Exploring Clancestry: Free Workshops & the GATHAA First Nations Markets
🌿 About Clancestry
Clancestry is one of Brisbane's most vibrant celebrations of First Nations arts, culture and storytelling, bringing together performances, workshops, exhibitions and community experiences across the festival. This year, it runs from 30 July to 8 August 2026 at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) in South Brisbane.We spent the day exploring the GATHAA First Nations Markets, meeting talented Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and makers before taking part in some of the festival's fantastic free creative workshops. It was a relaxed and welcoming day filled with opportunities to learn, create and support Indigenous-owned businesses, making it a wonderful outing for people of all ages and abilities. Best of all, everything we attended was free!
🛍️ GATHAA First Nations Markets
The markets featured a variety of handmade arts and crafts, homewares, clothing and accessories, jewellery, food and sweet treats. We found them to be a wonderful opportunity to support local Indigenous-owned businesses while meeting the talented creators and hearing their stories.We did feel there could have been even more stalls, particularly those showcasing artwork, food and edible treats. It didn't take very long to browse the entire market, and we would have loved to see more. An Indigenous food truck would have been amazing too, especially one serving traditional foods. I'm yet to find one!
🎨 Free Creative Workshops
My favourite part of the day was the free workshops! We attended both the Native Floral Workshop and the weaving class.You'll need to line up early, as these workshops filled up quickly. Each session ran for approximately one to two hours, and participants were free to leave whenever they were ready. It was lovely not being rushed, allowing everyone to enjoy the creative process, the atmosphere and the sense of community.
The Native Floral Workshop was hosted by Nadine McDonald-Dowd of Blak Botanics. This free hands-on workshop invited us to slow down, connect with Country and explore the beauty of Australia's native flora. Using sustainably sourced botanicals, we created our own unique floral arrangements.
I was so impressed with everyone's creations!
It took me a little while to get the hang of it, but once I did, away I went! We learnt how to weave a simple bracelet, with a great variety of colours to choose from. It's definitely something I'd love to do again, and I'd also love to learn how to weave a basket in the future.
🖤💛❤️ Our Thoughts ❤️💛🖤
10/10 – we'd absolutely go again!The festival atmosphere was family-friendly, welcoming and full of positive energy. It was also a beautiful winter's day in Brisbane, making it the perfect setting to spend time outdoors.
The staff, artists, stallholders and performers were all friendly, approachable and happy to chat. Being able to enjoy such a wonderful day celebrating First Nations culture, creativity and community—completely free—was something we genuinely appreciated.
Accessibility Information
🎟️ Cost
Free!
🗓️ When
July 30 - August 8, 2026.
📍 Where
(The markets are held in the cultural forecourt)
♿ Companion Card
Not required as this was a free event.
😊 Customer Service
Amazing! Everyone was friendly, helpful and approachable.
🧑🦽 Wheelchair Access
The markets were wheelchair accessible, with ramp access available throughout the area.
🚗 Parking & Transport
There was paid parking at QPAC. Check out their website for parking and public transport information before visiting.
🔒 Security
As a daytime, family-friendly event, we felt safe and comfortable throughout our visit. Security staff were present.
🐾 Pet Policy
Pets are not permitted within the Festival Ground or markets. Accredited assistance animals are welcome.
🧘 Quiet Spaces
There are plenty of quiet areas where you can relax away from the crowds, sit by the river, or wander over to Southbank.
🍔 Food Options
There were approximately five to six food trucks with reasonable queues and waiting times. There are also plenty of cafés and restaurants around QPAC and South Bank.
👥 Crowds
We never felt crowded during our visit. There were plenty of grassy areas to sit and enjoy the performances, and the markets were easy to browse without feeling rushed or having to wait for people to move along.
Information correct at the time of the event on 1 August 2026.
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