July 4 - 19
Wagga Wagga | Wiradjuri Country
Lightvision
Lightvision: A Wagga Wagga light journey returns to Festival of W!
In partnership with City of Wagga Wagga + Mandylights, step into a world of shifting light and shifting perceptions in 2026. Follow the curated light trail, or choose your own adventure and expereince each installation your own way. However you choose to experience Lightvision, each dazzling display will create wonder and make you see the familiar in a different light.
Lightvision 2026 in the Wollundry Lagoon precinct is curated with the following immersive and inspirational installations:
The Lilly
A sprawling centrepiece. This five metre wide, mirrored petal lilly floats proudly in the centre of Wollundry Lagoon. Filled with more than one thousand LED pixels, underwater colour changing lights, fog machines and searchlights, The Lilly is ever-changing and a magnificent anchor for Lightvision. Lasers positions behind The Lilly skim the surface, while searchlights around the perimeter of the lagoon reflect and refract off the artwork throwing light from the water's surface and up into the night sky. Wagga Wagga is The Lilly's first appearance in Australia.
Mottlecah Flowers
Suspended above, delight in the beauty of the delicate native Mottlecah Flowers. These striking illuminated recreations of the Australian native flower are imagined as larger-than life lanterns, hanging over the Wollundry Lagoon boardwalk, providing shelter and attracting people to walk below - just as their real-world counterparts do to pollinating insects. Each botanical glows gently with changing lighting effects.
River of Lights
A ground cover made up of over one thousand individually controllable pixels of light that move in 'waves' of colour like ripples along a river. Created as a calming installation, the river of light sees colour move in organic progressions across the grass for an ever-changing and captivating experience.
Starscape tunnel
Lose yourself in a galaxy of stars! Step into Starscape, a 36metre long tunnel featuring 700 individual illuminated stars across a six-metre wide archway. This dazzling canopy of light transforms a casual evening stroll into a night to remember. The constellation installation is programmed to create a stunning immersive experience where brilliant flashes of saturated colour animate up and down the length of the tunnel. Suspended between earth and sky, Starscape can be enjoyed from within, while also looks amazing admired from the outside.
💡 Festival Tip: For a curated experience, follow the dedicated Lightvision light trail. Starting in the Victory Memorial Gardens, follow the cyan water reflections and haze clouds to pass under the bridge and along the boardwalk. Admire the centrepiece Lilly that emerges infront of you, before tracing around the lagoon and past the glowing river trails . Journey through the stars before looping on to Baylis Street to view it all from above.
Or, simply choose your own festival adventure and take in each installation at your own pace.
Details:
All festival long • July 4 - July 19
Dusk to late
Wollundry Lagoon Precinct, Wagga Wagga
Free
House of FoW
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 + Morrow Street food vendors.
Meet you at the marquee.
House of FoW dining Across the 16 days of Festival of W, enjoy warming winter menus from the following FoW vendors:
The Press
Riverina Hotel
Bigdogz Hotdogz - Blake Street Country Fresh Meats
Birdy Bar + Birdy Bakes
3 Dutchies
Wafflo
OMG Decadent Donuts
Pota Pasta
Redhead and Chef
Let's Do Yum Cha
Lava Kebab
House of FoW Bar | selection of beer, wine, cider + ginger beer, mulled wine + cider, cocktails and non-alcoholic beer + cider, soft drinks, bottled water
*Note: not all food vendors will be available each day - but be sure, there will always be a variety of sweet and savoury snacks each day. Changes to menu items or vendor trading times and availability may change throughout the festival without notice. These changes are at the discretion of each vendor and CoWW takes no responsibility for these changes.
Details:
Monday to Thursday | 5pm to 10pm
Friday to Sunday | 12noon to 10pm
Friday to Sunday | 12noon to 10pm
Victory Memorial Garden + Morrow Street
Free entry • Menu prices vary
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!
Details:
All festival long • July 4 - July 19
10am to 10pm (last session 9pm)
Morrow Street
Ticketed
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.
Skate Wagga Wagga information for ticket holders
Ice rink rules
On the Ice Rink:
- Ice skates must be worn on the ice at all times - i.e. no walking in shoes
- Skate in an anti-clockwise direction unless advised otherwise
- No pushing
- No speeding or dangerous skating
- No carrying of children on the ice
- No chasing or playing tag on the ice
- No linking three or more skaters
- No throwing or spraying of ice
- No digging holes or damaging the ice or barriers
- No sitting on the barriers
- No bare feet
- No food, drinks, use of mobile phones, smoking or consumption of alcohol allowed whilst on the ice
- No offensive or abusive language
Ticket Holders affected by alcohol will not be permitted on the ice rink at any time.
