Mayoral Column – Events program supports residents and businesses

Wednesday, 10 June 2026

Thank you to everyone who joined Penrith City Council for our inaugural Penrith After Dark event last month. More than 12,000 people gathered in the heart of our City as High Street, Memory Park and Woodriff Street lit up for a night of great food, entertainment and, most importantly, connection.

The success of this event confirmed that there’s a growing appetite for activities like this, particularly at night. After your positive response, Council collaborated with local businesses to deliver Penrith After Dark Amplified – live music, delicious meals and activities held every Thursday night during May around the CBD.

This is all part of Council’s ongoing work and commitment to boost local business and stimulate a thriving nightlife as our City grows, guided by our OPEN: Penrith and St Marys 24-Hour Economy Strategy.

We know that vibrant and safe experiences in the CBD are important to you and our events program helps achieve this, while providing more opportunities for residents to get out and find new ways to experience and love where they live.

I’m pleased to share that there are other events and cultural opportunities coming up. Our popular Penrith NAIDOC event will be held on 10 July at Jamison Park. Every year, this free community event honours the rich culture, history and contributions of First Nations people and brings together attendees from all over Western Sydney.

There will be cultural performances, hands-on workshops, a community BBQ, artisan market stalls, and access to a wide range of First Nations services and organisations.

Council has also locked in the 2026 dates for our flagship Real Festival. Join us from 11-13 September, when Tench Reserve at the Nepean River comes alive again. Last year’s event attracted around 50,000 – and this one is set to be our biggest and best yet.

As a growing city, our Council continues to look for ways that support our community and businesses to feel connected to each other, our story, our beautiful natural environment.

See what’s on at penrith.city/events.

Cr Todd Carney
Mayor of Penrith

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Wednesday, 10 June 2026.