This year's free event will be the largest on-site iteration of the competition since it began in 2015. Twenty two dance groups and more than 350 performers from over 30 nations and clans across Australia will take to the Forecourt in a joyous celebration of First Nations music, dance and culture.

DanceRites will unfold over two days, with heats on Saturday 25 November and the finals live-streamed on Sunday 26 November. Each group will present a Cultural Dance and Song cycle, representing their local storytelling and language, with many also performing an optional ‘Wildcard’ dance to showcase their unique style.