Parramatta, host city for SOUND WEST, is a hub for creativity and innovation
As the host of SOUND WEST, Parramatta is proud to welcome visitors to a city that fosters innovation, experimentation and a strong sense of community.
As the host of SOUND WEST, Parramatta is proud to welcome visitors to a city that fosters innovation, experimentation and a strong sense of community. With an eclectic mix of cultures, a vibrant food and arts scene, and world-class hotels and venues in the centre of global Sydney, Parramatta is the perfect home for this cutting-edge event.
Parramatta has a long history of creating and hosting much-loved events, from the Parramatta Lanes Festival to Parramasala, and also fostering a vibrant local music scene.
Parramatta is home to 5.8 per cent of NSW’s creative industries workforce, and a growing creative industries ecosystem.
New development
Parramatta is in the process of transforming into a global arts and culture precinct with the new Powerhouse Precinct development and the redevelopment of the Riverside Theatres, as well as a thriving smaller arts & culture scene.
Parramatta’s Riverside Theatres is set to receive a renovation in the tens of millions of dollars. This will be funded through the sale of the Parramatta Riverbank carpark site to the NSW Government for the Museum of Applied Arts & Science (MAAS). The much-loved but aged theatres will be an important part of the revitalised arts and culture precinct in Parramatta.
The City of Parramatta has recently seen a renewed focus on the Night-Time Economy (NTE) in the Parramatta area. The COVID pandemic stalled many of the previous NTE initiatives, but as the impact lessens, the focus is now firmly on encouraging Parramatta residents and visitors to enjoy Parramatta’s nightlife.
Live music & entertainment
Large-scale concerts at CommBank stadium, festivals happening across the city as well as a thriving live music scene all make up why so many people across Sydney travel to the area to be entertained.
The Albion Hotel
Located on George Street, the Albion is a mainstay of the Parramatta live music scene, with a beer garden that hosts laid-back DJ Sunday Sessions. Albion Fridays feature the best RNB, Hip-Hop and house DJs take over the Albion Club & Courtyard. On Saturdays enjoy party tunes in the lounge and the best NRG in the beer garden.
Alex & Co.
Alex & Co. is a popular bar and restaurant located in the heart of Parramatta on Church Street overlooking the river. Every night a live DJ starts at 7 pm, and Thursday and Friday nights feature RNB 90s.
Commercial Hotel
Just across from the train and bus interchanged, the Commercial Hotel is a popular drinking spot thanks to the live music every Friday night. The Hotel also hosts live Jazz twice a month on Sundays from 6 pm.
Butter
Butter, located on Macquarie Street is Parramatta’s home of hip hop. It’s easy to spot with its distinctive shopfront with a floor-to-ceiling display of sneakers. Deliberately breaking the mould, its four pillars are Fried Chicken, Hip Hop, Champagne & Sneakers. Butter regularly hosts live music events that celebrate Western Sydney’s local hip hop and R&B talent.
Riverside Theatres
Parramatta’s iconic Riverside Theatres play an important role in building a diverse, thriving local city culture including theatres and live music. The theatres connect artists with audiences, attract talent and industry and support education and innovation. This contributes to the city’s liveliness, vibrancy and economic activity while facilitating authentic community dialogue and interaction.
Parramatta Artists’ Studios
Parramatta Artists’ Studios (PAS) is a contemporary and collaborative art space that offers a unique and innovative program of public open days, studio tours, artist talks and creative workshops.
By supporting artists to take risks, share studio conversations and processes, they work to establish or build on peer and professional communities. PAS believes in empowering and equipping artists to build thriving and sustainable creative lives.
Since opening in 2006, PAS has supported hundreds of artists and has a growing community of alumni who are at the forefront of contemporary artistic practice in Australia. Through supported studio facilities in Parramatta and Rydalmere, PAS offers subsidised studio tenancy programs, career development programs, residency programs and community-connected programs.
What’s coming up in Parramatta – Eats, Beats & Art at Parramatta Lanes
What’s coming up in Parramatta – Eats, Beats & Art at Parramatta Lanes
If you’ve loved your time in Parramatta at SOUND WEST, be sure to add Parramatta Lanes to your calendar this 12-15 October.
Parramatta Lanes is one of Sydney’s biggest annual food, music and art festivals. The City of Parramatta’s laneways light up with beats, eats and art, bringing together people from all walks of life to inspire creativity, celebrate Parramatta’s unique culture and nourish the soul.
