Five reasons you don’t want to miss Parramatta Lanes in 2023

Find your vibe at one of Parramatta Lanes’ eight pop-up stages with diverse performances from more than 120 musical acts. From Bollywood tunes to Afrobeats and K-pop, these sounds celebrate the diverse cultures that make up the Parramatta community. Hear local house boppers like rap group the 046, punk trio Shady Nasty, indie pop singer-songwriter Carla Whehbe and a live set from one of Sydney’s longest-running community radio stations 2Ser. Other names to look out for include Indigenous rapper Kootsie Don and guitarist, singer and composer Moussa Diakite, whose tunes are inspired by the ‘Wassoulou’ style of music from his hometown Mali, fused with elements of Malian, Congolese, highlife, Afrobeat, Cuban, blues and jazz.

The dazzling art installations and exhibitions at Parramatta Lanes are also set to impress. Immerse your senses in a fascinating lighting installation of giant bubbles by Atelier Sisu, make friends with an AI robot, and discover local works dotted throughout the bustling and vibrant laneways. For a showstopping picture, pose next to the giant head with jellyfish exploding from the top by Lawrence Liang.

If you’ve been holding out for the dinner deets, it’s well worth the wait. The festival menu is huge and diverse, with more than 40 food truck regulars like May’s Malaysian Hawker, Burger Head and Mr Wang’s Dumplings, plus a host of local favourites. Parramatta has a stellar reputation for its multicultural food offerings, and the festival will deliver everything from mochi donuts and Japanese pizza (okonomiyaki) to vegan soul food and charcoal-grilled wagyu skewers. A handful of bars will also pop up at the festival including Archie Rose Distilling Co, Bar 30 and Karu Distillery. You can kickstart or round out the night here with classic cocktails, craft beers and infused spirits.  

With an electrifying line-up of entertainment each night and countless cuisines to sample, one night at Parramatta Lanes just won’t be enough. Fully soak up the atmosphere by enjoying the festival over multiple evenings. Local hotels are making it easy for you to stay and play in the heart of Parramatta during the festival with awesome room deals. You can score 20 per cent off the best flexible rate at Skye Suites, ten per cent off stays and buffet breakfast at Parkroyal, and ten per cent off room rates at Holiday Inn.

Beyond the beats, eats and artistic treats, Parramatta has earned a reputation for its knack to delight and surprise. You’ll find quirky activations across all corners of the CBD including a funky vintage record fair, a peaceful riverside pop-up café, and silent cinema for both pooches and their pals. Movers and shakers can also get around the brand new rooftop car park, which will be transformed with a main stage, bar and dining options.