Purple Flag

Parramatta has received a Purple Flag grant, supporting our city’s efforts to strengthen and expand our night-time economy. The program aims to foster safer, more vibrant, and well-managed night-time experiences across the CBD. Discover the energy, culture, and nightlife waiting for you in Parramatta.

Purple Flag is an internationally recognised accreditation that celebrates cities with safe, vibrant and well-managed night-time economies. The Purple Flag signals to visitors and locals alike that Parramatta’s CBD offers a high standard of excellence after dark.

To achieve Purple Flag status, cities are assessed against key criteria, including:

  • Safety and wellbeing: ensuring people feel comfortable and secure at night.
  • Diversity of offering: providing a range of food, culture, entertainment and activities for all ages.
  • Vibrancy and appeal: creating lively, welcoming spaces that encourage people to explore and enjoy.

Parramatta is one of only a few cities in Australia to achieve Purple Flag accreditation. Our re-accreditation is a proud recognition of the work being done to make Parramatta a destination where people can dine, discover and connect well into the evening. 

A family of four stands together, smiling and pointing at a brightly lit modern building at night. They seem joyful, enjoying a night out by a waterway.

Experience Summer Nights in Parramatta

Supported by the Purple Flag grant, our Summer Where’s It At campaign showed off Parramatta as the spot after dark — great food, live music, riverside vibes and unforgettable nights. It invited everyone to discover a city that is fun, vibrant, safe and buzzing after 6pm

A bartender in a white shirt pours a drink at a lively bar. People in the background chat and smile, creating a festive and vibrant atmosphere.

Extend Your Trading Hours for Major Events

Purple Flag accreditation also supports businesses to make the most out of major events, and other opportunities to deliver vibrancy and benefits to our businesses and City. Through the Special Event Extended Trading Hours initiative, Liquor and Gaming NSW recognise significant events across the state, allowing eligible licensed venues in Parramatta to automatically access extended trading hours when these events are included in the official calendar.

This means:

  • Venues can trade later without additional applications or permit changes
  • Businesses can respond to increased foot traffic and event driven demand
  • Visitors can enjoy a longer, more seamless night out in Parramatta

By bringing together major events and extended trading hours, Purple Flag helps create nights that feel lively, welcoming and worth staying out for — strengthening our night time offer.

See how you can get involved or look at extending your trading hours during the event or check if you can extend your trading hours during special events

A large tree illuminated with warm lights stands at the center of a park at night. People gather nearby, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.

Lighting at St John’s Cathedral

As part of our Purple Flag celebration, new lighting has been installed in front of St John’s Cathedral in Parramatta Square. A stunning tree adorned with fairy lights now illuminates the space, creating a welcoming and safe atmosphere for visitors at night.

Next time you’re in Parramatta Square, take a look and enjoy how the precinct shines after dark. 

Undercurrent - Riverside Live at PHIVE

Thanks to Purple Flag support, Riverside Live at PHIVE’s Undercurrent series showcased Western Sydney talent and brought new energy to Parramatta’s music scene during Sydney Festival. Across three electrifying nights, it delivered a full sonic takeover—from underground electronica and Pasifika soul to queer anthems and genre bending performances. 

Relive the moments below

Riverside Live at PHIVE is a dynamic 180 seat black box theatre space inside PHIVE, offering an intimate setting for theatre, music, dance, comedy and more. It continues to be an important venue supporting Parramatta’s cultural and night-time offerings. Find out more here

Experience Parramatta CBD After Dark

 

Parramatta’s nightlife is as diverse as it is exciting. From alfresco dining to live entertainment, discover the places that make our city thrive after the sun goes down. 

Live Music, Events & Festivals in Parramatta

Live Music, Events & Festivals in Parramatta

The City’s engaging calendar of events, festivals and activations means there are always new experiences to discover. Parramatta Lanes, the City of Parramatta Council’s award-winning annual eats, beats, and art festival, offers workers after-work adventures all around the city’s laneways, restaurants & bars, and public spaces.

Our event program reflects our multi-cultural community, from Warami, a festival celebrating First Nations people, to Diwali/Deepavali, the Festival of Light, as well as Lunar New Year, Pride, and so much more. 

Find out What’s On in Parramatta.

This project is proudly funded by the NSW Government through the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner.