Parramatta’s CBD Reignites with Epic Outdoor Autumn Event Series

Outdoor spaces across the Parramatta CBD will be transformed into buzzing entertainment venues as part of the City of Parramatta’s mammoth outdoor autumn event series, which includes the return of the award-winning Parramatta Nights and family-friendly Skate and Play events. 

Running from 17 March to 23 April, the jam-packed program is set to be the biggest event series in Parramatta since the pandemic began. 

Boasting a smorgasbord of free activities for audiences of all ages, this year’s event program includes the inaugural Parramatta Nights Street Festival, two epic concerts in Parramatta Park, jazz in Parramatta Square, performances by some of Australia’s most renowned First Nations artists, as well as art installations, roving performers and food and beverage offerings. For younger audiences, there will also be a family-friendly Skate and Play event during the school holidays. 

“As restrictions ease, I welcome residents and visitors back to our city to revel in live performances and entertainment as part of our popular Parramatta Nights and Skate and Play events. This year, we’ve expanded the program to make it bigger and better, and we can’t wait to share it with you,” City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Donna Davis said.

Jazz After Dark will take place Thursday-Sunday, 17-27 March in Parramatta Square. Enjoy a series of jazz performances curated by Sydney Improvised Music Association (SIMA) featuring musicians and musical styles from all over the world including Brazilian, African, New Orleans, electronic, contemporary, and traditional. 

Parramatta Nights Street Festival will take place on Phillip Street and surrounds on Friday–Sunday, 18–27 March. Launching for the very first time, Parramatta Nights Street Festival is a multi-venue event with five stages across the CBD offering a variety of electronica, hip-hop, soul, funk and punk music performances, along with collaborations featuring local DJs and radio presenters.

Sydney Symphony Under the Stars will be on 26 March at The Crescent, Parramatta Park.  Led by celebrated conductor Benjamin Northey, the world-class Sydney Symphony Orchestra marks its 90th anniversary with a program ranging from canonical greats like Dvořák and Mozart, to a selection of heart-stirring John Williams film classics from ET to Indiana Jones. All building towards the thunderous finale of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, accompanied by a dazzling splash of fireworks. Free and family friendly, Sydney Symphony Under the Stars is the perfect al-fresco evening out.

Ngana Birrung will be on 3 April at University of New England Car Park Erby Place. Another new addition to Parramatta Nights, Ngana Birrung (Dharug for ‘black stars’) features a stellar line-up of hip-hop, R&B and dance performances by First Nations artists Briggs, Miiesha, JK-47, Soju Gang, and Jannawi Dance Clan.

Finally, entertain the kids these school holidays by taking them for a skate around the outdoor roller-rink in Prince Alfred Square or a spin on the Ferris wheel or other amusement rides at Skate and Play on 8–23 April. Don’t miss the larger-than-life immersive inflatable installation ‘Lost Dogs Disco’ by ENESS, which is making its Sydney debut. 

For more information on Paramatta’s outdoor autumn event series visit https://atparramatta.com/parramatta-nights