Parramatta’s streets, laneways and public spaces will come alive with bold creativity this spring as Parramatta Lanes returns with a spectacular program of large-scale public art, immersive installations, interactive experiences and contemporary performances.
The iconic free festival, set to be held from 21-24 October, will transform the Parramatta CBD into a cultural playground with inflatable installations including PurseZilla by Benjamin Akuila inviting audiences through an illuminated sculpture inspired by culture, identity and community and Mechelle Bounpraseuth’s giant creations of everyday food items.
Visitors can also experience immersive installations and interactive performances throughout the four-day festival including, Samuel Kim and Lawrence Liang’s OURO and Rosie Deacon’s colourful The Great Putty Pop-Up: Art Mini Golf.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Martin Zaiter said Parramatta Lanes continues to spotlight the City’s role as Western Sydney’s cultural capital.
“Parramatta Lanes is one of the best ways to explore our City after dark and this year’s program features bold new commissions plus never-seen-before artwork that invite people to explore and experience art in unexpected ways,” Cr Zaiter said.
“We’re expecting 400,000 visitors this year and have elevated our program to bring world-class arts and performances to the heart of Parramatta with more than 500 artists and 70 vendors across 21 sites.
“As Australia’s next global City, Parramatta is investing in culture and creativity as key drivers of our future, and Parramatta Lanes showcases the very best of our city’s energy, diversity and artistic talent.”
This year’s program also features Sound Off presented by Low and Slow Brisbane and New Zealand curator Edith Amituanai, introducing the dynamic Pasifika siren and sound subculture to Western Sydney, Snuff Puppets’ Human Body Organs, a giant roaming performance spectacle and Marian Abboud’s large-scale car installation performance piece driving community connections through volunteers and conversations with a twist.
Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said: “Parramatta Lanes brings out the best in our city. It is a great opportunity to showcase artists and creatives and share their stories of Western Sydney.”
“As the cultural capital of Western Sydney, Parramatta Lanes provides an opportunity to share culture, originality and talent.”
“The Minns Labor Government is proud to continue this important funding for the arts in Western Sydney that gives creatives the platform and exposure they deserve.”
The arts program will sit alongside Parramatta Lanes’ popular food, music and entertainment offerings, creating a city-wide celebration with a full program to be released next month online atparramatta.com.
The Parramatta Lanes 2026 art program is proudly funded City of Parramatta and Create NSW’s 4-year Multi-year Funding Program.
