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 March 17 to April 23, 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,” City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Donna Davis said.
“This year, we’ve expanded the program to make it bigger and better, and we can’t wait to share it with you. You can skate, play, eat, sing, dance and be entertained. It’s an autumn event series for everyone.
“Parramatta Nights is the perfect way to reinvigorate our City, support our local businesses and the creative arts industry, which have all taken a hit over the past two years.”
Parramatta’s autumn event series runs over six weeks and all events will be delivered in line with public health orders.
Jazz After Dark
Parramatta Square – Thursday–Sunday, 17–27 March
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
Phillip Street and surrounds – 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. Pop-up bars, food stalls, and a host of art installations and roving performers can also be found throughout the precinct.
Sydney Symphony Under the Stars
The Crescent, Parramatta Park – 26 March
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.
Sydney Symphony Under the Stars is presented by Sydney Festival in partnership with Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Greater Sydney Parklands.
Rock in the Park
The Crescent, Parramatta Park – 27 March
Australia’s best rock acts, including legendary singer and songwriter Jon Stevens, rock group the Baby Animals, and indie band Kingswood will light up the stage at Parramatta Park for one night only. The evening will kick off with the Australian Rock Collective (ARC) – which comprises music icons Darren Middleton from Powderfinger, Mark Wilson from Jet, Kram from Spiderbait, and Davey Lane from You Am I – and conclude with a spectacular 10-minute fireworks display. Rock in the Park is presented in partnership with Live Nation and Greater Sydney Parklands.
Please note the Rock in the Park line-up was originally scheduled for the Summer Sessions concert series in January. Anyone who previously purchased tickets will automatically be advised by Moshtix on how they may obtain a full refund (including booking and transaction fees).
Ngana Birrung
University of New England Car Park, Erby Place – 3 April
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.
Skate and Play
Prince Alfred Square – 8–23 April
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. Don’t miss the larger-than-life immersive inflatable installation ‘Lost Dogs Disco’ by ENESS, which is making its Sydney debut.
Jazz After Dark and the Parramatta Nights Street Festival is proudly funded by the NSW Government’s The Festival of Place in association with City of Parramatta Council.
For more information, visit www.atparramatta.com/parramatta-nights
