Sydney’s inner west has long been known for its strong food culture, with neighbourhood streets continuing to evolve into lively hubs for dining, small bars and local events. Leichhardt, often dubbed Sydney’s Little Italy, is known for its long-standing Italian restaurants, delis and cafes that have defined the suburb for decades, and now a fresh new event is set to bring that energy back to the forefront with a huge two-day food and music festival set to take over the suburb next month. Taste the Music will see venues across Leichhardt come together for a packed weekend of live performances, dining specials and late-night trading, highlighting what the suburb does best. Here’s everything you need to know.
Taste the Music set to launch this June in Leichhardt
The two-day food and music extravaganza will roll out across multiple venues, with each location hosting its own mix of food specials and live performances. On Friday night, spots like Aperitivo Pizza Pasta and Capriccio Osteria will be pouring discounted Aperol spritzes, while Moretti Ristorante is set to run a pop-up bar with non-alcoholic cocktails and freshly made cannoli.
Elsewhere, La Botte D’Oro will bring its offering onto the street, with hearty handmade pasta prepared at the door alongside takeaway slices. Along Norton and Marion streets, DJs will play outdoor sets as roving performers move between venues, while The Royal Hotel will host live jazz, swing and blues late into the night.
The party continues on Saturday, starting with coffee and biscotti at Caffe Bianchi before rolling into a full day of food and live performances across participating venues. Lunetta Gelato will be serving hot brownies alongside entertainment, while Teatro at the Italian Forum will host the Australian debut of the Broadway musical Tootsie, extending the festival beyond food and into a broader cultural program.
The event has been organised by local business chamber Viva Leichhardt, with support from Inner West Council and the NSW Government’s 24-Hour Economy Office.
Key details
- Where: Leichhardt (across participating venues on Norton and Marion streets)
- Date: June 19–20, 2026
- Time: From evening on Friday; all day into late on Saturday
- Frequency: One-off event (inaugural)
- Entry: Free
Find more information about Taste the Music here.
Getting there
Leichhardt is around 15 minutes from the CBD by car, with street parking available throughout the suburb. Several bus routes run along Parramatta Road and Norton Street, with stops within walking distance of participating venues. Plan your trip on Transport for NSW.
