The soundtrack of Parramatta is about to get louder, bolder and proudly local. This June, the city will come alive with a celebration that taps into the raw energy of Western Sydney’s musicians, rising student stars and dancefloor dominators in a crowd-powered DJ battle that’s already creating a buzz.
On Saturday 21 June, Parramatta Square will transform into a live stage where genres mingle and generations connect. Starting at 1pm, the Western Sydney Music Academy will take over with a showcase that moves through rock riffs, jazz rhythms and the familiar acoustic warmth of folk. These aren’t your average music students—this is a new generation of talent from the west, refining their craft and stepping into the spotlight in front of an ever-growing local audience.
Once the student performers take their final bows, Full Circle is ready to bring the heat. From 3pm to 7pm, this Western Sydney collective will roll out a line-up of hip-hop, R&B and soul acts that reflect the rich mix of cultures and voices in the region. With artists who’ve grown up on the beats of the west and are now giving it their own twist, the stage becomes less of a performance space and more of a gathering place for creative expression and street-smart storytelling.
And it doesn’t end when the sun goes down. From 7pm, the action shifts to The Crown Hotel, where Red Bull is hosting the official Make Music Day after party—Red Bull Turn It Up. Expect a rapid-fire mix of energy, talent and serious crowd participation as four DJ crews go head-to-head. This is no sleepy pub gig; each crew will be spinning on the fly, pushing their boundaries and leaving it to the audience to crown the night’s best. This isn’t just about beats per minute—it’s about creating a vibe strong enough to get the room moving and keep it moving until the clock strikes eleven.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Martin Zaiter believes Make Music Day is more than a global nod to melody and rhythm—it’s a chance for communities to show what they’re made of. “Parramatta is becoming an epicentre of arts and culture,” he says. “From young stars developing their skills to emerging artists redefining the Australian music scene, there is no shortage of talent in Western Sydney.”
He also pointed to the city’s expanding infrastructure, such as the redevelopment of Riverside Theatres and the near-complete Powerhouse Parramatta, as a sign that music and art are no longer fringe events, but part of the city’s fabric. “The opportunities for arts and culture in Parramatta are endless,” Zaiter said. “This Make Music Day is about giving Western Sydney talent a platform to show off their skills with the rest of Greater Sydney and the world here in our growing global City.”
Parramatta’s music community knows how to turn a casual gig into something bigger. The Full Circle crew, for instance, is made up of artists who’ve played underground venues, community stages and festival pop-ups, and whose work reflects the sounds and stories of the suburbs they come from. Their presence at Make Music Day adds not just name recognition, but a level of authenticity to the line-up that resonates well beyond Parramatta Square.
The Western Sydney Music Academy showcase, meanwhile, is a clear signal of the city’s commitment to nurturing musical talent from the ground up. These students aren’t just learning how to play—they’re learning how to perform, how to engage an audience and how to collaborate across styles. For many, Make Music Day could be their first time playing in front of such a large, public audience, making it a milestone in their journey from classroom to centre stage.
Red Bull’s after party is the final boost in a day that builds on momentum and thrives on audience energy. DJ crews won’t be taking any shortcuts here—the competition format means they’ll need to read the room, adapt quickly, and give the crowd a reason to cheer them on. It’s the kind of challenge that pushes even experienced DJs to try something new. It’s also one of the few events where the audience gets to call the shots, choosing the winner not by technical skill alone but by who brings the most buzz.
Make Music Day began in France back in 1982 under the name Fête de la Musique, with a vision to get everyone involved in music—regardless of background, genre or experience. That ethos has grown into a global celebration with events in over 750 cities across 120 countries. The spirit behind it is simple: music is for everyone, and everyone should have a chance to play, listen or dance along. Parramatta’s version of Make Music Day keeps that original energy alive, while also putting a uniquely local stamp on it.
With three events across one day and something for every age group, the 21st of June promises to be a standout date on Parramatta’s cultural calendar. Whether you’re there to cheer on student musicians, vibe with the Full Circle crew, or throw your hands up at The Crown Hotel DJ battle, the focus is squarely on shared experiences and the kind of unfiltered energy that only live music can bring.
Entry to the Parramatta Square events is free and open to all ages, making it easy for families, friends and curious passers-by to join in. The Red Bull Turn It Up after party is also free, but ticketed—and restricted to those 18 and over—so planning ahead is a must if you want to catch the late-night battle.
From the grassroots to the main stage, Parramatta’s Make Music Day is building something that feels fresh, inclusive and undeniably loud. It’s a reminder that you don’t need a major festival budget or international headliners to have a good time—you just need a mic, a crowd and a reason to turn it up.
Event Details – Make Music Day 2025
🕐 Western Sydney Music Academy Showcase
1–3pm, Parramatta Square
Free, all ages
🎤 Full Circle Presents Solly and Crew
3–7pm, Parramatta Square
Free, all ages
🎧 Red Bull Turn It Up – DJ Battle
7–11pm, The Crown Hotel, Parramatta
Free, 18+ only (tickets required)
For updates and ticket info: atparramatta.com
Let the music speak for itself—and maybe bring your dancing shoes.
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