NSW Govt Removes 1-Per-Year Cap On Cultural Events at Royal Randwick Racecourse

As a part of the ongoing vibrancy and nightlife reforms, the NSW government has revealed it’s removing the cap on major events at the Royal Randwick Racecourse — so the racecourse will be able to host up to 10 cultural events a year with an attendees allowance between 5000-15,000 people.

Before this, only one event a year (not including race days) has been allowed.

The initiative to open up the Royal Randwick Racecourse for more and bigger events, also comes as a follow up to the NSW Government lifting concert caps at Centennial Park and the Sydney Cricket Ground precinct. 

Economic & cultural boost expected from removing event cap at Randwick Racecourse

The NSW Government explains that the main goal with this initiative is to make Sydney more alive and strengthen the city’s culture and entertainment scene by making room for events such as concerts, cultural festivals, exhibitions and community gatherings.

The decision is also expected to inject more than $19 million into the NSW economy as the initiative will change the racecourse venue from a limited assembly point (one on race-days), to a now year-round destination. This is expected to attract both more local visitors from in and around Sydney, but also outside visitors and tourists.

“By unlocking this iconic venue to host more events, Royal Randwick is helping drive new life back into our city, supporting jobs, local businesses, and fun,” explains Premier Minister of NSW, Chris Minns in a statement. The initiative will also secure more than 100 ongoing jobs.

The NSW Government has ensured approval from the local community, by conducting extensive community consultation and securing event plans, real-time noise monitoring, and a dedicated feedback hotline, so that the local community isn’t negatively affected by the reform.

“We’re realising Royal Randwick’s full potential as a cultural and community hub – a space built for big moments and shared experiences. With safeguards in place, we’re making sure we balance both vibrancy and neighbourhood amenity, ” assures Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully. Member for Coogee, Dr Marjorie O’Neill, also assures that all measures have been taken to meet any community concerns.

“We have listened to local voices and put in place strong protections in place to manage noise, traffic and crowd impacts. This is a win for our community, our economy and our young people who want more reasons to stay, play, and thrive – close to home.”

The first events at the Royal Randwick Racecourse are expected to be launched in late 2026.