GLOW FEST 2025 FAQs

 

This year we are at a new site:
Falls Forest Retreat
318 Isaacs Ln
Johns River NSW

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KEY DATES:

30 March – Artist Applications open
14 April – Tickets on sale
6 July – Artist Applications close
6-10 November – GLOW Fest 2025

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Please read the below information carefully as some of it has changed from our original home at Waves Campground. For clarification on FAQs or additional questions, email glowfesthelp@gmail.com.

 

WHAT’S NEW AT FALLS FOREST RETREAT?
 

• Freshwater river running alongside the activity space with multiple swimming spots,

• Naturally heated swimming pool,

• Grass, soft grass, everywhere!

• Conservation area with lots of native flora and fauna,

• Big waterfall 10 minute bushwalk away,

• Swimming hole with 14-level waterfall 20 minute bushwalk away,

• 200-year-old Grandmother Tree,

• Private room upgrades with a kitchen, ensuite, lounge area and patio,

• Many shaded areas to chill or jam

• Central crew area for meals, relaxing and show preparations 

• Chickens, guinea fowl and cows!

• No nosey neighbours
   

TICKETING & OTHER PURCHASES ON HUMANITIX
 

Are tickets and/or add-ons refundable?

As stated on the ticket platform and on the tickets themselves, purchases for GLOW Fest tickets and add-ons are non-refundable. If you can no longer attend the event, it is possible to resell the ticket via Tixel: https://tixel.com/sell/Humanitix.
 

Why do I have to complete 1x 2-hour volunteer shift if I bought a GLOW Event Pass?

GLOW Fest is an event powered by community, and among its core values are Community and Participation. By being a valuable cog in the ever-turning wheel that is GLOW, you get to help others and the hardworking GLOW crew, potentially learning new skills and meeting new friends along the way! Sign up for your shift at check-in (children’s shifts are encouraged but not mandatory).
If you prefer to just ‘stay and play’, you can purchase a Play Pass as an add-on when purchasing your tickets.

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Can I choose which volunteer shift I do as part of my GLOW Event Pass? 

Shift sign-up happens at check-in, so it’s first in, best shifted! You can look through all the available jobs and timeslots, and buddy-up with a friend or throw caution to the social wind to be partnered with someone random.

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Why do I need to buy a Car Pass?

There is limited parking for Day GLOW Pass holders on site and no option to park along the road. Capping the number of vehicles via the sale of passes encourages attendees to arrange an alternative form of transport or carpool with a Car Pass holder.

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What kind of vehicle can I park with a Car Pass?

A Car Pass is valid for a vehicle with a maximum of 12 seats. GLOW Fest encourages attendees carpooling, however there is a restriction on parking space on site. Larger vehicles will be asked to drop off passengers and park further down the road where there is more space. 

 

Tickets are sold out! What do I do?

Don’t lose hope! Check out Tixel for people reselling Humanitix tickets: https://tixel.com/sell/Humanitix.

 

Can I buy day tickets and attend each day using Day GLOW Passes?

 

You are welcome to attend GLOW Fest in this manner, however as there are limited options for accommodation nearby, this option would be recommended for locals more than out-of-towners. Passes only allow attendance for programmed activities Friday to Sunday, and do not include Thursday’s potluck dinner or Opening LED GLOW Party. You will still no doubt have a wonderful time at GLOW but there are activities and social interaction you will miss out on by doing it this way. If you can, grab a GLOW Event Pass to ‘stay n play’!

 

Can I stay just for Saturday & Sunday ie do you have weekend passes?

 

Due to the size, layout and crew limitations at our site, we can only offer the full Event pass with 4 nights of camping, or the Day passes including only entry. If you buy a Day ticket, it is with the assumption that you have accommodation elsewhere. 

 

GENERAL GLOW BITS N PIECES

 

What is the camping setup at the new site?

 

Ticket-holder camping will be in one big, grassy field. It is sunny for the first half of the day then shaded. There is a small shower block and toilets but no power.

 

What options do I have for power at my campsite?

 

There are no powered sites at this venue, all camping is in paddocks. You will need to be fully self-sufficient with your setups. If you absolutely need more comfort and access to power, there is a limited number of private rooms you can pay to upgrade to.

