NSW Government Lifts Cap For Events At Centennial Parklands

The NSW Minns Labor Government has increased the cap for festivals and other events to be held at Centennial Parklands, boosting the amount of fun to be had for Sydneysiders.

Currently home to festivals such as Laneway, Good Things, Knotfest, Listen Out, and So Frenchy So Chic, Centennial Park has hosted concerts by icons including Bob Dylan, INXS, and Flume, among others. The venue accommodates 20,000 patrons and currently hosts eight events per year. That cap has just lifted to twelve.

As a press release notes, Greater Sydney Parklands, which operates Centennial Park, will host more large-scale events, which won’t only boost the city’s economy and nightlife but will also lower costs for festival organisers.

Greater Sydney Parklands is currently investigating infrastructure improvements and transport solutions for the venue to better support events and reduce disruption.

The new increased capacity will take effect ahead of the 2026 events calendar.

John Graham, the NSW Minister for the Arts and Night-time Economy, remarked that lifting the cap at Centennial Park is part of the Minns’ government’s agenda to “restore Sydney back to its 2000 Olympics heyday.”

“We’re lifting the cap on good times, outdoor events and opportunities for artists and workers,” Graham began.

He continued, “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.”

The NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully, added that the government is lifting restrictions at Centennial Park so people can attend more events they enjoy, and bring more energy and life to Sydney.

“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,” Scully said.

“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 described the move as a “big win” for the cultural life of Sydney.

Arkins explained, “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.”