A record 335,000 people poured into the heart of Parramatta for the city’s flagship festival, transforming its streets and laneways into a buzzing celebration of food, music and art over four nights.
The free festival, now the city’s biggest ever, featured more than 200 performers, 80 food stalls and 10 stages across 21 sites. Visitors explored everything from giant artworks and interactive installations to street performances and global cuisines that filled the air with a mix of aromas and beats.
Among the crowd favourites was Parramatta’s first-ever Boodle Fight, where diners shared a traditional Filipino-style feast served on banana leaves. Aerial performers suspended from sandstone pillars in Parramatta Square turned heads, while the Eat Street Car Park hosted a multi-level takeover of food, music and art. Beatdisc Lane, a new addition this year, marked 30 years of Beatdisc Records, paying tribute to local musicians and vinyl culture.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Martin Zaiter said the success of the festival reflects the city’s growing reputation as a cultural hub.
“Parramatta continues to attract talent from all over the world—from New York TikTok sensation Ocky Way and musicians hailing from the UK, USA, China and New Zealand at Lanes to Diljit Dosanjh’s concert—we’re making our City the home of arts, entertainment and culture,” Cr Zaiter said.
“This was our biggest ever Lanes, with something for everyone to discover and enjoy. Parramatta Lanes is growing every year and we’re proud to showcase the best of Western Sydney and beyond, celebrating our diversity and rich culture with all the wonderful food and performances.”
This year’s program highlighted Western Sydney’s diverse communities with themed zones across the CBD, including a Latin quarter, First Nations hip hop performances, an Africultures night, Korean KPOP acts, a Mediterranean Terraza Aperol bar, Middle Eastern Lane, a vibrant Diwali installation and even Mexican Lucha Libre wrestling.
Running late into the night from Wednesday 22 to Sunday 26 October, the festival once again proved why Parramatta Lanes has become one of Sydney’s most anticipated annual events.
For upcoming events in Parramatta, visit atparramatta.com/whats-on.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