 

What does ‘Leave No Trace’ mean?

 

What you pack in, you pack out. There are limited resources for waste collection on site, and it is a private property we are blessed to be permitted to use. It is also still a conservation area and we wouldn’t want our rubbish causing harm to the environment after we leave. 
If it’s your waste, it’s your responsibility. 

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What important items should I bring to GLOW Fest?

At the new venue, we need our Glowmies to be totally self-reliant! There are no kitchen facilities for ticket-holders, so remember:

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• All your camping gear including cooking gas, shade & bedding,

• All your props, plus spares to share with friends,

• Food for the big potluck cook-up on Thursday night,

• Reusable water bottles

• Portable chargers and cables

• Cash (no ATM on site, nearest is 20 mins away in Kendall)

• Ice

• Mosquito repellent

• Sunscreen

 

What can’t I bring?

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• Illicit drugs

• Alcohol, pets (except approved service/support animals)

• Poor quality camping equipment you’ll throw away after GLOW Fest

• An awesome attitude with an open mind to GLOW like only you can! 

• Please also avoid single use plastic wherever possible

 

Can I BYO?

 

GLOW Fest is a drug and alcohol-free event. If you find substances have made it to site somehow, we kindly ask you to keep these in your camp.

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Is smoking permitted on site?

We ask that all smoking – including cigarettes and vapes – be done in the designated smoking areas where there are vessels to collect your butts safely and securely. If you are certified to smoke medical marijuana, we ask you to find a spot well away from all activities and children. 

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It’s a conversation area – just how much ‘nature’ are we going to encounter?

This site and this time of year will attract mosquitoes, bugs, ticks, bindies and the odd snake. Please be aware of these possibilities – pack and act appropriately. 

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Can I bring my dog? Promise he’s well behaved!

If you want to bring your registered service/support animal, pre-approval is required from event organisers. Please contact glowfesthelp@gmail.com with the animal’s certification and general info. If you do not have pre-approval and you arrive with your animal, you will not be permitted entry. 

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Can I choose where I camp?

At the new site, all ticket-holders camp in the same field. For traffic and logistical reasons, we will ask you to file in as you arrive and not save space for your friends. The area is small enough that nobody will be far away from friends anyway. 

 

What are the gate hours?

 

Thursday 12 – 10pm
Friday/Saturday 8am – 8pm
Sunday 8am – 2pm
Checkout time: Monday 12pm 

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The gate will be locked outside of these times. If you arrive and no one is at the gate, we ask you to radio your arrival and wait for someone to sign you in. This is to ensure you are briefed and assigned camping correctly. 

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What if I don’t want the good times to end? 

Additional nights of camping are available at Falls Forest Retreat. Speak to Hugh or Alicia to pay directly for these nights. 

 

Are there pass-outs so we can come and go during gate hours?

 

GLOW Fest asks people to come fully prepared to set up camp and stay put for the duration of the event. You may not have easy access to move your car in and out of the camping area. If it’s an emergency, tell a crew member and they will assist you as soon as possible. As a Day GLOW Pass holder, it is advisable to avoid coming and going from site, as it is likely to cause traffic management issues. Any attendee that knows they need to leave temporarily during any part of GLOW should advise event crew for the best parking option upon initial arrival. 

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Can I bring my sound system to play some fully sick campsite beats?

While it is encouraged to bring all the supplies you need to make your campsite super comfortable, it is important to also respect the comfort of those around you. Please bring only small-scale sound systems and be mindful of allowing people their beauty sleep. There will be amplified music played in the main workshop areas during scheduled activities. 

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I’m up for some crazy all-night party antics! Are you with me?

In a word, no. GLOW Fest is a family-friendly, drug and alcohol-free event that encourages positive social interaction through circus and flow arts. The focus will be on making new friends, watching amazing performances, having a jam to our resident DJs and learning something new in the workshops. Noise and activities in the main area usually wrap up by midnight. 

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What hours will have programmed activities?

Thursday: 4pm – 12am
Friday: 8am – 12am
Saturday: 9am – 12am
Sunday: 8am – 11pm

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FACILITIES

Is there an ATM or cashout on site?

