The state's most popular events like the Deni Ute Muster and Bluesfest will now become even more accessible and affordable for everyone, with the Minns Labor Government supporting councils to add free vibrant street parties to foundation events in NSW.
This weekend the Tamworth Country Music Festival embraced the Open Streets program by expanding their offering with four days of free Fringe Zone programming, including line-dancing lessons, whip-cracking demonstrations and live entertainment - all free to attend.
The NRL Grand Finals, Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, the Sydney Marathon and the Bathurst 1000 will also benefit through this round of funding.
The latest $4 million grant from the Open Streets Program help major festivals and sporting events expand beyond ticketed models, recognising the cultural and economic impact these drawcard events, known as Foundation Events, have on NSW.
The Open Streets program is designed to open public spaces for events that bring communities together without having to break the bank. Previous Council-run Open Streets events recorded local business revenue increasing by 60 percent, and almost all visitors said they would revisit the area as a direct result of the grants.
In combination with supporting the free street events, the NSW Government's Permit/Plug/Play program is supporting over 35 local councils to reduce the costs of activating their streets for community events. Local councils were reporting costs of around $100,000 per day for hosting street events.
The results from the 2024 program showed councils were reducing those costs by 40% on average by installing permanent event
infrastructure including retractable bollards, and power and water facilities, as well as streamlining development applications and transport management plans.
Upcoming Open Streets (Foundation Events)
March 2026
- 28th - 29th Streets Alive Brunswick presented by Byron Bay Bluesfest
June 2026
- 12th Closing Night at the 25th Biennale of Sydney
August 2026
- 15th - 17th Mundi Mundi Lightfest by the Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash
- 27th - 30th Garra (working title) by TCS Sydney Marathon
- 29th - Official Opening Party at the Sydney Fringe Festival
September 2026
- 29th - 30th Spirit of the Muster Street Festival by Deni Ute Muster
October 2026
- 1st - 2nd NRL Fan Fest for the NRL Men's & Women's Grand Final
- 6th - 11th Brock Heritage Festival by Bathurst 1000
January 2027
- 6th - 10th Parkes Elvis Festival expansion
- 20th - 23rd Fringe Zone Year 2 at Tamworth Country Music Festival
February 2027
- 20th The Rainbow Mile Block Party at the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
For more information, visit the Open Streets Program website.
Minister for Transport John Graham said:
"By supporting free street parties at these iconic events, we're making sure everyone can join in the fun, no matter their budget.
"We've scrapped the lockout laws, cut red tape and boosted local street events to bring back fun to NSW in a way that supports local businesses and helps families face the cost-of-living challenge.
"These street parties where everyone feels welcome, have proven that they increase revenue for local business, they also harness one of our most important public spaces - our streets.
"If you were on the fence about coming to one of these events, cost will no longer be an excuse! Come on down!"