Ticket Holders may be removed from the ice at any time if deemed to have been in breach of any ice rink rules.
Personal belongings are the responsibility of the individual and if left are done so at own risk.
Ice rink staff
The ice rink is supervised at all times by qualified staff members.
First aid
If first aid is required when on the ice signal for a qualified staff member. All staff members are first aid trained and will be able to assist if needed.
Further information on first aid and injuries detailed in terms and conditions.
WeatherÂ
The ice rink can operate in almost all weather conditions. Ticket holders are recommended to bring suitable outdoor clothing.
No refunds will be given due to inclement weather.
In the unlikely event that the Promoter deems it necessary to close the ice rink as a result of bad weather, alternative sessions will be offered to Ticket holders, subject to availability.
Tickets - issues and otherÂ
Full terms and conditions for purchasing tickets and purchased tickets please refer to the terms and conditions page.
Tickets are managed and processed by Stars on Ice on behalf of the Promoter (City of Wagga Wagga). Any ticketing issues, i.e. no confirmation email of tickets, please email ticketing@starsonice.com.au.
Please also check your spam/junk folder for confirmation email.
Other enquiries please visit the onsite ticketing office in the Wagga Wagga Victory Memorial Gardens from Saturday 6 July.
All tickets are non-refundable, non-transferable and valid only for the date/s and time/s shown.
Dates can be changed up to 48 hours prior to the session depending on availability by emailing ticketing@starsonice.com.au.
It is up to all ticket holders to read all information contained on this website and the terms and conditions document before purchasing and/or skating.
Towards the Light
A collection of creative artworks by international studio Angus Muir Design that transforms light into a medium for exploration and play. As forms emerge from darkness and the once familiar landscape of the Victory Memorial Gardens is reimagined, audiences are encouraged to discover new perspectives and unexpected moments of delight. Together, the works celebrate light as a catalyst for curiosity, creativity, and connection.
Squiggle
A twisting illuminated sculpture that transforms simple lines into a playful three-dimensional experience. Accompanied by an immersive soundscape, Squiggle invites visitors to explore movement, colour and form from every angle.
Sparkling Botanics
A field of luminous flowers inspired by the beauty of nature. Sparkling Botanics combines light, colour and movement to create an enchanting garden that transforms after dark.
UV Spaghetti
Hundreds of glowing strands create an immersive ultraviolet environment that blurs the line between sculpture and architecture. Visitors are encouraged to wander through the work and discover shifting layers of light and colour.
Sprig
Inspired by new growth and renewal, Sprig is a collection of illuminated forms that rise from the landscape like emerging shoots, celebrating resilience, optimism and the cycles of nature.
Details:
All festival long • July 4 - July 19
Dusk to late
Victory Memorial Garden
Free
The 5 Wiradyuri Seasons
A collection of artworks created by Aboriginal people of all ages from the local community - people who take pride in sharing their culture and are gifted storytellers.
The artworks explore the weather seasons on Wiradyuri Country and everyone's favourite memories from that time of year. For more than 60,000 years Wiradyuri Country moves through five seasons. These same seasons remain today. We must all continue working together to protect Wiradyuri Country so these seasons don't shift and can be enjoyed by future generations.
We would like to acknowledge local Wiradyuri Elder Aunt Joycelan Williams for generously sharing her knowledge of the seasons, and to celebrate her book on the Wiradjuri seasons, a wonderful resource for our community.
