Parramatta celebrates its long history with Foundation Festival

History buffs, local residents and visitors are invited to celebrate Parramatta’s rich cultural heritage at the City of Parramatta’s Foundation Festival, from 31 October until 3 November.

An extension of previous Foundation Day events, the inaugural Foundation Festival will take place over three days and across 10 historically significant locations in the Parramatta area.

“Foundation Festival is a great opportunity for both locals and visitors to learn about and celebrate Parramatta’s rich heritage,” City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Bob Dwyer said.

“Parramatta has many incredible stories to tell. This festival highlights a small selection of these unique tales, enabling the current generations to get an eye-opening glimpse into the past." 

Kicking off on Halloween night (Thursday 31 October), the first event on the festival program is a Halloween Ghost Tour at Old Government House, Parramatta Park. Participants will explore the 214-year-old Georgian mansion by candlelight and hear about ghostly encounters experienced there.

On Friday 1 November, visitors can learn from a traditional custodian about the Darug people’s connection to the land by taking the Warami Mittigar Aboriginal Twilight Cultural Walk. They can also examine the story behind renowned historical figure John Macarthur through a theatrical re-enactment at Hambledon Cottage.

There are a number of different events being held on Saturday 2 November, including a guided tour of Parramatta’s cemeteries; Brislington Medical and Nursing Museum Open Day and Garden Party; Elizabeth Farm museum experience; Mrs Macquarie’s Picnic at Old Government House; and more.

The Foundation Day event will be held in the North Parramatta Heritage Precinct on Sunday 3 November, from 10am-4pm. There will be plenty of activities suitable for the whole family including heritage tours, horse and cart rides, art and craft workshops, live music, market stalls, and a selection of food offerings. Kids will also have the chance to meet awesome prehistoric creatures and discover the science of paleontology with Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo.

Foundation Day is a free event for all, however, some other Foundation Festival events are ticketed and require pre-booking online.

For information on ticket prices, booking details and to see the full program, visit Discover Parramatta.