Sham Fest 3.0 – Petersham Bowling Club

Sham Fest is a lively, family-friendly weekend festival that brings live music, community spirit and fundraising together at Petersham Bowling Club. It's an accessible, grassroots event designed for parents looking for a relaxed day out with school-aged kids, live music and activities that appeal to the whole family.

What to Expect

Expect a warm, community atmosphere with continuous live music across the green and informal activities for kids and adults. The festival celebrates local bands and the club's history, offering a comfortable outdoor setting where families can enjoy performances and fresh air.

- Live bands including Jack Ladder, Palms, Memory Motel and more across Saturday and Sunday

- Family-friendly activities such as line dancing, Finska, lawn bowls and Sculptures by the PBC

- Outdoor pay-what-you-feel bar supporting the access ramp fundraising initiative

You'll leave with memories of live music, kids who tried something new and the satisfaction of supporting a local accessibility upgrade. The event is relaxed, accessible in spirit, and ideal for parents wanting a low-cost weekend plan with entertainment and community connection.

Activity Details

Sham Fest runs across two days with a diverse artist lineup and supplementary activities for children and adults. There are no strict time slots listed on this page, so arrive when convenient and plan to linger for multiple sets and activities.

The program includes a mix of performances and participatory activities. Highlights are the amateur sculpture competition (Sculptures by the PBC), line dancing sessions, lawn bowls taster sessions, and kid-friendly music sets that make this a true family outing.

Practical notes: bring sun protection for an outdoor event, comfortable shoes for lawn games, and cash or card for donations and the pay-what-you-feel bar. Accessibility improvements are the focus, and proceeds go to the access ramp fund, so your attendance directly supports a local cause.

Location and Access

The festival takes place on the green at Petersham Bowling Club, 77 Brighton Street, Petersham NSW. It's a compact, community venue that gives kids room to move while parents relax and enjoy live music.

Currently, the club entry is via stairs and not yet wheelchair accessible, which is why the access ramp fundraising is so important. Public transport and local parking options are typical of inner west Sydney, so consider walking or a short transit trip.

If you have mobility concerns or need specific accessibility information, consider contacting the club via their donation page or by phone ahead of your visit. Arriving earlier in the day can help secure easier access and seating for families with young children.

Important Information

Sham Fest is free to attend, community-run, and alcohol sales run as pay-what-you-feel with proceeds going to the access ramp fund. The festival is family-friendly but outdoor and informal, so supervise young children around activity areas and the bar.

There are creative elements like the reuse-and-recycle sculpture competition which may involve materials that are messy — bring a change of clothes or wipes for little ones. Weather can affect outdoor programming, so check updates on the club's pages if rain is forecast.

Support the cause by considering donations to the fundraising campaign and encouraging respectful behaviour around performers and other families. The club emphasises inclusivity, live music and community values throughout the weekend.

Booking and Prices

The event is free to attend; no ticket purchase is required. Certain activities or food/drink purchases are pay-what-you-feel or priced by vendors on site, helping to raise funds for the club's access ramp.

If you want to support the accessibility upgrade directly, there is an online donation link available. For group enquiries or large parties, contact the club in advance to check space and dining options.

RSVP information and artist lineups may be posted on the club's site or event pages, so check online before you go for updates and any schedule details. Bringing cash and a small donation helps the community cause while you enjoy live music and family activities.