Overview
One of the most popular events in Sydney for both the Islamic community and the city at large, Ramadan Nights is making its return to Haldon Street in Lakemba this month. Running for 31 nights between Tuesday, March 21–Thursday, April 20, the food and cultural festival will bring together more than 75 local businesses for a nightly feast between dusk and 3am each day, celebrating the most sacred month on the Islamic calendar.
More than a million people are expected to visit the month-long festival, with many attendees travelling to southwest Sydney from interstate or overseas each year.
"Last year, we saw more than 1.2-million visitors flock to the streets of Lakemba throughout the holy month of Ramadan. That's more than the Sydney Royal Easter Show!" said City of Canterbury Bankstown Mayor Khal Asfour.
Asfour also praised the event for helping to facilitate Ramadan celebrations between families and friends, and for providing non-Muslim patrons with a culturally rich experience.
"We're thrilled that the State Government have acknowledged the significance of this event, which means so much to not only our community, but to the abundance of tourists who are drawn from all over Australia."
Visitors can expect food stalls serving up traditional dishes from Indonesia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Lebanon, Syria and many more international communities. Walk through and you'll find everything from shawarma and kaak to Syrian ice cream, knafeh and Lebanese coffee.
The event is free, and there will be free shuttle buses running from 6.30pm–12.30am between Lakemba and both Campsie and Roselands to help accommodate the limited parking available. You can also catch the train via the T3 Bankstown Line to Lakemba Station if you're travelling from outside of southwest Sydney.
If you're trying to beat the crowds, it's recommended that you head along on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday, arriving early around dusk.
Ramadan Nights Lakemba will run from dusk till 3am from Tuesday, March 21–Thursday, April 20. For more information, head to the Canterbury Bankstown City Council website.