Lifestyle & Entertainment
9 June, 2026
GLOW festival countdown begins
HALLS Gap is preparing to shine again, with GLOW — Bringing Light to Halls Gap — now less than a month away. The winter festival will run throughout July and August, bringing light installations, art, events and visitors to the town during what is traditionally one of the quieter times of year.
Created in the wake of the 2024–25 bushfires, GLOW was designed to support Halls Gap’s recovery, restore visitor confidence and give the community something positive to rally around.
Organiser Blanche Leithhead said preparations were gathering pace, with businesses, residents and community groups once again embracing the festival.
“It really does pull together a lot of people,” she said.
“It was so heartwarming how quickly the community got on board last year, and they’re doing it again.”
A major highlight will be the return of ACT Natimuk and its illuminated Travelling Light installation in the heart of town.
Featuring projections and shadow play activities for children, the installation was one of the standout attractions of last year’s festival and will again help transform central Halls Gap after dark.
Absolute Outdoors will return with its twilight Abseil Under the Stars adventure experience, while glow discos will again feature during the school holidays.
Other businesses and groups are also joining the program, with workshops planned at MOCO Gallery and additional events continuing to be added to the festival calendar.
Organisers are encouraging people to keep an eye on the GLOW website and social media channels as new events and attractions continue to be announced ahead of the festival.
Accommodation deals are also beginning to emerge, while hospitality businesses are being encouraged to create special menu items for the festival.
Donations have enabled organisers to expand the town’s lighting displays, with even more lights set to illuminate Halls Gap this winter.
“GLOW brings light to Halls Gap,” she said.
“It’s a community event put on for the community by the community.
“We’re interested in bringing people here to show them Gariwerd and show them how beautiful it is here during winter.”
Ms Leithhead said the level of enthusiasm suggested the festival was becoming an established part of the town’s winter calendar.
“Everybody’s talking about what events they can do and how they can be involved,” she said.
“We’ve got big imaginations, and we’re pursuing those dreams.”
Read More: Halls Gap