Lithgow International Schnitzel Festival (LISF) FAQs

With interest growing in the Lithgow International Schnitzel Festival (LISF), a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) has been prepared to provide key information about the event.

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About the Festival

Is the festival really just about schnitzels?

The schnitty is just the fun starting point. The LISF is a serious initiative to kick-off revitalising Lithgow’s Main Street through place activation, community engagement and economic development. The schnitzel theme reflects a light-hearted, local identity that has already generated local pride.

The schnitzel concept was chosen because it was:

✔ Fresh
✔ Locally authentic
✔ Broad in appeal
✔ Competitive (other towns were also applying for the grants)

The LISF is one part of Council’s support for events. Other festivals, cultural programs and partnerships are also happening.

Why are we calling ourselves the 'Schnitzel Capital of Australia'?

It’s meant to be cheeky and fun, but also strategic. Lithgow is proudly claiming the title to get attention, attract visitors, and support local businesses. Food is a powerful place-branding tool, and lots of towns and regions use humour and food to build civic pride and tourism. This is Lithgow’s ‘flavour’. The ‘international’ element (“Around the World in 80 Schnitzels”) will celebrate diverse cultural schnitzel styles from around the world – Austrian, Japanese, Italian, Korean, vegan, gluten-free and more.

Is this just a one-off event?

The LISF is designed to run annually for three years with evolving programming. The festival will also test temporary infrastructure and design ideas that could inform long-term improvements to Main Street’s walkability, amenity and vibrancy.

Funding

Why is Council investing in a festival instead of fixing roads or services?

This LISF is funded by a $350,000 grant from the NSW Government’s Open Streets Program, funding that can only be used for public space activations and street-based events. The Grant had key requirements:

✔ Must be a new event (no repeats or rebrands)
✔ Must activate a major public street, including road closure
✔ Must be near public transport
✔ Must be accessible for differently-abled people

Lithgow City Council successfully secured this funding through a detailed, evidence-based application that was submitted with Letters of Support from the Chamber of Commerce, and local schools, businesses, and artists.

Local Business and Economy

How will local businesses benefit?

The festival will:

  • Increase foot traffic and visitor spending
  • Offer support and visibility to local shops, cafes and traders
  • Provide micro-grants for businesses to participate in the festival (e.g., pop-up dining, special menus, shopfront activations)
  • Attract return visitation and long-term investment in the area
Can my business take part, even if I’m not on Main Street?

Yes! The festival is designed to promote the whole town. Businesses anywhere in the Lithgow Council area can take part in festival events. Keep an eye out for more information.

Community Participation

Can locals get involved in the festival?

Absolutely! There’ll be opportunities for:

  • Local performers, artists, and schools to take part in the entertainment and creative program
  • Community groups to run stalls or activations

Keep an eye out for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) closer to the event.

How can I give feedback or suggestions?

Your ideas matter! There will be:

  • Online and paper feedback forms
  • A post-event survey
  • Drop-in info sessions and pop-ups
  • And chances to speak directly with Council staff at the event.

We’re listening, and your input will shape future versions of LISF and Main Street improvements.

 

Will the festival support cultural diversity?

Yes. The “Around the World in 80 Schnitzels” theme is about celebrating different cultures through food, stories, and performance. Council will work with multicultural and First Nations groups to ensure the festival reflects the diversity of Lithgow.

Will there be opportunities for kids and families?

Definitely! The Lil’ Schnitters Play Street will be packed with games, creative play, hands-on workshops and family-friendly performances. There’ll also be chill-out zones, pram access, and things to do for all ages.

11. What if I don’t eat schnitzels?

That’s okay! We’re working to make sure the festival includes:

  • Vegetarian, vegan and culturally diverse schnitzel offerings
  • Live performances, art, music, and kids’ activities

The Big Picture

What’s the long-term goal of all this?

LISF is the first step in imagining a better Main Street. The festival gives Council and the community a chance to trial new ideas:

  • pop-up outdoor dining
  • lighting and seating
  • play spaces
  • public art
  • street design changes
  • safer pedestrian spaces
  • activation ideas that bring people into town

If something works, we can look at making it part of Main Street for good. There’ll be opportunities for the community to have a say, give feedback, and inform what comes next. This is about building a Main Street that works better for locals, attracts visitors, and feels more ‘alive’ all year round.