Winter in Sydney means cosy markets, crackling fire pits, themed immersive events, and plenty of reasons to stay out after dark. This July, Parramatta is embracing the magic of the season with the brand new Midwinter Festival, a two-week seasonal celebration set to transform Parramatta Square into a lively winter destination during the school holidays. Launching this July, the festival will feature a mix of free and ticketed experiences, from immersive cinemas and illuminated installations to markets, live entertainment and family-friendly activities. The festival offers plenty of opportunities to gather, explore and make the most of the cooler weather with a packed program of experiences from day through to night. Here’s what to expect from this year’s event.
Midwinter Festival launches in Parramatta this July
One of the festival’s standout attractions is the 360° Dome Cinema, an immersive cinematic experience housed inside a giant dome outside Phive, Parramatta Square, where films and music-led visuals are projected all around the audience. The program includes a mix of family-friendly and visually spectacular screenings, ranging from The Great Solar System Adventure to Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon.
Another highlight people of all ages will enjoy is Soft Forest, an interactive experience that invites visitors into a dreamlike world of light, storytelling and sensory play. The installation features Fauna, a giant illuminated creature, with opportunities for younger visitors to take part in hands-on workshops and create their own puppets to take home.
As the sun goes down, Parramatta Square will take on a distinctly cosy atmosphere with fire pits, toasted marshmallow s’mores and a seasonal bar serving winter-inspired drinks. Visitors can also browse artisan stalls and seasonal bites at the Midwinter Markets, while live music and roaming fire performers will bring extra energy and all the fun vibes to the precinct after dark. Plenty of family-focused experiences are on the cards including vintage carousel rides and bungee experiences set up in the square, alongside large-scale illuminated artworks created from children’s designs.
Key features
- What: Midwinter Festival 2026
- Where: Parramatta Square, Parramatta
- When: Saturday, 4 July to Saturday, 18 July 2026
- Hours: 12pm–9pm daily
- Highlights: 360° Dome Cinema, Soft Forest, Midwinter Markets, fire performances, live music, amusement rides and toasted marshmallow s’mores
- Entry: Free, with selected experiences and activities requiring tickets
- Getting there: Parramatta Square is a short walk from Parramatta Train Station and the bus interchange, with ferry and light rail connections also available nearby. Plan your trip on Transport for NSW.
Find more information and make your bookings on At Parramatta.
