Sham Fest 3.0

The Inner West is set to come alive this February as Petersham Bowling Club presents Sham Fest 3.0, a free-entry, two-day music and community festival raising funds to make one of Sydney’s most loved historic venues fully accessible. 

Taking place on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 February, Sham Fest aims to support the construction of a much-needed accessibility ramp at Petersham Bowling Club, ensuring the venue remains welcoming and inclusive for all. With a total fundraising goal of $500,000, the PBC community has already raised over $400,000 through GoFundMe donations and grassroots fundraising efforts over the past few years. Sham Fest will be one of the final major events helping get the club over the line before construction begins in March. 

Sham Fest 3.0 coincides with a landmark moment for the club. In 2026, Petersham Bowling Club celebrates 130 years since its founding and 20 years as a community-owned, pokie-free venue. The completion of the access ramp marks the beginning of a new, more accessible chapter in the club’s long history. 

Inspired by the grassroots festivals of neighbouring Newtown and Marrickville, Sham Fest is proudly Petersham. The weekend will feature live music from some of the Inner West’s best established and emerging artists, including Jack Ladder, Palms, Memory Motel, The Melodrones, Lucienne, The Bancrofts, Retail Therapy, Magic Nic, Selene and The Strange, Valley Onda, Christian Values, and more across the two days. 

Beyond the music, Sham Fest places accessibility at its core, with live closed captioning provided for every act. Festivalgoers can also enjoy line dancing, Finska, lawn bowls, and Sculptures by the PBC, a reuse-and-recycle amateur sculpture competition running on Sunday. An outdoor bar on the green will be pouring beers thanks to BentSpoke Brewing, with 100% of proceeds going directly to the access ramp fund. 

As a non-profit, community-run venue, Petersham Bowling Club relies on local support to fund essential improvements. Sham Fest is a celebration of that community spirit and a chance to enjoy great music, good company while supporting the cause.