Midwinter Festival
Saturday 4 – Saturday 18 July | 12pm – 9pm
Gather by the flames, settle in for immersive cinema, or wander and discover what draws you in. Visit Thursday - Saturday from first light to evening glow, find something to spark your senses in Parramatta this Midwinter.
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. Visit Thursday–Saturday for the full Midwinter experience — fire, food and live beats.
Step inside the awe-inspiring 360 degree cinematic dome sphere where immersive films and music led visuals come to life all around you.
Featuring award-winning planetarium films and incredible visuals, this immersive program has something for everyone — from The Great Solar System Adventure, perfect for schools and families, to Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon, a breathtaking audio-visual journey.
With films for all ages, explore, imagine and be transported through a spectacular season of cinema unlike anything else.
Step into a dreamlike underground world and meet Fauna, a giant illuminated creature, as you explore through interactive storytelling, light and sensory play.
Children can also create their own puppet in a hands-on workshop, taking home a piece of the magic.
Thursday, 16 July
Join the Parramatta Eels for a fun-filled afternoon at the Midwinter Festival!
Bring the kids along for:
- Action-packed drill stations
- Creative colouring station
- And a chance to meet your favourite Eels NRL and NRLW players (check back here for confirmed appearance times)
Don’t miss this exciting opportunity!
Explore the Midwinter Festival
Ignite
Ignite
12pm - 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
Roaming Fire Artists
5pm - 9pm, Thursday - Saturday
Catch the free dynamic roving fire performances that fire up Parramatta Square and light up the festival’s after‑dark atmosphere.
Midwinter Markets
Midwinter Markets
12pm - 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
S'mores & Firepits
5pm - 9pm, Thursday - Saturday
Cosy up by the firepits and indulge in warm, toasted marshmallow s'mores in the crisp night air.
5pm - 9pm, Thursday - Saturday
Gather around for a free live music program of musicians and beats from all corners of the world, presented on the Lolo Gypsy Caravan Stage.
Midwinter Bar
Midwinter Bar
5pm - 9pm, Thursday - Saturday
A winter bar by Karu Distillery bringing the heat with Hot Buttered Banana Bread Rum, Mulled Gin Cider, Horchata Bubble Tea and more creativity in liquid form.
Active Movement Studio
Active Movement Studio
Kickstart your health and wellness journey with a completely free 10-minute physiotherapy or exercise physiology consultation, perfect for discussing any nagging injuries, chronic conditions, or fitness goals.
Amusement Rides
Amusement Rides
12pm - 9pm, Daily
Take a spin on timeless vintage carousel ride or bounce into sky-high bungee fun.
Artwork Displays
Artwork Displays
Live throughout the festival
Little artists take centre stage as their Midwinter creations are brought to life in large-scale illuminated art installations.
Warm up your winter at Parramatta Square.
This July, dining at Parramatta Square could come with a little extra reward. Walker Corporation is incentivising you to dine for your chance to win one of five $300 Parramatta Square Gift Cards from 4 to 19 July.
But that’s not all. Visit the Winter Rewards stall on 9, 11 and 18 July to claim your share in over $27,000 worth of gifts, including gift cards, merchandise and dining experiences.
Subscribe to Parramatta Square’s mailing list to be in the know.
Eat and Drink at Parramatta Square
Stay cosy with Little Duck's winter range perfect for the cooler months. Crafted with carefully selected ingredients and packed with feel-good benefits, their comforting drinks are the perfect companion this winter.
Available until 31 July
Rivareno Gelato has launched three new premium affogatos, each made-to-order and layered with indulgent flavours. Combining signature gelato, hot espresso, mascarpone cream, and artisanal toppings, these affogato offers a twist on the classic Italian dessert.
Available until 31 August
Celebrate the end of the financial year and receive a $100 LILYMU gift card. Book for a group of 8 or more in June or July and dine in on a banquet to claim this offer.
Available to 31 July
Embrace the season with LILYMU's Winter Set Menu, a thoughtfully curated dining experience that celebrates bold flavours, premium ingredients, and comforting dishes perfect for the cooler months. Think freshly dressed Pacific oysters, signature Hiramasa Kingfish or bite-sized Taiwanese fried chicken sandos
Available until 31 July.
FAQs
Midwinter Festival transforms Parramatta into a vibrant winter destination, bringing the community together through fire, light, warmth and immersive experiences during the July school holidays. The program includes a mix of free and ticketed experiences designed for families, young people and visitors looking for engaging day and night activities.
No, entry is free. Tickets are only required for select attractions like the Dome Cinema, Soft Forest and amusement rides.
You can purchase tickets here for: Dome Cinema and Soft Forest. Amusement ride tickets can be bought during the event.
Sunday to Wednesday includes the 360° Dome Cinema, Ignite and Amusement Rides. Thursday to Saturday includes the 360° Dome Cinema, Ignite, Amusement Rides, fire performances, live music, Midwinter Markets and the bar.
Yes. The program is designed for families, with rides, workshops and performances.
Parramatta Square is easily accessible by public transport, including trains (Parramatta Station), light rail (Parramatta Square) and buses. Visitors are encouraged to use public transport so please plan your trip ahead and allow extra travel time, particularly for the early‑morning game.
Public parking is available in nearby car parks – Parramatta Square and Parramatta Station (Wentworth Street). Parking availability is limited and cannot be guaranteed. Public transport is strongly recommended.
Yes. First aid services will be available onsite during the Midwinter Festival operating hours.
The festival will still proceed in wet weather, so bring your raincoat! If we do need to cancel due to dangerous weather conditions, please check our AT Parramatta Facebook and Instagram for updates.
Public toilets will be located inside PHIVE, Parramatta Square, in Centenary Square, and in Parramatta Station.
Yes, dogs are permitted on a leash within the public domain, however, due to large crowds and loud music, we recommend leaving pets at home for their comfort and safety.
Yes, PHIVE, Parramatta Square and Centenary Square are accessible.
Accessible parking is available for vehicles displaying a valid mobility parking permit. Multi-story parking is subject to availability, the closest being: Parramatta Square Car Park, Wentworth Street Car Park (Parramatta Station Car Park), Parramatta Westfield, Justice Precinct Car Park, Eat Street Car Park.
Yes, accessible toilets are available in PHIVE, Parramatta Square, in Centenary Square.
Yes, there will be a number of food vendors attending the event from 12pm - 9pm Thursday - Saturday, as as well as numerous local restaurants trading every day/night throughout Parramatta Square.
Yes, free water bubblers can be found throughout Parramatta Square and Centenary Square.
No. The public domain is an alcohol-free zone, however there are licensed bars and restaurants within the Midwinter Festival and Parramatta Square.
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