Epic Summer Events
With warmer weather and festive spirits, Parramatta is abuzz with exciting events all summer.
With warmer weather and festive spirits, Parramatta is abuzz with excitement this summer. Don't miss this opportunity to rediscover the heart of Sydney - an urban oasis that has everything you need to have an unforgettable summer by attending the season's best events and festivals.
Sydney Festival
5-28 January, Parramatta
Parramatta has the goods this summer, from rock'n'roll musicals to free music picnics to immersive food/theatre experiences. Whether you're exploring the west for the first time or enjoying great art on your doorstep, there is something for everyone. Catch a show at Riverside Theatres, like the fabulously funny music comedy Bananaland by Kate Miller-Heidke. Check out the website for the full program and to buy tickets.
Sydney Symphony Under the Stars
20 January, The Crescent, Parramatta Park
The starlit FREE summer concert you love is back with a soaring new program to lift this park picnic into the stratosphere. Enjoy original works featuring the didgeridoo magic of William Barton, joined by Aunty Delmae Barton, Véronique Serret and Iva Davies AM, and the transportive sitar playing of Anoushka Shankar. All in collaboration with Sydney Symphony Orchestra and guest conductor Benjamin Northey, who will bring it home with traditional classics and a big sparkly bang.
Balloon Glow
25 January, Cattle Paddock, Parramatta Park
This FREE event features a mesmerizing hot air balloon illumination, synchronized to a captivating music composition. Immerse yourself in the glow while enjoying live music, family-friendly activities, and delicious bites from food trucks. It's an evening of enchantment under the stars – don't miss out!
Hot Air Balloons and Breakfast
26 January, Cattle Paddock, Parramatta Park
Rise and shine for an early morning affair featuring tethered hot air balloon rides, aromatic coffee, BBQ treats, and family fun! General entry is FREE but sky's the limit with our Balloon Ballot system. The Balloon Ballot opens on Thursday, January 4, 2024, and closes on Tuesday, January 9, 2024. Snag your tickets at just $10 per person, with a maximum of four tickets per transaction if you’re selected. Don't miss this high-flying adventure – secure your spot for a morning filled with excitement and stunning views!
Lunar New Year
10 February, Parramatta Square and Centenary Square
Parramatta will come alive with the vibrant spirit of the Lunar New Year – the Year of the Dragon! Join us for a FREE, family-friendly event, a celebration that transcends cultures and unites communities. Indulge your taste buds at the delicious Street Food Market and feel the rhythmic pulse of the Lion and Dragon dancing, a mesmerizing display of tradition and skill that adds a touch of magic to the festivities. And from January 31 to February 18, Parramatta Square will also feature an awe-inspiring Dragon art installation by Amigo & Amigo.
Jammin Festival
3 – 4 February 2024, Parramatta Park
Get ready to groove at Australia's largest reggae music festival – Jammin! This epic two-day reggae extravaganza boasts an absolutely jammin' lineup featuring some of the biggest names in reggae from across the country and the globe. Parramatta Park will come alive with the rhythmic beats of Sean Paul, UB40, Shaggy, and more this summer. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the ultimate reggae experience at Jammin Festival!
Souled Out Fest
22 March 2024, Parramatta Park
Australia's first and only music festival dedicated to modern R&B coming to Parramatta. Presented by Whatslively. The lineup is stacked with R&B favourites spanning the different sub-cultures of the
genre, like new neo-soul star Smino, Afrobeats-R&B newcomer Libianca, Soul R&B singer-songwriter Thuy, and industry staple Tinashe among many others.