Artwork by Aunt Joycelan Williams – Wiradjuri Elder, Vanessa Schwab – Wiradyuri, Warrior – Wiradjuri, Mitch Summerfield – Wiradyuri, Ngaayuga / Nioka Dupond – Wiradyuri yinaa, Ronnie Ayani Alexander – Wiradjuri, Shelby Lyons-Kschenka – Wiradjuri, Layne Webb – Wiradjuri, Maxine Honeysett – Wiradjuri and Ngiyampaa, 54 – Wiradjuri / Murray, Tate Webb – Wiradjuri, Mikia White and Kilara White - Ngario / Ngunnawal, Audrina Pinney – Kamilaroi, Riva Hampton – Wiradjuri / Nyampaa
Curration and digital illustrations by Sarah Levett – Wiradyuri and Gundungurra
Animation by Alice Peacock
Powered by Illuminart
Details:
All festival long • July 4 - July 19
Dusk to late
Civic Centre Forecourt, Wagga Wagga
Free
The 5 Wiradyuri Seasons - colloboration
Artist statements
Aunt Joycelan Williams – Wiradjuri Elder
The middle of Yiraybang season, Yiray sends his hot rays of heat upon Mother Earth and everyone else. Elders enjoy being alongside the flowing bila to cool and keep us refreshed.
Vanessa Schwab - Wiradyuri
My artwork represents summer on Wiradyuri Country, when people and animals move across Country and gather around water during hotter months. The tracks show journeys and connection, while the gugaa, our Wiradyuri totem, represents culture, identity and belonging to Country.
Warrior – Wiradjuri
Birak. Sunset. The ‘Season of the Young’ symbolizing heat, sun and fire. This season also highlights fiery coloured blooms like eucalyptus and kangaroo paws. I chose this season because of the many family gatherings at the river enjoying cool water while watching the sunset.
Mitch Summerfield – Wiradyuri
It’s the story of the rain moth. They awake from their holes in the ground, from their cocoons just before or after, around March, April, May. They live for years underground as grubs but once they are hatched they only live for 24 hours, so that they can mate and produce eggs.
Ngaayuga / Nioka Dupond – Wiradyuri yinaa
The bula is low, low enough to walk across. The galingabangbur play in the clay, feeding. Muscles beneath their feet. They climb over the madhan that now lay their brances in the galing that create ganya for guya. The sharuwa is now a warm cures on our skin and the dragonfly’s are beginning their journey to the dreaming. At the cooling down of the clay the flames of our wiiny start to flicker.
Ronnie Ayani Alexander – Wiradjuri
This artwork represents the Aboriginal Australian season of Bangalang, a time of renewal and quite life emerging. It captures the blooming of wattles and the movement of freshwater turtles as they lay their eggs, symbolising growth, continuity, and connection to country. The turtles are especially meaningful to me, as they remind me of the Wagga lagoon, where many live and can often be seen gliding through the water.
What makes this season most special in my artwork is its personal significance, it is the time my sister was born. By combining these natural elements with my own story, the piece reflects both the cycles of nature and the moments that shape who we are, highlighting a deep sense of connection between land, life and family.
Shelby Lyons-Kschenka – Wiradjuri
The Emu in the Sky appears as the seasons begin to change, reminding us that the colder months are arriving. Formed within the dark sky spaces of the Milky Way, the emu shares knowledge from the sky teaching us to watch, listen, and understand the rhythms of Country. This artwork relects the connection between sky, weather, and cultural knowledge, where the emu becomes a guide, letting us know the air will cool, the seasons will shift, and it is time to prepare for the change ahead.
Layne Webb – Wiradjuri
When it gets cold in the morning and at night, we wear kangaroo skin to stay warm. That’s how we know the seasons are changing. This skin tells a story about a kangaroo walking around Country. People hunt the kangaroo for food, and they use its skin to keep warm.
Maxine Honeysett – Wiradjuri and Ngiyampaa
The Ngiyampaa word for emu is Ngurruy. The Wiradjuri word is Dinauwan. Both holds significant in culture. The emu is a totem for many tribes. The emu is central to Dreaming stories narratives that explain the landscape The Emu in the Sky. Emus are strong and can run fast. They make sounds like drumming. Emu feathers are used for jewellery. I love emus.
54 – Wiradjuri / Murray
Djilba. The coldest part of the year from August to September with clear, cold nights and days or warmer, rainy and windy periods.
I chose this season as it feels like a bit of every season for me, rain one day and sunny the next.
Tate Webb – Wiradjuri
The echidna tells us that the cold weather is starting to come. Around May, they look for warm places to rest and dig around Country searching for food. This artwork shows us how animals can teach us about the seasons and help us learn what is happening on Country.
Mikia White and Kilara White - Ngario / Ngunnawal
This artwork is called ‘Gone Walkabout’ and the artwork name describes the artwork, being on country in this season.
