2026 Applications open 27 July-23 August!
Festival of Balmain is one of the Inner West's most exciting community celebrations, bringing together live music, local businesses, market stalls, food, creativity and community spirit in the heart of Balmain.
We're inviting performers, stallholders, community groups and local businesses to help bring the festival to life in 2026. Whether you're looking to showcase your talent, sell your products, promote your organisation or connect with new customers, Festival of Balmain offers a unique opportunity to engage with thousands of residents and visitors.
Join us in celebrating the people, places and creativity that make Balmain such a special part of the Inner West. Together, we can create a vibrant, welcoming and memorable festival experience for the whole community.
Performer and Workshop Applications
Performer Selection Criteria
Your application will be judged against the following criteria:
- The performer's alignment with the Council's goals and values as outlined in the Community Strategic Plan
- Suitability according to the event aims and objectives
- Performances that feature majority original music (please note, community and school groups are exempt from this requirement)
- Preference will be given to groups and musicians from the Balmain peninsula
Full terms and conditions can be found in the application form
Food, Community & Creative Stall EOIs now closed for 2026
Breweries, Distilleries, Wineries
Expressions of Interest close 11:59pm on Sunday 6 September 2026.
Applications are assessed based on:
- The quality and uniqueness of the offering, and how it complements existing businesses along the Darling Street festival footprint.
The ability to provide efficient service and cater for peak event crowds.
Value for money, presentation, and overall stall design.
Environmentally responsible practices and sustainable operations where practicable. - Businesses and organisations based on the Balmain Peninsula will be prioritised, however strong applications from outside the area are also encouraged and will be considered.
- Full assessment criteria, terms and conditions are available in the application form.
Workshop Selection Criteria
Your application will be judged against the following criteria:
- The business's alignment with the Council's goals and values as outlined in the Community Strategic Plan
- Suitability and feasibility of the proposal according to the event aims and objectives noted above
- Workshop activities that are free to the community
- Members of the Balmain Rozelle Chamber of Commerce will be prioritised
How to get to the festival
Darling Street will be closed between Montague/Rowntree and McDonald/Booth Streets and traffic around Gladstone Park will be limited to residents and hospital-users only. Parking in and around the festival will be limited. We recommend catching public transport or riding your bike to the event.
- The following bus routes travel to Balmain: 433, 442, 445
- The Balmain Wharf ferry stop is approximately 10-minutes' walk from the festival.
- Bike parking can be found on the corner of Darling and Beattie Streets, where Transport for NSW will be providing free bike tune-ups.
For other transport options, plus bike paths, walking routes and carshare, try Citymapper
For more information about road closures and changes to local public transport on the day of the event, see:
- transportnsw.info/alerts/details/ems-62447
- transportnsw.info/alerts/details/ems-62449
- transportnsw.info/alerts/details/ems-62451
Festival of Balmain is part of the NSW Government's Open Streets program, led by Transport for NSW.
Sun 29 Nov 2026
11:00am - 5:00pm
Free entry
Darling Street
Balmain NSW 2041
Australia