The Canadian multi-disciplinary event will involve music, dance, visual arts, film and performance art and visitors will be actively encouraged to join in by organisers who tell newcomers to bring comfortable shoes.
Planet IndigenUs is expected to attract more than 350 artists from countries including New Zealand and Australia aiming to demolish traditional notions about indigenous culture.
Organisers say it will "ignite your imagination and challenge your thinking".
The festival will take place over two weekends, August 14th to 16th and August 21st to 23rd and will be held in various venues around the city.
The first weekend is entitled Inspired by the World while the second is themed around Giving to the World.
Tonight's opening show will begin with a formal ceremony paying respect to Canada's native inhabitants, followed by a piece devised by award-winning artistic director Santee Smith.
Downunder - try us out for the best in
Gap Year Travel Insurance.
