Lightvision: A Wagga Wagga light journey returns for it’s third year, in partnership with City of Wagga Wagga + Mandylights.
This year step into a world of shifting light and shifting perceptions.
Titled REFLECT, this light journey includes a series of installations themed around reflection, seeing yourself (and familiar places) in a different light and refractions that stretch around and across the Wollundry Lagoon precinct.

REFLECT is made up of three immersive and inspiring installations. Wander the space and enjoy:

The Laser Garden
A radiant fusion of technology, art and imagination, The Laser Garden immerse you in a dreamscape of emerald green. Thousands of green laser beams criss-cross the open air, creating a luminous forest for you to walk through. Thick fog creates new canvases for the light beams to bend and bounce around you – some close enough to touch, while others dance above.

Field of Reflection
A mesmerising playground of 2000 handmade, reflective glowing forms that dance in the nightscape. Vivid animations of colour are timed in perfect synchronisation with a musical soundtrack.
Each LED pixel is topped with a unique, reflective mirrored cover that shines light into the space in its own way – no two forms are the same. Individually beautiful, collectively memorable.

The Spheres
The ultimate mirror balls. These clusters of spheres on land and water reflect and refract light from dozens of searchlight pods throughout the space. Look up and around as you’re immersed in ripples of shifting light, creating a fully transformative experience.
Some of the mirrored spheres in this installation are up to three meters wide, while others have been specially designed on raised stands to rotate and catch the search beams – creating another dimension to the expereince.

A cosy spot for snacks, night caps and fire-side chats.
House of FoW is the perfect starting point for your festival experience. Or, wander the festival, enjoy the light and sound experiences, have an ice skate and then end the evening here with a fire-side night cap.
Open every day of Festival of W.  
Victory Memorial Gardens. Meet you at the marquee.

House of FoW menu

Pota Pasta | Penne bolognese (beef mince, onions, garlic, tomato, olive oil, salt, pepper)
Penne boscaiola (cream, garlic, mushrooms, guanciale (bacon), olive oil, salt, pepper)
Handmade gnocchi napoli (tomato, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, sage (vegan))
Fresh plain focaccia

Birdy Bar | Classic toasties (ham, salami, chicken, turkey), cheese toastie, mac + cheese bites, meatball bites, cheese dipping sauces (blue, swiss, 2 cheese), mini pizza melts, gourmet sandwiches (fresh or toasted - mushroom, brisket, roast chicken), open sandwiches (roast pumpkin, fried chicken, steak)

3 Dutchies | mini dutch pancakes, pulled beef burrito bowl, hot + cold drinks

The Press | Toasties (pork + slaw, corned beef + potato, Christmas in July), kids box
(Saturday 5 July - Sunday 13 July only)

Nabiha's Kitchen | Falafel + lamb kebab combos, zaatar bread wrap, organic vegetable soup, casserole, spinach pie, lamb kibbeh, pomegranate pie, nammoora semolina cake, baklava, maamoul
(Monday 14 July - Sunday 20 July only) 

The Wandering Chef | Loaded baked potatoes with fillings + toppings - beef mince, butter chicken, pulled pork, diced bacon, chilli beans, just cheese.
(Monday 14 July - Sunday 20 July only)

Wafflo | Hot, fresh waffles served with choice of sauces and toppings

OMG Decadent Donuts | Selection of hot, fresh donuts and donut bites in a range of flavours

House of FoW Bar | selection of beer, wine, cider + ginger beer, mulled wine + cider, cocktails (Baileys hot chocolate, espresso martini, classic + coconut margaritas, spiced rum jar + gin jar, winter spritz) and non-alcoholic beer + cider, soft drinks, bottled water

*Note: Changes to the menu or vendor trading times and availability may change throughout the festival without notice.

Skate Wagga Wagga is back!
Festival of W is proud to bring ice skating back to Wagga Wagga.
Skate in the midday sun or under the stars on the pop-up, outdoor ice rink.
Ages two and up.

Hit the button below to purchase skating tickets!

Before you skate

• Children under the age of two NOT PERMITTED on the ice rink at any time
• Children aged two to four years MUST hire a skating aid
• Children under the age of seven MUST be accompanied by an adult on the ice rink at all times
• Children under the age of 10 are strongly encouraged to wear a helmet
• Helmets are available for all skaters
• Skate and helmet hire is included in the ticket price.
• Skate sizes are available in child size 12 to adult size 13. For sizes smaller a double-bladed skate that straps over an enclosed shoe is available for use.

All tickets are non-refundable. Ensure you read the full terms and conditions for Skate Wagga Wagga before purchasing tickets.

Sensory sessions

Sensory sessions are strictly reserved for people with special needs, disabilities or those who find it difficult in busy social environments.

These sessions are designed to provide a comfortable, quiet environment, with minimal queues, less crowds and soft or no music. Wheelchairs and other aids are permitted on the ice.

Sensory sessions are 10am to 10.45am each day of Skate Wagga Wagga.

