Last summer, thousands of locals roller-skated through a disco-lit Burton Street Tunnel beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge, dined in car-free streets and packed pop-up stages across the North Sydney area. Now North Sydney Council is inviting local businesses, artists, creatives and community groups to help make year two of North Sydney Streets even bigger.
Expressions of interest are now open for the 2026–27 festivals, a series of three free, large-scale events where roads close to traffic and open to people. Participation is free, and a pool of micro-grants of up to $500 + GST is available to help selected applicants deliver their activation.
Applications close: 5pm, Friday 28 August 2026
Whether it's a café extending its dining onto the street, a studio running hands-on workshops, a choir taking over a corner or an artist creating live in the street, Council wants ideas that showcase local character, cultural diversity and community connection.
Mayor Zoe Baker said:
"Last year we turned a tunnel under the Harbour Bridge into a roller disco. This year, we want local businesses and creatives to be part of what we do next. If you've got an idea that will make people stop, smile and stay a while, we want to hear from you."
Event Dates and Locations
North Sydney Streets: Kirribilli |
North Sydney Streets: CBD |
North Sydney Streets: Crows Nest |
Saturday 28 November 2026, 9am to 3pm Burton Street Tunnel, Ennis Road and Broughton Road |
Friday 5 February 2027, 4pm to 9pm Denison, Mount and Spring streets |
Saturday 20 March 2027, 9am to 3pm Willoughby Road (between Falcon and Albany streets) |
Opportunities to get involved
Local businesses and venues can:
- Extend licensed dining areas into footpaths or roadways for the day at no cost
- Activate shopfronts or create unique in-street experiences
- Apply for limited pop-up opportunities to showcase new products or services
Artists, creatives and community groups can:
- Deliver performances, workshops or participatory activities
- Host community-led activations, fundraising stalls or live art
- Contribute ideas that bring energy, creativity and diversity to each precinct
No event experience is required. Participants work directly with Council's Events Team, with support provided throughout the application and approval process.
Micro-grants available to support participation
Applicants can indicate in their application whether they require financial support to deliver their activation. A small pool of micro-grants of up to $500 + GST is available to businesses, community groups, artists and creatives, intended to support essential items that enhance delivery and accessibility, such as marquees, costumes or reusable materials that contribute to ongoing activity.
