A DJ battle where you help pick the winner. Heartfelt songs from Esha Tewari. Becca Hatch bringing R&B and dance-pop to Erby Place. Thursday at Parramatta Lanes has all the ingredients for a very good Friday conversation.
Meet your crew and let your favourite sounds lead the way. With food stops and art discoveries between the stages, there’s plenty to make a night of it.
Follow the flavour to Phillip Street
Start in the expanded Latin Quarter, where BAR30 & Parilla brings South American-style open-fire barbecue to Phillip Street. Think smoky choripán, sizzling asado cuts and spicy margaritas to match.
At Parranda Down Under, DJ J Quinn is scheduled across the evening, with performances adding fresh energy along the way. Catch Anto La Uruguaya from 5.30pm to 5.50pm, or stay for Sabor Boliviano from 6.20pm to 7.10pm.
Dinner and a performance? That’s a strong start.
Back your crew at Bodega Lane
Red Bull Turn It Up runs from 6.30pm to 9pm, bringing a crowd-judged DJ battle to Bodega Lane.
The MC chooses the theme. The crews build their mixes. You help decide who comes out on top. Riddim, Inbraza, Blend Theory and Bodega are on the bill, so bring your opinions along with your friends.
Make this your main stop or catch part of the showdown before heading to your next set.
Get closer to the songs with Chezka
For a change of pace, head to Ngurra Gunya for Chezka’s acoustic performance, from 7pm to 7.40pm.
The Manila-based singer-songwriter pairs voice and guitar with intimate stories of love and heartbreak. It’s a chance to stop wandering, settle into a song and discover an artist you’ll want to hear again.
After the set, there’s time for a quick bite before the next performance. Keep your food wish list handy, whether you’re chasing dumplings, a lobster roll or something sweet.
Find your next beat at Wingstop WRLD
Keep your Thursday music discoveries going at Wingstop WRLD, where Jazz Nobodi, Reezy and Ceevus join the night’s lineup.
Presented by Wingstop and music partner 92WRLD, this block party brings hip hop performances together with a nightly 1v1 basketball tournament, live graffiti, custom T-shirts and merch giveaways. Open mic slots give emerging artists a chance to step up and take the stage. Stop by for chicken, courtside action and a sound you might be hearing for the first time.
Catch Esha Tewari live
Esha Tewari takes the Ngurra Gunya stage from 8pm to 9pm, bringing emotional alternative songwriting and melodies that stay with you.
Her songs have the intimacy of a diary page, turning personal feelings into something an audience can share.
For another direction, Mefri Ghana’s Black Star Lanes takes over Lanes Underground. Yawdoesitall performs from 8pm to 8.30pm, followed by Mike Akox from 8.30pm to 9pm, as part of an evening celebrating West African culture through DJs, live music and Afro performance.
Finish with Becca Hatch
Give yourself time to move to Erby Stage for Becca Hatch, performing from 9.10pm to 9.55pm as part of Ngana Birrung.
The proud Kamilaroi/Samoan artist brings a soulful mix of R&B, electronic music and dance-pop. It’s a fitting final set for a Thursday that’s already delivered plenty.
Make room for a little play
If you’re arriving early, add Eat Street Car Park to your route. The Great Putty Pop-Up: Art Mini Golf and Art Car Boot Sale run from 5pm to 10pm, giving you a playful stop before the music takes over.
Or build an alternative finish around EVERYTIME WE TOUCH at Civic Arcade, scheduled from 9.25pm to 10pm. Choose this performance or Becca Hatch, then save the other experience for your next Lanes visit.
