Midwinter Festival

Saturday 4 – Saturday 18 July | 10am – 9pm

As winter sets in, Parramatta comes alive with warmth, fire and shared moments.

Image Credit: Destination NSW

Midwinter Festival turns Parramatta Square into a lively winter destination, inviting everyone to explore buzzing daytime experiences and stay on as the sun sets for cosy evenings around firepits, food and entertainment. Running day to night for two weeks in July, Midwinter brings people together to gather, explore and experience Parramatta in a new and memorable way. 

A planetarium display shows a vivid image of Jupiter and its moon against a starry backdrop. Empty theater seats in the foreground add to the immersive feel.

360° Dome Cinema

Step inside the awe-inspiring 360 degree cinematic dome sphere where immersive films and music led visuals come to life all around you.

  • Star Dreaming: In the arid heartland of Western Australia, Lucia and Max visit the largest science facility ever built by mankind.
  • The Earth Above: A Deep Time View: Australia’s Epic History is a feature-length full-dome planetarium show.
  • The Great Solar System Adventure: One small step was just the beginning. Now, we take one step beyond – driven by curiosity, bound for Mars.
  • One Step Beyond: A Journey to Mars: Experience the thrill of launch, the challenges of life in space, plus the cutting-edge technology of NASA’s Artemis program.
  • Holst's The Planets
  • Pink Floyd - The Dark Side of the Moon: Enjoy breath-taking views of the solar system, played out to 42 minutes of The Dark Side Of The Moon.
  • Ecosphere: Immerse yourself in the wildest places on earth and meet the humans protecting our most precious wildlife.

Explore the Midwinter Festival

Ignite

A large illuminated teepee surrounded by people at night. The structure glows red, creating a warm, festive atmosphere. Families and children gather around it.

Ignite

10am - 9pm, Daily

Grab a buddy to seesaw beneath the towering illuminating sculpture by Amigo & Amigo. The installation is inspired by the communal bonfire, offering warmth and illumination.

Roaming Fire Artists

Fire performers on stage breathe flames under a metal framework, creating a dramatic and intense atmosphere. Audience stands captivated in the background.

Roaming Fire Artists

5pm - 9pm, Thursday - Saturday

Catch the dynamic roving fire performances that fire up Parramatta Square and light up the festival’s after‑dark atmosphere.

Midwinter Markets

A joyful family of four, dressed in cozy winter clothing and hats, selects food from a brightly lit festive market stall. Warm atmosphere.

Midwinter Markets

10am - 9pm, Thursday - Saturday

Wander through seasonal market bites and artisanal offerings, there's something to savour at every turn.

Image Credit: Destination NSW

S'mores & Firepits

Toasting marshmallows over a campfire, with flames and logs in the background. The warm glow creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere.

S'mores & Firepits

5pm - 9pm, Thursday - Saturday

Cosy up by the firepits and indulge in warm, toasted s’mores in the crisp night air.

Live Music

A woman in casual attire stands on a decorated stage inside a vibrantly lit caravan. She is holding a microphone and smiling, conveying a joyful atmosphere.

Live Music

5pm - 9pm, Thursday - Saturday  

Gather around for a live music program of musicians and beats from all corners of the world, presented on the Lolo Gypsy Caravan Stage.

Midwinter Bar

A woman holding a drink laughs with a friend at an outdoor event. They're seated at a round table, surrounded by greenery and modern buildings.

Midwinter Bar

5pm - 9pm, Thursday - Saturday

A winter bar by Karu bringing the heat with hot flaming cocktails, mulled cider and creativity in liquid form.
 

The Soft Forest

A large, glowing puppet resembling a friendly creature with bright, sparkling eyes is surrounded by a crowd. It's dusk, and the scene is festive and lively.

The Soft Forest

Step into a larger-than-life puppetry experience at PHIVE, where giant characters and immersive storytelling captivate all ages. Tickets available soon.

Amusement Rides

Amusement Rides

10am - 9pm, Daily

Take a spin on timeless vintage carousel ride or bounce into sky-high bungee fun.

Artwork Displays

A woman in casual attire stands on a decorated stage inside a vibrantly lit caravan. She is holding a microphone and smiling, conveying a joyful atmosphere.

Artwork Displays

Little artists take centre stage as their Midwinter creations are brought to life in large-scale illuminated art installations.

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