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.
Light It Purple for Lanes
During Parramatta Lanes, our city comes alive with food, music and art. This year, we are lighting up businesses across the CBD in purple to celebrate Purple Flag and showcase our vibrant night-time economy.
Follow the Purple Path during Parramatta Lanes, discover hidden gems, and support local businesses that are extending their trading hours, offering festival specials or hosting unique activations. Parramatta Lanes is one of Sydney’s biggest street festivals, attracting up to 200,000 visitors across four nights, from 22–25 October, 5pm–10pm. Beyond the festival, we encourage visitors to explore participating businesses that will remain lit purple, highlighting Parramatta as a safe and exciting night-time destination.
Click through to explore our Parramatta Lanes Local Picks.
Over two Wednesday evenings, PHIVE Parramatta is extending their opening to nine pm, and activating their Foyer space with a welcoming, all-ages tabletop gaming lounge, and their Western Terrace program, a series of creative gatherings, performances and workshops taking place underneath the golden hour, as the sun sets, facing West, thinking West. Click through to more details:
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.
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.
Nightlife in Parramatta
This project is proudly funded by the NSW Government through the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner.
