Sydney Festival 2020 in Parramatta
By Discover Parramatta
diptych of young woman with Sydney Festival 2020 logo
Every January, the Sydney Festival starts the new year with a bang, transforming the city with a bold cultural celebration based on critical ideas and cutting-edge art and performance. Enjoy one of Australia's largest annual cultural celebrations right here in Parramatta.

Set out on the road trip of a lifetime, celebrate youth & Western Sydney dance culture, dine on a deliciously funny examination of contemporary culture clash, and broaden your musical horizons with these must-see Sydney Festival offerings in Parramatta.
3 photos of food and drinks in a restaurant setting
Special Offers
Check out this month's specials in and around Parramatta and your local neighbourhoods.
Instagrammable Parramatta
There is no shortage of epic locations in and around Parramatta that are perfect for a smartphone shoot. Here are four fab local spots to capture and share.
Night-time Good Times
When the evening is just getting started, you need something a little different to get your all-nighter vibe on. Check out the following venues for some good times at night.
Couple walking through Lake Parramatta
City Bushwalks
Looking for a healthy way to unwind? Escape the frenetic pace of city living with these stellar walks, which will put you in touch with nature and bring you back to yourself.
Boat hire at Lake Parramatta Reserve
Five reasons to visit Lake Parramatta Reserve
Pack up a picnic basket, explore and cool down with a swim at Lake Parramatta Reserve.
Access via Lackey Street, North Parramatta
Boy playing at Ollie Webb water play
Water Play Parks
Spring is here! As the days get warmer, entertain the kids at one of these water play parks in and around Parramatta.
a single-storey colonial cottage with picket fence in Parramatta Park
Parramatta Park
This spectacular, UNESCO World Heritage-listed park provides an idyllic space for the Parramatta and wider community to come together and tells a unique story of Australia's history.
Pitt and Macquarie Streets Parramatta NSW 2150
https://parrapark.com.au/
(02) 9895 7500
Ollie Webb Reserve Entrance
Ollie Webb Reserve
Located just a few minutes from the hustle and bustle of Parramatta's CBD is an all-inclusive play space perfect for play dates or weekend visit.
adult walking along bushland track
Discover Winston Hills and Northmead
Just a short drive from Parramatta CBD, urban explorers can visit vibrant cafes, colourful playgrounds, explore native bushland and winding waterways.
Kicks Tenpin and Arcade
Kicks Tenpin and Arcade
Nothing screams ‘fun for the whole family’ like a good ol’ fashioned game of tenpin bowling, and at Kicks Tenpin & Arcade they’ve got you sorted.
Level 3, 1 Eels Place Parramatta 2150
https://kickstenpin.com.au/
(02) 8833 0701
Barista from Darcy Street Project making coffee
Sustainable Parramatta
There are plenty of ways to explore a city while being kind to the environment. Here’s our green-hearted guide to Parramatta
Colourful Saris in a row
Life and Style
From street markets and independent boutiques to fashionable malls, here’s our locals’ guide to shopping in Parramatta
view of front entrance of Old Government House in Parramatta Park
Old Government House
Discover UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Government House, the oldest surviving public building in Australia right here in Parramatta.
Pitt and Macquarie Streets Parramatta NSW 2150
https://parrapark.com.au/
(02) 9895 7500
Lauren LaRouge at her nail salon
Get Nailed by LaRouge
From burlesque dancer to sought after nail artist, Lauren LaRouge is in Parramatta to stay.
Shop 3, 48-50 George Street Parramatta
http://www.nailedbylarouge.com/
0400 758 525
Group playing trivia in Parramatta
Best of Trivia Nights in Parramatta
Play for the meat tray or play for the fame and glory! Here are five places you can get your trivia on.
Aboriginal Cultural Activity
Six Indigenous Experiences in Parramatta
Learn about Burramatta culture – from Arrunga Bardo garden, where a wealth of bush food grows, to Third Settlement Reserve, where legendary warrior Pemulwuy battled against colonisation.
Beatdisc
Beatdisc Parramatta
Tucked away in a corner of Centenary Square is Western Sydney's only independent record store. We chat to owner Pete Curnovic about Beatdisc in Parramatta's landscape.
Circa Espresso coffee
A Sunday in Parramatta
Because a Sunday well spent brings a week of content.
Discover North Rocks and Carlingford
Chase waterfalls, sink a putt or park yourself under a tree in the neighbourhoods of North Rocks and Carlingford.
Table tennis in Parramatta CBD
24 hours in the Parramatta CBD
Make every minute count with this whirlwind tour of the geographic and demographic heartland of Sydney.
Dapper and doll products
A guide to guy's grooming
Calling all dapper gents: here are the local barbers you need to know.
Tour at Old Government House
11 Parramatta historical experiences
Discover some of the significant pieces of Australian history housed in Parramatta.
Girls laughing Parramatta River
11 outdoor activities to keep the kids entertained
From outdoor adventures, to water action and plenty of hands-on history.
Events at Sydney Olympic Park
Explore Sydney Olympic Park
Not just the home of the 2000 Olympic Games, discover everything Sydney Olympic Park has to offer.
https://www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au
(02) 9714 7888
Cyclist at Parramatta River
On Two Wheels
Whether it's for exercise, getting around or for fun, here are five cycle routes in Parramatta.
Experiment Farm
Experiment Farm Cottage
Discover the story of James Ruse’s transformation from convict to pioneering man of the land, the stuff of Australian legend.
9 Ruse Street Harris Park 2150
https://www.nationaltrust.org.au/places/experiment-farm-cottage/
(02) 9635 5655
Xtend Barre Parramatta
En Pointe: Dance classes to try in Parramatta
These are our favourite dance classes in Parramatta.
Hanging plants in Harris Park
Discover Harris Park
Home to Australia's first private farm, and named after surgeon Dr John Harris, the suburb of Harris Park is now a thriving, dynamic, multicultural hub. Here are a few reasons why you should head to Harris Park.

Dundas water park
Dundas in the neighbourhood
Once a verdant farming valley, then a quarry and, later, home to a buzzing open-air cinema, here are four reasons to explore Dundas.
Kids on a rainy day
Seven fun kids activities rainy day
Come rain, hail or shine, sometimes being outside just doesn’t cut it for family fun. Here's some inspiration to keep the little (and big) tackers entertained.
Ermington markets
Explore Ermington
Discover the laidback, revamped riverside suburb five kilometres west of Parramatta.
Newington Armory
Five reasons to visit Newington Armory
A heritage site and home to a sprawling naval storage depot, discover all there is to do at Newington Armory.
Family Picnic
A picnic in Parramatta
12 perfect parks for a picnic, a BBQ and a play with the kids.
Dogs at Ermington Markets
Off leash: A pet friendly day out
Can’t stand to be separated from your furry friend? Fortunately, with these pet-approved pit stops in Parramatta you don’t have to be.
Wedding bouquet
Go West for the Dress
From dresses to dining, day spas to dance lessons, Parramatta is the bride-to-be’s ultimate pre-wedding day destination.
Elizabeth farm
Elizabeth Farm
A remarkable piece of Australia’s early European history sits modestly among the houses and flats of suburban Parramatta. Elizabeth Farm was the residence of wool pioneer John Macarthur and his family from 1793.
70 Alice Street Rosehill 2142
https://sydneylivingmuseums.com.au/elizabeth-farm
02 9635 9488