Punk in Beatdisc Lane. A DJ battle in Bodega Lane. Jazz and poetry at Erby Place Car Park. From 21–24 October 2026, Parramatta Lanes brings a different soundtrack to the CBD, with live acts taking over streets, laneways and rooftops.
Whether you’re chasing a headline act, or looking for a new sound, here’s where to start.
Genesis Owusu at Ngurra Gunya
Ghanaian-Australian artist Genesis Owusu is one of the most exciting and innovative voices in Australian music. With back-to-back critically acclaimed albums, he's established himself as a distinctive force on the local music scene.
He leads this year’s lineup with a performance at the Ngurra Gunya stage on Saturday 24 October. Make it the anchor for your Saturday plans, then explore the music unfolding around the city.
This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body.
Shady Nasty brings punk to Beatdisc Lane
Also on Saturday 24 October, Sydney trio Shady Nasty takes over Beatdisc Lane, with its distinctly left field breed of punk. Kevin Stathis, Haydn Green and Luca Watson push their jazz and classical training into unexpected territory, drawing on a world of modified cars, immigrant heritage and digital obsessions.
Bennetts Grove and Stirr are also on the Lane’s Saturday bill, bringing punk energy and brooding, atmospheric guitars. If that’s your sound, this is a precinct worth lingering in.
Esha Tewari, Chezka and Keanu Nelson
Ngurra Gunya offers more reasons to return across the week. On Thursday 22 October, Esha Tewari brings emotional songwriting and earworm melodies, while Manila based singer-songwriter Chezka performs an acoustic set built around her voice, guitar and stories of love and heartbreak.
On Friday 23 October, Luritja singer-songwriter Keanu Nelson brings songs shaped by Country, family and life in Papunya. His work moves between Luritja and English, connecting storytelling with a deeply personal sense of place.
This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body.
R&B, dance and jazz-blues poetry at Erby Place
Proud Kamilaroi/Samoan artist Becca Hatch performs at Erby Place Car Park on Thursday 22 October, bringing a soulful fusion of R&B, electronic music and dance-pop.
Return on Saturday 24 October, for surrealist jazz-blues poet aja monet, performing with her jazz quartet. Her set features work from the color of rain, bringing poetry and music together in a performance that rewards stopping, listening and lingering a little longer.
Pick your crew at Red Bull Turn It Up
This is a DJ battle with the audience at its centre. At Red Bull Turn It Up, crews take on a theme selected by the MC and build mixes to win over the crowd. You help decide who comes out on top.
Find the battle at Bodega Lane on Thursday 22 October. Bring your crew and get ready to back your favourites.
Take it to the Rooftop
Eat Street Rooftop brings a different kind of festival energy. Sydney collective Blend Theory takes over on Friday and Saturday nights, drawing on R&B, hip-hop, future-soul and connected scenes. Pair the rooftop soundtrack with city views and a stop at the CINCiN Spritz bar.
For another dance-floor destination, head to Centenary Square on Saturday 24 October for Inbraza’s Baile Funk and live DJ sets, celebrating Afro-Latinx expression.
Take a chance on a new favourite
Start your festival on Wednesday 21 October with LAHGO at Lanes Underground, where punchy riffs meet powerful vocals. On Thursday 22 October, the same precinct hosts Mefri Ghana’s Black Star Lanes, bringing DJs, live music and Afro performance into a celebration of West African culture.
Pick a few must-see sets, then leave room for suprise. A sound coming from the next lane might become the highlight of your night.
Check the music program and build your festival shortlist.
