Deputy Mayor Chloe Smith
Inner West Council has announced the launch of Town Halls Alive, a vibrant new festival series that will bring the community together across the Inner West’s historic town halls, showcasing the very best of local arts, culture and creativity.
Town Halls Alive is a new addition to Council’s highly successful Creative Town Halls program, which has transformed seven historic venues into free, accessible spaces for artists, performers and community groups.
Since its launch, the Creative Town Halls initiative has experienced extraordinary success, with more than 1,100 bookings in its first three months and a 260% increase in the use of town halls for arts and cultural events.
The new festival series builds on this momentum, opening the doors even wider to the community through curated, multi-arts events that showcase how these revitalised venues are being used.
Deputy Mayor Chloe Smith said the new festival series marks an exciting next chapter for arts and culture in the Inner West.
“Our Creative Town Halls program has been a runaway success, bringing these old civic venues to life with artistic creativity and vibrancy.
Town Halls Alive takes this to the next level – bringing the community together to showcase the incredible creativity happening right here in the Inner West.”
Deputy Mayor Chloe Smith said the festivals will provide an opportunity for residents to experience their local town halls in new and inspiring ways.
“These festivals will transform our town halls into lively, welcoming spaces filled with music, film, literature and visual arts.
Town Halls Alive is about celebrating local talent, supporting our creative community, and inviting everyone to rediscover these iconic civic spaces.”
The Town Halls Alive series will roll out across Inner West venues throughout 2026 and 2027, with the first three festivals taking place in May 2026:
- Location: St Peters Town Hall
- Date: Saturday 2 May 2026
- Location: Leichhardt Town Hall
- Date: Saturday 16 May 2026
- Location: Balmain Town Hall
- Date: Saturday 30 May 2026
Each festival will feature a dynamic program of creative activity, offering residents a chance to explore performances, exhibitions, screenings and workshops while experiencing the unique character of each town hall.
The festival series forms part of Council’s broader commitment to supporting local artists and activating community spaces, ensuring the Inner West remains a leading hub for arts and culture in Sydney.
For media enquiries please contact Margaret Merten, Margaret.merten@innerwest.nsw.gov.au