The following details also apply for sensory sessions:

• Skating aids are provided free of charge for skaters during sensory sessions (you don't need to add these to your cart, just enquire about one when you arrive on site for your booked session).
• Carers who are supporting a person, during sensory session or any sessions booked, will receive free admission. Carers will need to show a valid NSW companion card on site to qualify for the free admission.

Note: wheelchairs are also permitted during all Skate Wagga Wagga sessions.

Come gather around Ignite, a towering installation inspired by the communal bonfire, crafted to unite communities. This sculpture pays homage to fire as an elemental force in human history, offering warmth and illumination.

Ignite beckons you to engage and play, becoming integral to its interactive design. As you play on the seesaws, the bonfire swells, transforming into a majestic campfire ablaze with warmth and unity.

Light art by Mandylights and visual designs by Wiradjuri artists Amy Kilby, Ashleigh Pengelly and Bindi Bindi Art

An immersive exploration of creativity and light. Wander through this expansive outdoor gallery of illuminated First Nations art. Featuring original artworks by Wiradjuri and First Nations artists Amy Kilby, Ashleigh Pengelly and Bindi Bindi Art. Each artwork a symbol and celebration of love, strength, community and a coming together on Wiradjuri Country.

Made up of 30 poles, each pillar is internally illuminated and programmed to progress through a beautiful saturated colour scheme, each in harmony with one another and constantly morphing to create new shapes and patterns in the space. While beautifully illuminated at night, Nura is also a striking presence during the day.

Nura was originally a collaboration between Mandylights and Indigenous artist Warwick Keen for Vivid in Sydney in 2022. Nura means ‘place’ or ‘country’ in Gadigal language and draws inspiration from traditional South Eastern Australian tree carvings.

Voice of the Younger Generation
Projection art by Sarah Levett and Alice Peacock, with contributions from local youth

This artwork was created to celebrate the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC Week, in response to the 2025 theme: “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy.” To honour the voices of the future, many of the featured artworks were created by local kids living on Wiradjuri Country in Wagga Wagga. Each child responded to the question: “What do you love about culture?” With their permission, their artworks were adapted and digitised by Sarah Levett. Their responses stand as a powerful testament to the legacy being carried forward with pride and vision. The work begins with the image of a weaving, symbolising the strength and knowledge of our Elders. A thread runs through each piece, representing the cultural knowledge being passed on to our younger generation.

About the Artists
Sarah Levett is a queer Wiradjuri and Gundungurra yinaa (woman) from Harden, NSW. She is a graphic designer and artist working across multiple mediums, including mural painting, cultural workshops, digital art and business branding.

Alice Peacock is a Wagga Wagga-based animator and motion designer who is passionate about helping tell community stories.

Artwork contributions from:
Jakoa Webb: 5 years
Layne Webb: 9 years
Nylah Little-Lloyd: 9 years
Taten Webb: 11 years
Fletcher Lloyd: 12 years
Kayden Kirby Lee Honeysett: 17 years
Mikia White: 19 years

Experience the joy and spontaneity of childhood in this delightful projection display.
Skip, jump and hop in and out of the light designs as they morph, twist and turn. Use your hands to create shadows and shapes. Move about in this space and admire the beautiful Festival of W inspired artworks.

Shining light on the creativity and strength of the next generation.

Balgarra, is a NAIDOC Week celebration shining a light on the creativity and strength of the next generation at the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre. Meaning "emitting sparks" in Wiradjuri, this special event brings together our talented young people to celebrate this year’s theme—The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy—through art, music, dance, and storytelling.

Featuring performances by Philly, Beacho2710, Local Wiradjuri dance groups and much more.

From powerful performances to quiet moments of reflection, Balgarra is about sharing culture, celebrating our strengths, and embracing the future with pride.

Welcome and Smoking at 4.30pm
Act One starts in the Theatre at 5.30pm

All welcome. Enjoy Balgarra at the Civic Theatre and then wander the Festival of W festival ground.

FoW Sessions are a set of local and regional artists performing each Saturday night on the FoW main stage in the Victory Memorial Garden.

Featuring a great lineup of local and regional favourites, or unearth some new homegrown sounds.

FoW Session lineup:
Saturday 5 July
5pm to 5.45pm: Cooper & Jenna
6pm to 6.45pm: Ben O'Kane  
7pm to 7.45pm: Isaac Staines
8pm to 8.45pm: SUNDAZED
9pm to 9.45pm: Vino & Vinyl
Saturday 12 July
5pm to 5.45pm: Cooper & Jenna
6pm to 6.45pm: Olivia Coggan
7pm to 7.45pm: Jez Swan
8pm to 9.45pm: Vino & Vinyl
Saturday 19 July
5pm to 5.45pm: Milz and Nomes
6pm to 7.45pm: Isaac Staines
8pm to 8.45pm: Jez Swan
9pm to 9.45pm: Vino & Vinyl

*Note: Schedule correct at time of publication. Changes to lineup may occur throughout the festival.