As the weather clears to reveal a perfect late winter's day tomorrow (Saturday), the excitement is building for Lismore City Council's LOLA festival in the CBD.

LOLA stands for Laneways of Lismore Arts, and the free festival takes place at various places throughout the Lismore CBD block from 1pm and closes at 9pm.

You will enjoy everything from creative activities, immersive lighting experiences, displays and unique artistic expressions, along with market stalls, food vendors, an outdoor bar and Lismore’s vibrant and diverse food and dining offerings.

The complete details are below:

LOLA LIVE STAGE

Magellan Street between 1pm – 9pm

MC: Mel Bampton

The beating heart of the festival, the LOLA LIVE STAGE brings together bold voices and brilliant sounds. Headlined by the powerful presence of First Nations star Mitch Tambo, alongside Melbourne indie favourites Cool Sounds and Eggy, the stage celebrates both national talent and local legends.

A special spotlight shines on Mr Rhodes — Lismore’s own genre-blending storyteller — joined by rising local acts Liminal and Lucy’s House. This is where sound, spirit, and community come alive.

• 1pm – 1.40pm: Lucy’s House
• 2pm – 3pm: Liminal
• 3.30pm – 4.30pm: Eggy
• 5pm – 6pm: Mr Rhodes
• 6.30pm – 7.30pm: Cool Sounds
• 8pm – 9pm: Mitch Tambo

EMERGING SOUNDS STAGE

Carrington Street between 1pm – 8 pm

MC: Nino Haggith

The Emerging Sounds Stage celebrates the raw, rising talent from Lismore and surrounds — showcasing the voices, beats, and stories of the local music scene. Curated by Planet Music, Howl and Moan Records and Music NSW.

From soulful singer-songwriters to genre-bending, bold new bands, the line-up is a living mixtape of creative energy and a launchpad for the next wave of artists who deserve to be heard far beyond our hills.

Lismore is a premier precinct for artists and performers, and the Emerging Sounds Stage is proof of that.

Come discover the future of music, made right here:

• 1.10pm – 1.40pm: NRC Youth Jazz Orchestra
• 2pm – 2.30pm: The Bones
• 2.50pm – 3.30pm: MK
• 3.30pm – 4pm: Move It Dance
• 4pm – 4.40pm: Casey May and the Lovers
• 5pm – 5.40pm: Media Puzzle
• 6pm – 6.40pm: Shluffy
• 7pm – 8pm: The Deadly Good

LOLA DJ STAGE

Cnr Nesbitt Lane & Eggins Lane between 1pm and 9pm

LOLA DJs is the sonic pulse of the LOLA Arts Festival — where curated soundscapes meet visual art, and late-night sets move both bodies and boundaries.

Representing a fusion of electronic rhythm, experimental beats, and art-forward curation, LOLA DJs create a space where music isn’t just heard — it’s felt, seen, and lived.

This is not just a DJ set. It’s art you can dance to:

• 1pm – 2.45pm: Holiday Maker DJs
• 2.45pm – 4.30pm: Flo Records DJs
• 4.30pm – 6pm: Wax Addicts DJs
• 6pm – 7.30pm: Trusted Friends DJs
• 7.30pm – 9pm: Guy Grey DJs

LOLA VISUAL ARTISTS

Carrington Street & Eggins Lane between 1pm and 5pm

LOLA is an immersive festival – to be seen, felt, and painted across the city walls.

Experience the laneways come alive with internationally acclaimed artists Paul McNeil and Marty Baptist as they create a live, portable mural that evolves throughout the day. With each brushstroke unfolding in real time, festival-goers are invited into the process — to watch, to engage with the artist, and to witness ideas come alive in colour and form.

Adding to the visual feast, local legends from the Back Alley Gallery will reimagine Lismore’s laneways with freshly curated street art installations. Expect bold lines, rich textures, and powerful stories painted across brick and concrete. At LOLA, art doesn’t hang quietly — it pulses with energy, spilling into the streets and pulling you in. This is more than a festival — it’s a creative takeover:

• 1.30pm – 4pm: Marty Baptist
• 1.30pm – 4pm: Paul McNeil
• 1pm – 5pm: The Back Alley Gallery – Kate Stroud, Kai Gesco & Steep St

LOLA BACK STAGE

Eggins Lane (Back Alley Gallery) between 1pm and 5pm

The Back Stage buzzes with the energy of emerging local youth performers who leapt at the chance to showcase their talent at LOLA.

This stage celebrates fresh voices and rising stars—a space where the next generation of artists gets their moment to shine. Swing by to experience the raw creativity, passion, and talent that make our region unique.

LOLA FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES

Enjoy everything from creative activities, immersive lighting experiences, displays and unique artistic expressions.   

Along with market stalls, food vendors, outdoor bar and Lismore’s vibrant and diverse food and dining offerings.  

TROPICAL FRUITS SIDE SHOW ALLEY

4 Carrington Street between 1pm and 9pm

A vibrant, camp, and all-ages celebration of Lismore’s LGBTIQ+ community.

Enter under a giant rainbow arch, greeted by a drag usher, and enjoy games, bubbles, music, art, face painting, and surprise performances.

Note: Alcohol-free space. Under 16s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

IMMERSIVE LIGHT EXPERIENCE

Eggins Lane/County Lane between 5pm and 9pm

Experience a bold, immersive lighting installation that delights both young and old. Stunning visuals, photo opportunities, and a unique sensory experience make this a highlight of the festival.

LANTERN PARADE INSTALLATION

Magellan Street and Eggins Lane between 1pm and 9pm

Magnificent lanterns illuminate the festival, adding colour, fun, and a sense of wonder to LOLA. Perfect for photos and enjoying a magical, luminous atmosphere.

MAKERS MARKET

Magellan Street between 1pm and 9pm

Stroll through the Makers Market and discover local treasures, handmade goods, and unique artworks—perfect for finding something special to take home.

COUNTY LANE CREATIVE HUB – CULTIVATE CREATION

10 County Lane between 1pm and 9pm

Enjoy a vibrant day of art workshops, live music, dance, theatre games, fire shows, and DJ sets. Celebrate creativity with an amazing community of artists, makers, and performers—fun for all ages!

COUNTY LANE CREATIVE HUB – LITTLE LISMORE

County Lane between 1pm and 9pm

Join Living School teachers to co-create ‘Little Lismore’ in County Lane.

Step into a whimsical cardboard village at the heart of the festival. Design and build your own cardboard creations at the tables surrounding the central build area, then watch your creations take their place in the growing miniature city. Fun, hands-on, and perfect for all ages!

KIDS CREATIVE ZONE

Eggins Lane between 1pm and 9pm

Children will learn block printing techniques, create their own stamps, try block painting, and decorate a zip pouch to take home, thanks to The Artisans Table.

As you can see, it is a full day of arts and activities in the Lismore CBD tomorrow (Saturday, August 23) from 1pm. With the weather looking perfect, and sporting fields being closed, head into the CBD and enjoy entertainment with family and friends.