Australia Day Celebrations
Get Up & Glow
Join us this Australia Day long weekend for family friendly fun including entertainment, live music and hot air balloons at Parramatta Park.
Weekend of Family Fun
This Australia Day weekend enjoy two very special events in Parramatta: experience the breath taking hot air balloon illumination spectacular on Saturday 25 January, followed by a morning of watching hot air balloons soaring, delicious BBQ food, and family-friendly activities on Sunday 26 January.
Balloon Glow, Australia Day Weekend Sat 25 January
Balloon Breakfast, Australia Day Celebrations Sun 26 January
Enjoy a range of activities across the two events.
- Watch the mesmerising hot air balloons
- Enjoy the live music entertainment program
- The whole family will love the activities, roving entertainers and amusement rides.*
- Grab a delicious meal, refreshing drink or yummy dessert from one of the food trucks.
- Test out your kicking and handball skills at our AFL Skill Zone Inflatable, or try to jump as high as the pros at our Vertical Jump Test. Want to win some prizes? Have a go at guessing how many footies are in the tubs for a chance to win!
*Tickets for amusement rides can be purchased at the event.
These events are held in the beautiful Parramatta Park, a wonderful place to sit and relax, get active, or explore our history.
BBQ Zone
This year BlackBear BBQ, one of the greats of Sydney's American BBQ scene, has partnered with us to present the BBQ Zone.
Scott "Chop" McCoy will have an interactive zone complete with BBQ demos, imparting his knowledge to help you recreate the perfect US-style BBQ at home. Chop will be joined by Carolina Smoke's founder Nick Rogers, who was born and raised in North Carolina and now calls Australia home. Our cooking demonstration stage will feature quick and simple tips and tricks to achieving the perfect BBQ at home - whether that be a quick grill or a low'n'slow style brisket.
Sit, feast and chill in our picnic area to acoustic vibes or spend some time chatting to our BBQ legends.
Activities
Balloon Glow, Australia Day Weekend
Balloon Glow, Australia Day Weekend
Saturday 25 January, 4pm – 9pm
Get ready for a spectacular sight as Balloon Glow takes off in Parramatta Park! This evening event features a stunning hot air balloon illumination display, live music, family activities, delicious food and more. Entry is free!
Balloon Breakfast, Australia Day Celebrations
Balloon Breakfast, Australia Day Celebrations
Sunday 26 January, 6am – 11am
Bring your friends and family to Parramatta Park to see the hot air balloons soaring while enjoying live music and entertainment, activities for the whole family plus yummy BBQ breakfast food. Entry is free.
Hot Air Balloon Ride Ballot
Hot Air Balloon Ride Ballot
Sunday 26 January, 6am – 9am
Soar high above the park in a hot air balloon! Register in the ballot for the chance to buy a ticket for a tethered ballon ride. Ballot registrations open from 10am, Thursday 2 January and close at 5pm, Tuesday 7 January.
Partners and Sponsors
These events are proudly presented by City of Parramatta in partnership with Parramatta Park.
National Australia Day Council - Australia Day is a day to reflect, respect and celebrate.
2Day FM 104.1 is a proud partner of City of Parramatta’s Get Up & Glow, Australia Day events.
PARKROYAL Parramatta is the official accommodation partner for Get Up & Glow, Australia Day events 2025.
The BBQ Zone is presented in partnership with BlackBear BBQ and Carolina Smoke.
