Parramatta Lanes returns with beats, eats, and art

The Parramatta CBD will be transformed with food, music, theatrical performances, and art installations when the award-winning 2019 Parramatta Lanes festival returns from 15-18 October.

Over four huge nights, 14 laneways across the City will come alive with more than 45 food stalls, six bars, and an incredible program of live music acts and commissioned art installations.

“Parramatta Lanes brings the community together for a huge celebration of food and culture,” City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Andrew Wilson said.

“We are now in our eighth year and are expecting more than 100,000 people from across Sydney to come along and experience this amazing event. The festival’s large and diverse program means that there is something for everyone spread across hidden laneways and pocket parks in our CBD.”

EATS

The food offerings span across many cultures, including Southeast Asian, Indian, Middle Eastern, French and Italian, and other popular restaurants, such as Butter, Monkey’s Corner, Berlin Bangers, Chophouse, and Jamaican Delight will be taking part. Visitors with a sweet tooth will find plenty to satisfy their cravings. Koi Desserts will be creating a signature Parramatta Lanes dessert, which is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, while the Bearded Bakers will also be bringing their unique Middle Eastern dish to Parramatta Lanes.

On the grounds of the historic Willow Grove property, visitors can try a range of cheeses, cured meats and wine, as they listen to soothing jazz sounds. Nearby, the Riverbank will be turned into ‘Little India’, featuring an array of vibrant colours, spicy aromas, rich flavours, and Bollywood beats.

BEATS

The music line-up at Parramatta Lanes will be as eclectic as the food, with everything from K-pop and Bollywood, to 90s tunes and future jazz. The line–up of artists includes Midnight Pool Party, Mariam Sawires, Esme, Fishing DJs, FBI live broadcast with Slim Set, Free Souls, Spvrrow, Soul of Sydney, Andy Trieu and more. The University of New England Parramatta campus on Church Street will be mounting a festival program to remember, as they fuse technology with music, art with science, and food with fun.

ART

Festival-goers will also have the opportunity to tour the Parramatta Artists’ Studios (68 Macquarie Street) and immerse themselves in a specially commissioned multi-sensory experience created by resident studio artist Louise Zhang.

Other art installations include a mesmerising creation by Amigo and Amigo in collaboration with students from Parramatta Marist High School, highlighting the impact of man-made waste on our oceans. Nick Anthanasiou from Skunk Control will light up the Roxy Walk with 25 large illuminated flowers that represent Parramatta.

Those wanting to test out their own creative flair can do so in a studio workshop on sustainable jewellery led by Emma Grace.

PLAY

It will be game on when the Eat Street carpark rooftop is transformed into an “Old Skool Party” complete with Rave Bingo from Bingo Loco, as well as a human-sized Pacman Maze. Don’t miss it!

To see the full program visit the Parramatta Lanes website. 

High-res imagery and video available for download.

Parramatta Lanes Tuesday 15 October to Thursday 17 October, 5–10pm Friday 18 October, 5–10.30pm