No, this is a private retreat. The closest ATMs are in Kendall (20 mins north) or Harrington (25 mins south), and there is no ability for cashout.

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Can I use my card on site?

Cash is king at Falls Forest Retreat! Internet is only available for those with accommodation upgrades. All sales on site are cash only (unless an arrangement can be made directly with a vendor for larger or custom orders). Special exception may be made for door ticket sales (subject to availability). 

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Will there be drinking water on site?

There are refill stations with rainwater or bore water. If you are sensitive to either of these, we recommend bringing your own filtered water. 

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Will ice be available on site?

It is best to stock up on ice at servos in Kendall or Johns River en route. We aim to do daily ice runs but bags will be limited, so keep this in mind when planning your food and drink.

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Is there reception at Falls Forest Retreat?

No, except if you have a private room upgrade. Bottom line: If you can, turn your phones off and just GLOW!

 

How about toilets and showers?

There are compostable and portable toilets, plus camping-style showers, on site. The river water comes fresh from the mountain as well. 

 

Will there be a marketplace/vendors?

While there will not be a specific marketplace area, there will be a handful of vendors selling locally made circus and flow arts goods at various times throughout the event. Each vendor will have their own payment arrangements. GLOW Fest is an environment that fosters community connection, participation and inspiration, with a focus on workshops, showcases and communal activities more than retail. If you have a stall to offer, email glowfesthelp@gmail.com.

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I have special access needs – how do I find out more?

GLOW Fest has taken steps to ensure this event is accessible for those with a range of special access needs, however some specifics may not be fully catered for. Carers/audio describers qualify for a complimentary ticket while on site with their person of care. Please email glowfesthelp@gmail.com for further information on accessibility/special needs.

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GETTING THERE

 

How to get to GLOW Fest?

Falls Forest Retreat is only about an hour from GLOW Fest’s original site of Waves Campground. It is more south and inland. Here are some options for travel:

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By car: Follow maps to 318 Isaacs Ln, Johns River NSW (10 minutes from the freeway turn-off). There are 3 fjords to pass through, which can be a little deep in times of heavy rain – mostly, it is passable by all car and van types. It is a dirt road once you turn towards Falls Forest Retreat. BEWARE of potholes and go carefully along the road, especially at dusk when animals may be feeding and jump across the road.

 

By train: Kendall station is the closest (20 mins away). 

By air: Port Macquarie is the closest airport (45 mins away). Sydney and the Gold Coast are both about 4.5 hours away. 
Contact glowfesthelp@gmail.com for assistance connecting you with someone who can collect you from a station or an airport.

 

Rideshare: Each year, we make a thread on the Facebook event page for GLOW Fest where people can connect to offer or seek rideshares. Keep an eye out for this!

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Is there a GLOW Fest shuttle?

Not this year, but it’s certainly something organisers will consider for future years if necessary. Feedback welcome!

 

Do I need to travel down any dirt roads to get to site?

 

Yes, and there are a few fjords to cross. Try to bring recovery boards, snatch straps and anything else in case of bad weather but the crew will also be there to help.

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Will GLOW Fest be cancelled/postponed in wet weather?

Generally, GLOW Fest plans to go ahead even if it rains and will provide options for undercover activities if preferred. Safety is always paramount for GLOW Fest, so if the weather is deemed unsafe, the event will not go ahead.

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How long does it take to drive to GLOW Fest?

From Sydney: 4 hours
From Brisbane: 6 hours

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GETTING INVOLVED

 

How can I volunteer for GLOW Fest?

At GLOW Fest, things are done a little differently. There is a small, handpicked volunteer crew who will handle set-up and pack-down, and all other volunteer shifts will be covered by GLOW Event Pass holders. It is a condition of entry with this type of ticket to complete 1x 2-hour volunteer shift during the event. If you’re a Day Pass holder who would also like to volunteer or simply want to be more involved, please email glowfesthelp@gmail.com or speak to a crew member on site to find out how you can help.

I sent in an application for facilitating workshops. When can I expect to know its outcome?
All applications should receive a response within 2 weeks of the application closing date. If you sent in an application and have not been contacted by this time, please check your spam box and if it’s still not there, reach out to glowfesthelp@gmail.com.