Audrina Pinney
My painting is called Growing Up on Country. It tells the story of my journey growing up on Country and trying to find my place feeling at times like I didn’t belong, yet always knowing I’m connected and that my ancestors are with me. The pastel colours represent my favourite season, spring.
Riva Hampton
My painting represents the seasons of summer and spring. It’s when the bottlebrush blooms and the lorikeets come to feed. The yarning circle includes my family. Mum, Dad, my two siblings, Nan, Pop, my cousin and myself sitting together. The cockatoo represents Uncle James Ingram, who has played a significant role in my family and visual dreaming, supporting our community. The orange circles represent the flowers and berries.
Sarah Levett
Sarah Levett is a queer Wiradjuri and Gundungurra yinaa (woman). Sarah grew up around Wagga Wagga and has a strong passion for sharing culture, being on country and connecting with her community. This ignites her creativity and inspires her storytelling through art.
Find Sarah:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahlevettart/
Website: www.sarahlevettart.com
Alice Peacock
Alice Peacock is a Wagga Wagga-based animator and motion designer with over a decade of experience turning big ideas into stories that get understood and remembered. She has a particular passion for regional community storytelling, and works with purpose-led organisations to give voice and visibility to the people who need it most.
Find Alice:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alicempeacock/
Website: www.alicepeacock.com.au
illuminartÂ
illuminart are a specialist projection storytelling studio, proud to work alongside lead artist Sarah Levett and a community of local artists, using projection in service of the stories they want to tell.
The team is here behind the scenes, bringing deep experience in making sure the technology always serves the story.
illuminart work with communities across Australia, from outback silos to city precincts, helping bring stories to life after dark.
Tonight, the story belongs to Wagga Wagga. illuminart are here to help it shine.
Find illuminart:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/illuminart_au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Illuminart
Website: https://illuminart.com.au/
Starscape
Step into Starscape!
Lose yourself inside this galaxy for stars! A 36 metre long tunnel featuring 700 individual illuminated stars. This dazzling canopy of light transforms a casual evening stroll into a night to remember. The constellation installation is programmed to create a stunning immersive experience where brilliant flashes of saturated colour animate up and down the length of the tunnel. Suspended between earth and sky, Starscape can be enjoyed from within, while also looks amazing admired from the outside.
A star-stopper that will be a favourite at Festival of W for kids and adults!
Starscape is part of Lightvison: a Wagga Wagga light journey - curated for Festival of W by multi-disciplinary artists, Mandylights.
Details:
All festival long • July 4 - July 19
Dusk to late
Wollundry Lagoon Precinct, Wagga Wagga
Free
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.
Also featuring this year, each Friday night on the mainstage, a Plug and Play setlist, made up of local performers.
FoW Session + Plug and Play lineup:
Saturday 4 July
5pm to 5.45pm: Andy Owen
6pm to 6.45pm: Cooper & Jenna
7pm to 7.45pm: Aaron Oldaker
8pm to 9.45pm: Sam Campbell-McCrea
Friday 10 July
5.30pm - 5.55pm: Roh & Wishy
6pm - 6:30pm: Marcus
6.35pm - 7.05pm: Laila
7.10pm - 7.55pm: Amy & Friends
8pm - 8.45pm: Viridian
8.50pm - 9.35pm: Sarita Roy
9.40pm - 10pm: house music
Saturday 11 July
5pm to 5.45pm: The Unplugged Trio
6pm to 6.45pm: Ben O'Kane
7pm to 9.45pm: Dan Jamieson
Friday 17 July
5.30pm - 5.55pm: Roh & Wishy
6pm - 6.30pm: Marcus
6.35pm - 7.05pm: Laila
7.10pm - 7.55pm: Viridian
8pm - 8.45pm: Sarita Roy
8.55pm - 9.55pm: Sundazed
Saturday 18 July
5pm to 5.45pm: Jenna Oakman
6pm to 6.45pm: Aaron Oldaker
7pm to 7.45pm: SUNDAZED
8pm to 8.45pm: Nick Kay
9pm to 9.45pm: Vino & Vinyl (will also spin tracks in between earlier set changeovers)
*Note: Schedule correct at time of publication. Changes to lineup may occur throughout the festival.
Details:
Saturdays | 5pm - 9.45pm
Main Stage • Victory Memorial Garden
Free
LIVE MUSIC +
Festival of W is a City of Wagga Wagga owned and managed event and this year has been supported by funding through the NSW Government.
