Sydney’s spring festival season is getting into full swing, with another major street celebration set to take over the city’s inner west next weekend. Love Earlwood – Meet You at the Plateia Festival is returning for its second year after drawing more than 10,000 people to the suburb in 2025. The free event celebrates the Greek, Italian and wider Mediterranean communities that have helped shape Earlwood, bringing food, markets, live entertainment and cultural performances together for one day. Following the turnout at last year’s inaugural event, the festival is expanding in 2026, taking over a larger stretch of the suburb with a lot more to look forward to on the menu. Here’s what to expect.
What to eat, see and do at Love Earlwood
Food will be one of the major highlights, with Clarke Street transforming into a large open-air marketplace for the day. Visitors can expect everything from grilled souvlaki and Naples-style pizza to gnocchi and empanadas, alongside plenty of sweeter options including cannoli, loukoumades, churros and tiramisu. Wine tastings will also be part of the program.
This year’s footprint will stretch further along Clarke Street to Lewins Street, creating additional space for stalls and activities. Beyond the food, visitors can expect a packed entertainment program spanning live cultural performances and roaming entertainers, along with a car show and dedicated areas showcasing local businesses, community groups and different cultural traditions.
Families are catered for as well, with games, rides and free face painting for kids, while comedian James Liotta will host proceedings as MC. The expanded program also runs an hour longer than last year’s event, giving visitors more time to make their way through the festival.
Key details
- What: Love Earlwood – Meet You at the Plateia Festival
- Where: Clarke Street, Earlwood
- When: Saturday, September 19, 2026
- Time: 11am–5pm
- Entry: Free
Find more information on the City of Caterbury Bankstown website.
Getting there
Earlwood is around a 20-minute drive from Sydney CBD, although road closures and limited parking are expected around the festival precinct. Public transport is recommended, with several bus routes servicing Earlwood and stops within walking distance of Clarke Street. Plan your trip on Transport for NSW.
