Laneways of Lismore Arts Festival attracted 10,000+ visitors

Lismore’s inaugural Laneways of Lismore Arts Festival (LOLA) has been hailed a major success, with an estimated 10,000 people filling the city’s laneways and streets on Saturday 23 August 2025 to celebrate music, art, food and creativity.  The free, all-ages event transformed Lismore’s laneways and parts of Carrington and Magellan Streets into a vibrant festival precinct, featuring live performances, street art, interactive workshops, light installations, markets and food experiences.

In the lead up to LOLA, Visit Lismore achieved a reach of 38,745 through Facebook and 48,193 through Instagram on organic unpaid posts.  Through paid digital advertising, Visit Lismore achieved a reach of 135,516 through Facebook and 356,416 through Instagram. Visit Lismore followers increased by 380 on Facebook and 314 on Instagram during the LOLA promotional period.  

Lismore CBD businesses benefited from the increase in foot traffic with city restaurants and food outlets benefiting from the influx of visitors, many retail stores stayed open way beyond their usual Saturday trading hours, happily reporting a boost in sales.  

LOLA was delivered by Lismore City Council’s Destination and Economy Team and funded by Lismore City Council with support from the Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund.

Council is seeking feedback from the community, local businesses and key stakeholders. Feedback can be shared via: https://yoursay.lismore.nsw.gov.au/laneways-of-lismore-arts-festival-lola until 21 September 2025.