As Australia Day approaches this Sunday, January 26, there’s almost too many exciting events around Penrith to choose from. Here’s the highlights…
Ripples Leisure Centre
Penrith City Council is hosting a free pool party at Ripples Leisure Centre in Penrith and St Marys, equipped with roving performers, music and tasty treats.
The event has free entry, but there is a capacity limit, so make sure you arrive early to secure your spot and make a splash.
Penrith Panthers Leagues Club
A disco, plaster painting, and a reptile encounter will be just part of the fun at Panthers.
The huge range of family-friendly festivities will kick off at 2pm and there will be a variety of food trucks onsite in addition to existing dining options across Panthers.
The day will also include themed cocktails for the grown-ups, a side-splitting lamington eating competition, and the highlight of the day: a fireworks display at 9pm!
St Marys Leagues Club
There will be free family fun from 1pm to 4pm at St Marys Leagues Club including a petting zoo and face painting for the kids, and a Mega Aussie Raffle for the adults.
The raffle will include over $6,500 in prizes ranging from a Gozney Roccbox, to a Ziggy Classic Triple Grill, and more.
From 2pm, Tim Pringle will take to the stage to play classic Aussie hits, and until 5pm, the bar will be serving $10 cocktails.
Jamison Hotel
Australia Day at the Jamo is promised to be epic with live entertainment, Aussie food specials, raffles, kids’ activities, eating competitions, and the iconic thong throwing competition.
Organisers say it’ll be a day to remember and there will be a free courtesy bus from 11am.
Penrith Paceway
The Pacey are telling ‘Advance Australia Fair’ to take a back seat in place of two other Aussie Anthems – ‘Khe Sanh’ and ‘Working Class Man’.
The venue is hosting the Chisel Barnes Show at 4.30pm, honouring Cold Chisel and Jimmy Barnes, as well as a pie eating competition and a thong throwing competition.
The event is free for members and guests.
Ally Hall
Ally Hall joined the Weekender in 2024, and focuses on entertainment and community stories. She's a graduate of the University of South Australia and has previously worked as a Video Journalist with Southern Cross Austereo and as a News Reader with Australian Radio Network.