East Gippsland has something for everyone this coming week. There are markets, music and adventure on offer.
To check out everything that is on in the region this week click here

If you thought you were free this weekend, think again!

Taking place THIS Saturday 1 July (middle weekend of School Holidays), Lakes Lights is set to wow visitors and locals alike with a stunning display of artist-made lanterns, projections and art installations on the small stretch of land between Cunninghame Arm and the Ninety Mile Beach.
MUSIC STAGE (5:00 – 9:30pm)
In partnership with LEADA, we are pleased to announce an exciting music line-up featuring Mike Elrington, Charlie Needs Braces, Mick Harrington and Tonite performing on stage, plus Invy Horn Jam, a 15-piece festival band that will entertain the crowd.
WINTER MARKET (5:00 – 9:00pm)
The winter foreshore market will offer plenty of winter warming food options, plus eateries along the Esplanade and Myer Street will stay open late to feed the masses.
LANTERN PARADE (6:00 – 6:30pm)
The popular community lantern parade returns in 2023 with an expanded parade route. Anyone with a lantern (plus an accompanying adult) can take part in the parade and be one of the first to see the magical display across the Footbridge. There are several free lantern making workshops in the lead-up (details on the EGWF Program) so come along and make your own lantern to carry in the parade.
Paraders are to gather from 5:30pm between the Slipway and the Coast Guard Building (420 Esplanade, Lakes Entrance) where you will be entertained by roving performers and musicians.
The parade will set off at 6:00pm led by local CFA members and gather in front of the music stage for a special Welcome to Country. The lantern parade will then loop around the foreshore reserve (follow the CFA leaders) before returning to meet local Aboriginal Elders at the start of the Footbridge. The Elders will lead the parade across the bridge and conduct a traditional smoking ceremony as the parade arrives at the other side.
LAKES LIGHTS – BOOKINGS REQUIRED!
PLEASE NOTE: To ensure the comfort and safety of all attendees, anyone not taking part in the parade must book a (free) ticket to walk across the Footbridge to explore the lantern display and art installations. Viewing times will commence from 6:30pm straight after the parade and run in 30-minute time slots until 8:30pm. Each time slot will have a capacity limit to ensure accessibility and a nice experience for all.
Once a time slot is fully booked, you will need to select another available time. We highly recommend you book in advance to secure your preferred time, however we do ask anyone without young children to consider booking a later time to allow families with young kids the opportunity to see the lanterns before bedtime (and toddler tantrums!)
4:00 – 6:00pm – Closed for setup
6:00 – 6:30pm – Lantern Parade
6:30 – 7:00pm – Session 1
7:00 – 7:30pm – Session 2
7:30 – 8:00pm – Session 3
8:00 – 8:30pm – Session 4
8:30 – 9:30pm – Open to all
BOOK NOW! CLICK HERE to book your tickets
Grab your your winter woolies, gather some friends and have a plan wonderful winter getaway or staycation in Lakes Entrance!



If you do happen to be busy on Saturday night, you can still join in on some of the other East Gippsland Winter Festival Fun!
