Originating a short three years ago, Mode Festival has grown over the years into an internationally recognised showcase of the best in electronic music and visual art. Mode Festival is a one-day celebration of music, art, and culture set in the grand confines of Cockatoo Island (Wareamah). Designed to engage and inspire creativity the festival held annually brings together a diverse lineup of forward-thinking artists, musicians and attendees, offering a truly unique experience that pushes the boundaries of sound, art and underground culture.

From live performances and interactive installations to thought-provoking panels and immersive experiences, Mode Festival showcases the intersection of creativity and innovation. Whether you're a music enthusiast, an art lover, or just wanting to explore the best of Sydney, Mode Festival offers something for everyone.

The Sydney edition of the festival features 5 stages - 3 of which are indoors, within the industrial precinct, and 2 open-air stages.

History of Cockatoo Island

For more than 65,000 years prior to European settlement Wareamah was a site of immense cultural significance for the Wallumedegal, Wangal, Cammeraygal and Gadigal people comprising the Eora Nation. Wareamah translates to ‘Women’s Place’ as the island was traditionally used by women in cultural ceremonies and for birthing.

The physical signs of the Eora's connection to Cockatoo Island were destroyed over time, likely commencing in 1839 when the Governor of New South Wales, chose Cockatoo Island as the site of a new penal establishment. Over time, industrial waste and the continual disturbance of the environment eroded any physical evidence of First Nations Peoples stewardship or culture on the island.

In more recent history, Wareamah has become a site of the First Nation’s struggle against the damages of colonisation. In 2000, a branch of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy set up a camp for four months on the island to gain back Native Title over the island due to its cultural significance.

Although this group was unsuccessful in reclaiming their rightful ownership of the island, physical evidence of Indigenous culture was once again restored to the Island through murals depicting the Aboriginal Flag and native animals. Since then, Wareamah has become a site of reconciliation, managed by the Harbour Trust with consultation from the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council.

We feel immensely grateful for the ongoing support of the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council to use the space for Mode Festival.