Some people lock in their New Year’s plans months ahead. Others prefer to leave things to chance. If that sounds like you, and you’re still undecided, don’t stress. Parramatta has you covered with a massive New Year’s Eve Celebration that you can just rock up to. The best part? It’s completely free (and no pre-bookings are required). From 5pm to 9.30pm, watch Parramatta Park come alive with three live music stages, a drone show, fireworks, food trucks, rides and plenty more.
Auslan interpretation will be available at all three stages, ensuring that the event is accessible and inclusive for everyone. If you’re keen to catch the performances at The Crescent Stage, you’ll just need a wristband. These are free and available to collect from 1pm at the wristband tent near The Crescent Stage. It’s first-come, first-served (up to five per person). All other areas are open without wristbands.
Here are the Parramatta NYE happenings on our must-do list:
Run, don’t walk – this is your chance to hear one of Australia’s most iconic singer-songwriter’s perform soulful and pop hits like ‘Burn’, ‘Pop a Bottle (Fill Me Up)’ and ‘Fallin’’ live and for free. Jessica Mauboy will perform at The Crescent Stage, supported by Nova 96.9, and as mentioned above, wristbands are required for entry.
The party doesn’t stop with Jessica Mauboy. Expect high-energy sets from Furnace and the Fundamentals, family-friendly singalongs with Emma Memma, and genre-bending beats from rising star Nemz, who fuses Middle Eastern-inspired sounds with global club vibes. There will also be performances by Vv Pete, Lamira, Temgazi, Soggy Weetbix, Carolina Gasolina, DJ Abbi Deva Selliah, Breakfast Road, Chunky DJ, My First Rave, and TG5. From pop and hip-hop, Parramatta Park will be pulsing with music all night.
New Year's Eve with the family may look a little different to the rowdy party days, but it doesn’t have to be low-key. Head to The Fun Zone for classic rides like spinning cups, giant slides and bumper cars, plus a video gaming bus and beats from Sunny Bins DJ. Don’t miss the Family Stage headlined by Emma Memma – the little ones will never forgive you if you do.
Imagine hundreds of illuminated drones painting the night sky with swirling formations, vibrant colours and patterns – all choreographed to music. Touted as the new-and-improved version of fireworks, the breathtaking show kicks off at 8:55pm and can only be viewed from the Paddock Stage area.
NYE is all about indulging. Fuel your festivities with more than 30 food vendors serving global flavours, from Asian street eats to Middle Eastern delights. Feeling festive? Head to the pop-up bars and check out Terrazza Aperol, a Mediterranean-inspired oasis serving refreshing spritzes and good vibes. Please remember to drinkwise.
Drone shows might be the latest trend, but nothing compares to the timeless magic of fireworks. Let’s be honest, New Year’s just isn’t complete without them. There’s something about the thunderous booms and bursts of colour lighting up the sky that we look forward to year after year. And Parramatta’s display promises to be a goodie. Just find a spot, sit back and soak it all in until next year rolls around.
Head over to atparramatta.com/nye for all the details.