content via their Reconciliation Film Club program.

Meet the Eels

Some legendary Parramatta Eels players will be dropping by from 3pm – 5pm! Watch out for Steve Ella, Mahalia Murphy, Rachael Pearson, Ruby Jean Kennard and Elsie Alberts. Bring along your fan memorabilia for signing or stop by for chat.

Steve is from Yuin Nation on the South Coast of NSW and grew up in the Aboriginal community of La Perouse. Mahalia is a proud Kimilaroi woman.

Glow-in-the-Dark Artwork 

Come and see Parramatta’s First Glow in the Dark Laneway (78 Phillip Street) and its adjoining stairwell leading to the Parramatta River Foreshore, proudly funded by NSW Government through the Places to Love program.

Activities, Workshops & Giveaways

• Daytime and Nighttime Astronomy Workshop presented by Powerhouse.
• 500 native plant giveaways from City of Parramatta Council.
• Yilabara Path Laneway phosphorescent mural designed by Leanne Watson Redpath, Tina Barahanos and Alexandra Byrne, and proudly funded by NSW Government through the Places to Love program.
• Poetry readings presented by Westwords.
• Live music by First Nations artists.
• Learn nursery songs in Dharug with Merrilee McNaught, a Dharug woman of the Booreborangal mob.
• Jannawi Dance Clan’s Indigenous Dance Workshops and Indigenous Facepainting for kids
• Basket Weaving Workshops
• Bush to Bowl’s Cooking Demo & “Bush Tucker” Talk
• Uncle Chris Tobin’s (Dharug Elder) yarn and Q&A on “How humans lived”

Market and Food Trucks

Pick up something unique at the First Nations market stalls and enjoy the delicious food offerings from the food vendors on site.

This event is part of National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June 2024), a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. 

The full program of events with timings will be announced soon. Sign up to our newsletter to stay up to date. 

For more information about our Warami program and events, including National Sorry Day and Burramatta NAIDOC, visit here.

This event is proudly funded by the NSW Government in association with City of Parramatta Council.

The Outdoor Cinema at Stories Under the Stars is proudly supported by Optus.