Lakes Lights: Gardens of the Galaxy

Step into an illuminated wonderland on the shores of Lakes Entrance as 𝗟𝗔𝗞𝗘𝗦 𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦 returns for one spectacular night only!

Wander through glowing enclaves of giant artist-made lanterns, projection art, soundscapes and roving performers (including the famous Lakes Entrance Sea Hags!) as the Lakes Entrance foreshore is transformed into a magical world inspired by Gardens of the Galaxy.

Gather at the Slipway
Join us at the Slipway from 5pm to sing the sun down with Harry Hook is Real. Grab some mouth-watering eats from the food shacks and gather with family and friends to enjoy the tunes while the sun sets. Who knows, the Sea Hags might even make a guest appearance – we know they love a crowd, and a boogie!

Join the lantern parade
Attend one of the lantern making workshops in the lead-up and bring your lantern along for the popular community lantern parade. Gather at the historic Slipway Sheds for the heart warming and spectacular procession along the foreshore and across the iconic Lakes Entrance Footbridge. Lantern Parade departs the Slipway at 6pm.

Explore the installations
Cross over the footbridge into ‘Gardens of the Galaxy’ – a magical world of larger than life lanterns, light installations, soundscapes, projection art, and of course the infamous Lakes Entrance Sea Hags will be there.

Book your tickets now!
In 2026 we are introducing a small ticket price to help cover the costs to run this wonderful community event and employ local artists. Cost: $5 per person. Children 2 and under are free.
To help spread out the crowd and keep the experience enjoyable for all, there are allocated time slots to cross the footbridge. There are limited tickets available for each 30-minute entry window. Once you cross the footbridge, you can stay as long as you like!

Support the local traders
Eateries along the Esplanade and Myer Street will stay open with a variety of delicious winter warming specials on the menu and will be adding some festive glow of their own! There will also be a range of local food stalls on the foreshore by the Rotunda where Misty Harlowe and her band will be performing live from 5pm – 8pm, with fire pits to keep you warm.

The VIP Experience
Want the best view in town? Grab a Lakes Lights VIP Pass and enjoy exclusive early access (prior to the parade), a welcome drink, finger food by Albert & Co Catering and stunning views of the lantern display from the Surf Life Saving Club’s VIP balcony. Adults (18+): $65, Children (3 -17): $35, Infants (0-2): Free.
Limited tickets available – book now to secure your spot!

Please leave your furry friends at home. Assistance/service dogs permitted.

Make a weekend of it.
Being the middle weekend of the winter school holidays, we encourage you to stay a little longer and explore the rest of the festival program and local attractions – Metung Hot Springs, Buchan Caves, Raymond Island Koalas..? Round up your crew and lock in your winter plans now!

Experience ‘HOW WE WINTER’ in East Gippsland
Lakes Lights is part of the 2026 East Gippsland Winter Festival, running from 19 June – 19 July with 100+ events on the program. The region will come alive with a month-long festival of luminous art, epic feasts, lively music, winter solstice soirees, dark skies and roaring fires. Check out the full PROGRAM

Proudly Supported by
GJ Gardner Homes East Gippsland
Snowy River Caravans Traralgon
Bellevue on the Lakes 
Cassar Industries