North Sydney Council is boosting support for Crows Nest Fest with additional funding and waived fees, backing a festival that strengthens community and local business.
Council is increasing its annual funding for Crows Nest Fest by $20,000, taking its total contribution to $98,278. Council will also waive $16,380 in fees for the promotional banner poles that go up around the precinct each year.
The extra support will help Crows Nest Mainstreet (CNMS), the not-for-profit behind the festival, deliver this year’s festival. CNMS is a key partner for Council in activating the Crows Nest precinct, and this investment reflects how much the festival contributes to the area.
What began as a local street party has grown into one of Sydney's premier community festivals, drawing tens of thousands of visitors each year and delivering real benefits for local businesses, alongside a boost to the area's sense of community and culture.
That matters more than ever as Crows Nest and St Leonards grow. Thousands of new residents are expected to move into the precinct over the next decade, many into smaller homes and apartments. As private space shrinks, public space - and the events that bring it to life - become more important. Festivals, markets and street activations give people a reason to get outside, spend time in their neighbourhood, and get to know the people living around them.
It's this kind of vibrancy Council is backing, not just for one weekend a year, but as part of a longer-term push to make North Sydney a more connected, active and inclusive community.