Overview

Burwood Council is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from new and previous event organisers for inclusion in the Major Events and Festivals Program being presented at Burwood Park in 2026.

This EOI process enables a fair and transparent application process, eliminates uncertainty around bookings and seeks to deliver a curated, inspired and engaging Major Events and Festivals Program at Burwood Park. It also enables event organisers to focus on unique and quality programming whilst ensuring a safe and well-presented event. .

Burwood Council is committed to supporting the presentation of up to twelve major events and festivals from February to December 2026 at Burwood Park.

Located in the heart of one of Australia’s most culturally diverse communities - and recently ranked the coolest neighbourhood in Australia - Burwood Park hums with an energy that’s uniquely its own. Just a five-minute walk from Burwood Train Station, this large and historic park lies at the centre of Burwood’s Town Centre, making it an easily accessible and highly visible destination for major festivals and events.

As Council’s premier park, Burwood Park serves as the main stage for a diverse calendar of community celebrations throughout the year. From cultural festivals and family-friendly events to culinary showcases and artistic experiences, the park brings creativity, culture and connection to life across every season. Its proven visitor appeal, constant foot traffic and welcoming crowds make it one of Sydney’s most sought-after outdoor event venues.

Burwood Park offers a range of high-quality facilities and event spaces to support performances, festivals, market and other activations. The Burwood Park Pavilion and Burwood Park Community Centre provide stage infrastructure and back-of-house areas ideal for event operations and performances. Other key features include the Burwood Park Pond, a large multi-use sports field, BBQ and picnic areas, a café, a new nature play space and all-abilities playground, accessible amenities, outdoor fitness stations, the War Memorial Arch, and public art installations that celebrate Burwood’s culture and identity.

View the Burwood Park Area Map to explore available infrastructure and event spaces.

Please note that successful applicants will be required to attend an onsite meeting with Council and adhere to Council’s Terms and Conditions for Major Events and Festivals at Burwood Park.

There are no fees for submitting an EOI application.

Successful applicants will also be required to supply all documentation required by Council prior to final approval of the event and pay Council’s associated Fees and Charges. See relevant Fees and Charges for Major Events and Festivals at Burwood Park.

If your application is successful, the following payment schedule will apply for your event.

This EOI process has been developed to:

• Determine fair and equitable use of Burwood Park.
• Set clear expectations and timelines for planning and delivery of major events and festivals at Burwood Park.
• Provide structure, clarity, and transparency around the selection process.
• Prioritise the uniqueness and diversity of major events and festivals held at Burwood Park.
• Elevate the level of planning and quality of delivery of major events and festivals held at Burwood Park.

All EOIs will be assessed by an internal panel of Council officers against a set of standard criteria (refer to Assessment Criteria below). Acceptance and date allocations will be given to those festivals that best meet the criteria. Date scheduling is at the discretion of Council and is based on:

• Park availability for the nominated dates.
• Diversity of overall event program and relevance to the Burwood community (competing festivals of similar nature will not be programmed due to limited availability of the park and in the interest of diversity).
• Previous festival performance.

Assessment Criteria

EOIs will be assessed against the weighted criteria outlined below. Submissions will be ranked according to their assessment outcome.

Before starting your application, please note applicants are required to:

• Nominate three (3) preferred dates to deliver your major event or festival between February to December 2026.
• Provide an accurate description of your event including the intended event size.
• Upload evidence of public liability coverage of $20 million.
• Upload an indicative site plan for your event.
• Acknowledge and adhere to Council’s Terms and Conditions for Major Events and Festivals at Burwood Park and relevant Fees and Charges for Major Events and Festivals at Burwood Park if your application is accepted.

Please note that information supplied by an applicant will be treated as commercially sensitive and confidential.

By submitting an EOI, the organiser acknowledges that:

• There are no guarantees for festivals that have previously presented at Burwood Park. All festivals must submit an EOI and will be assessed against the criteria.
• Dates for future festivals will not be ‘held or pencilled ‘outside of the EOI process.
• If the applicant’s nominated dates are not available, but festival has scored well on all other criteria, Council may make contact with the applicant to determine if an alternate date is suitable.
• Council reserves the right to accept or reject any EOI.
• Council reserves the right to reject the offer of any organiser who has any unresolved disputes, outstanding debt or have failed to comply with any previous Terms and Conditions with Council.
• Any costs incurred by organisers in any way associated with the preparation and submission of this EOI will be entirely borne by the organiser and will not be reimbursed by Council.
• EOI assessment decisions are final and not open for appeal.
• Council understands that sometimes circumstances change. If, for any reason, a festival/event organiser needs to withdraw their EOI, please contact Council as soon as possible.