Hundreds of bright yellow rubber ducks are preparing to hit the water this weekend as Parramatta Float brings a unique charity duck race, riverside markets, entertainment, food and family fun to the Parramatta River foreshore.
At the heart of the festival will be the Parramatta Float Charity Duck Race, raising funds in support of two organisations making an extraordinary difference in the lives of children and families – The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and Make-A-Wish Australia.
Members of the community can purchase a charity duck, decorate and personalise their duck before the race, and then watch as the colourful contenders take to the water in a fun-filled race to the finish.
And there is more than bragging rights on the line – the winning duck will take home a cash prize!
Most importantly, proceeds from the sale of charity ducks will support the nominated charities, helping contribute to programs and services that bring care, hope, joy and unforgettable experiences to children and their families.
For families across Parramatta and Western Sydney, the impact of organisations such as The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and Make-A-Wish can be enormous. Whether it is supporting world-class healthcare for sick and injured children or helping seriously ill children experience the excitement and happiness of having a special wish come true, every duck purchased represents an opportunity for the local community to come together and make a difference.
The charity race forms part of Parramatta Float, a new waterfront festival bringing the Parramatta River foreshore to life across the weekend.
Visitors can expect a vibrant festival atmosphere featuring:
🎪 Market stalls along the river foreshore 🛥 Boat-based vendors and floating activations 🎶 Live music and DJs 🍔 Food vendors and dessert stalls 👨👩👧👦 Family-friendly entertainment 🌊 Relaxed riverside picnic vibes 🏆 The spectacular Charity Rubber Duck Race
Parramatta Float is designed to celebrate the river, the local community and everything that makes Western Sydney such a vibrant place to live, while providing families with an exciting new event experience right in the heart of Parramatta.
Festival organisers are encouraging locals to get behind the charity race by purchasing a duck, getting creative with their decorations and coming along to cheer from the riverbank.
Whether your duck becomes the fastest on the Parramatta River or simply joins the sea of yellow making its way towards the finish line, every duck purchased helps make the race something bigger than just a competition.
It is a chance to have fun while supporting organisations dedicated to improving the lives of children.
Buy a duck. Decorate it. Race it. Cheer it on – and help make a difference.
With food, shopping, music, entertainment, riverside activities and the excitement of the Charity Duck Race, Parramatta Float is set to deliver a huge weekend on the river for families and visitors of all ages.
EVENT DETAILS
Parramatta Float 📅 Friday 4 September – Sunday 6 September 2026 📍 Parramatta River Foreshore, Parramatta 🎟 Festival activities throughout the weekend 🏆 Charity Duck Race supporting The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and Make-A-Wish Australia
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