The Minns Labor Government is clearing the way for more world-class festivals and events at Centennial Parklands, increasing the cap on major events to support Sydney's vibrancy agenda while protecting public green spaces.
Building on a legacy of Centennial Park concerts that have hosted Bob Dylan, James Brown, INXS, Flume and Tame Impala - a new Regulation will mean the number of events attracting more than 20,000 people will increase from eight to twelve each year.
The increase will allow Greater Sydney Parklands, as manager of Centennial Parklands, to host more large-scale cultural, sporting and music events - helping to boost Sydney's economy and night-time vibrancy and lowering costs for festival organisers - while making measures are in place to manage traffic, noise and environmental impacts.
Events of this size will continue to be held on the Brazilian Fields, located at the centre of Centennial Park. Greater Sydney Parklands is also investigating infrastructure improvements and transport solutions to better support these events and reduce disruption for other park users.
In 2024, the Minns Government lifted the SCG precinct concert cap from an average of 4 events a year to 20 events a year. Lifting these restrictions has meant more events, fun and investment in NSW.
The Minns Labor Government is building better communities and that means rebuilding vibrancy and the 24-hour economy which is still recovering from a decade of lockouts and then lockdowns.
The lifting of the Centennial Park concert cap builds on two years of vibrancy reforms including last week's boost to capacity, entertainment and events, along with supporting more than 20 local councils to establish Special Entertainment Precincts, ending single serial noise complaints, extending trading hours for venues that host live entertainment, reducing red tape around entertainment and outdoor spaces, scrapping the 5km sign in rule at clubs and rolling out $14.9 million in Uptown Grants to support entertainment hubs.
The new cap will take effect ahead of the 2026 events calendar. The Greater Sydney Parklands will continue to work industry and community to support a smooth transition.
Minister for the Arts and Night-time Economy John Graham said:
"We're lifting the cap on good times, outdoor events and opportunities for artists and workers.
"Centennial Park is one of the most beautiful and versatile parklands in the world, and this is a sensible boost in its capacity to host a great day out."
"The lifting of yet another restriction on fun, is part of our agenda to restore Sydney back to its 2000 Olympics heyday, where our events and nightlife were the envy of the world."
"With more events occurring, we are encouraging the opportunity for events to go back to back over a single weekend. That means they can share infrastructure and reduce costs, which should mean lower costs for event organisers and the public. It's a very practical way of keeping costs down."
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
"We want Sydney to host more events that people love, so we're lifting restrictions that have held back the festivals, concerts and cultural celebrations that bring energy and life to our city.
"At the same time, we're putting in place safeguards to protect our parklands so they can continue to be enjoyed by everyone.
"This is about making Sydney a truly 24-hour city - vibrant, welcoming and full of life."
Australian Festival Association CEO Olly Arkins said:
"This is a big win for Sydney's cultural life, which the AFA has long called for. More events mean more opportunities for local artists and businesses, and importantly, the chance for festivals to share infrastructure and reduce their costs. This welcome change gives organisers the certainty they need to invest and deliver world-class experiences in one of our city's largest and most iconic outdoor venues."
