Events.nsw.gov.au provides event organisers, volunteers and the community with information about planning, assisting and enjoying the diverse range of events around New South Wales.

Sydney Running Festival

Date: Sunday 21 September 2008
Location: Sydney - Milson's Point to the Sydney Opera House
Web: www.runthebridge.com.au

With a 42 km marathon, 21km half-marathon, 9km bridge run and 4km family fun run, there's an event to suit every level of fitness. This picturesque course begins at Milson's Point and finishes at the Opera House. In between, courses vary according to the event  but all run across the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Last year entrants raised over half a million dollars for charities like the Heart Foundation, Osteoporosis Australia, Cure Cancer Australia and the Cancer Council.

Road closures and special traffic management measures
The Sydney Running Festival has a very large event footprint necessitating closures and special event clearways in the following suburbs: Milsons Point, Sydney CBD, Millers Point, Darlinghurst, Surry Hills, Moore Park, Kensington, Randwick, Pyrmont, Rozelle, Lilyfield and Haberfield.

Sydney Harbour Bridge closure

The Sydney Harbour Bridge will be closed in both directions between 4am and 10am on event day. Access will be available via the Sydney Harbour Tunnel, however oversize and dangerous goods vehicles must use Gladesville and Anzac Bridges. Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time, expect delays and use alternate routes where available.  Full details will be available from the RTA's website closer to the event.

Getting to the event
If you are participating in the event, please use public transport. For information on public transport routes and timetables see www.131500.info

Spring will soon be making its presence felt and, around New South Wales and the new season is marked with beautiful festivals.

Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival

Date: Wednesday 24 September - Sunday 28 September 2008
Location: Cowra Japenese Gardens
Web: www.cowrajapanesegarden.com.au

Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival) is a Japanese celebration heralding the arrival of spring each year. The festival is held at the Japanese Garden when the cherry blossoms are at their best and is based on a traditional Japanese festival of the same name. Activities include ikebana, origami, calligraphy, shibori, karate, kite flying, tea ceremonies, music recitals, sake tasting, local food and wine, pottery, bonsai demonstrations, sumo wrestling and kimono dressing.

Griffith Festival of Gardens

Date: Friday 17 October - Monday 20 October 2008
Time: 9.30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Location: Griffith, NSW
Web: www.griffith.nsw.gov.au

Each year private gardens in Griffith open to the public, ranging from small cottage gardens to stunning, large acreage creations. The main street is lined with citrus sculptures based on the famous sculptures of Menton, France.  Activities include an official opening with bell-ringing and music in the cathedral, and a festival dinner dance with a keynote address by a Celebrity Guest. See the website for the program.