The City of Lights Festival is a free, two-night community event transforming the Tamworth CBD into a glowing after-dark destination. Under the theme "Land and Light", the festival celebrates Tamworth's pioneering, innovative spirit — the city that turned night into day over a century before the rest of Australia caught up — alongside a nod to First Nations connection to Country. Expect illuminated installations, light displays and a vibrant street atmosphere for the whole family.
This festival is about bringing Tamworth's city centre to life after dark — drawing locals and visitors into the CBD and supporting local business. Delivered under the NSW Government's Regional Night-Time Economy Program, it's just the beginning: from October 2026, Light Up Late brings Friday night trading events to the CBD on selected dates through to March 2027, keeping Tamworth glowing all season long.
Become a participating business or retail venue for our event!
Want to be the first to know what's on, where, and when? Pop your email below and we'll keep you posted as festival details are announced.
Program coming soon — check back as we reveal what's lighting up the CBD this September.
The City of Lights Festival lights up Tamworth's CBD across two nights, Friday 25 and Saturday 26 September 2026, from 5:30pm to 10:30pm each evening. You'll find the festival spread across Peel Street, Fitzroy Street and Bicentennial Park, right in the heart of Tamworth.
Nothing at all — the City of Lights Festival is completely free. There's no ticket and no booking required. Simply come along on either night (or both!) and enjoy everything the festival has to offer.
Absolutely. The City of Lights is a family-friendly celebration designed for all ages, with light installations, entertainment and plenty to see and do together. The 5:30pm start means younger ones can enjoy the early evening before it gets too late.
Guided by the theme "Land and Light," the festival brings together First Nations cultural storytelling and Tamworth's proud heritage as one of the first places in the Southern Hemisphere to have electric street lighting. It's a celebration of where history meets innovation — and where our streets come alive again after dark.
The festival is held in Tamworth's CBD, within easy walking distance of the city centre. There's free parking at Centrepoint Tamworth across both nights, plus ample parking throughout the CBD — including Peel Street, which will be open for the event. A portion of Kable Avenue near the Bicentennial Park entrance at Fitzroy Street will be closed, along with Fitzroy Plaza from Peel Street to Kable Avenue, on both evenings from 5pm to 11pm. We recommend allowing a little extra time and following the signage on the night.
The City of Lights Festival is an outdoor event and goes ahead rain or shine, so we suggest dressing for the weather. In the unlikely event of conditions affecting the program, any updates will be posted on our website and social media channels — so keep an eye out closer to the night.
Thank you for your interest — it means a lot to see the community wanting to be part of the festival. This year, the City of Lights isn't engaging external food vendors or market stalls. The event is funded to bring people back into the heart of Tamworth and support our local retailers and hospitality venues, so we're encouraging everyone to eat, drink and shop at the wonderful businesses already in the precinct. We'd love you to come along, explore what's on offer and support local while you enjoy the lights.
