31 May - 2 June

Ashburton Domain


Brought to you by

Glow up your winter!

Our free family event returns bigger and brighter this King’s Birthday weekend. Don’t miss the chance to experience Ashburton Domain under the colourful glow of our breathtaking lighting displays.

Bring your family and join us for three magical nights of lights, food and fun for all ages!

Dates & Times

  • Friday 31 May
    5.30pm - 9.00pm
  • Saturday 1 June
    5.30pm - 9.00pm
  • Sunday 2 June - Low sensory hour
    4.30pm - 5.30pm
  • Sunday 2 June
    5.30pm - 9.00pm

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  • Lighting Displays

    Immerse yourself in a spectacular display of colour and artistry as our light installations transport you to a magical wonderland. Meet our glowing winged fairies, be mesmerised by the inflatable mushrooms, spot the swans that have snuck into the garden and chill under the towering space man! Visitors of all ages will enjoy the range of interactive light installations.

    Photo credit: Lightchasers - used with permission.

  • Food Court

    Indulge in delicious hot food and drinks from over 20 vendors while you soak in the atmosphere. Featuring a selection of flavours to suit every taste. From gourmet burgers to classic mini hot donuts and refreshing beverages, you'll find everything you need to satisfy your cravings. Come hungry and leave happy!

    Food court brought to you by

  • Rides & Attractions

    It's not just a treat for your eyes, there's plenty of fun activites on offer!

    Cut some shapes at the free, silent disco, experiment with our interactive light installations, take some glow home with you at the Glow shop, and thrill yourself with an expanded range of amusement rides.

    Photo credit: Lightchasers - used with permission.

  • Accessibility

    This year, we're introducing a low-sensory hour on Sunday evening from 4.30pm -5.30pm. During this time, we will have lowered sound levels and less people. This session is also open to groups with mobility or other requirements such as rest homes.

    Throughout the entire weekend, mobility parking is available onsite and the light installation route is wheelchair friendly.

    Photo credit: Lightchasers - used with permission.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Share your Glow in the Park experience on Facebook & Instagram with #ashburtonglow

GETTING THERE

Ashburton Domain is located on State Highway 1 / West Street in the centre of Ashburton. As you approach the domain, please drive cautiously and watch for pedestrians. Onsite parking is available for mobility card holders, for everyone else there's plenty of free parking on nearby streets.

Explore Glow In The Park

Glow in the Park 2024 Map Key

FAQ

This event is suitable for all ages and particularly popular with families. With a start time of 5.30pm, those with young children can enjoy the event, have something to eat in the food area and still be home early. With King's Birthday being a long weekend, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights are all good options for visiting.

On Sunday from 4.30pm-5.30pm, we'll be hosting a low-sensory hour with less noise and less crowds.
Entry to Glow in the Park is completely free. There are optional paid activities, such as the amusements, food area and glow shop. Most vendors will accept cash and eftpos, however there is no facility for withdrawing cash.
Free parking is available on nearby streets and at the following locations:
  • Smiths City / Robert Harris carpark (500m walking distance)
  • The old Ashburton Council building on Havelock Street (550m walking distance)
  • EA Networks Centre(750m walking distance)
  • West Street carpark (750m walking distance)
Parking is available onsite for those with mobility permits. The mobility parking entrance can be found at the corner of Grigg Street and Elizabeth Street, and please follow the directions of event staff when arriving. The paths through the event are suitable for wheelchairs or mobility scooters - however, please take care if traveling through unlit areas as there may be some areas of the domain with uneven ground.

On Sunday from 4.30-5.30 we'll be offering a sensory hour with less noise and less crowds. This is also open to groups with mobility requirements, such as rest homes.
The festival will continue in light rain or drizzle. In heavy rain or strong winds, one or more nights may need to be cancelled. If weather is poor on the day you intend to visit, please check this website or the event Facebook page after 12pm for cancellation notices.
Ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone is our top priority, so we ask that you please leave your pets at home while visiting Glow in the Park. This is a large event involving children, loud noises and bright lights that may cause distress to your dog.
There's heaps of fun stuff to dive into! Start your day soaring high with a thrilling hot air balloon ride, taking in epic views of the stunning Canterbury plains below. After your aerial adventure, chill out and unwind at the Opuke thermal pools, letting the warm waters melt away any stress. When hunger strikes, hit up the local eateries for a taste sensation - whether you're craving hearty Kiwi classics or international flavours, there's something to satisfy every palate.

Don't forget to explore the great outdoors too! Lace up your boots and hit the trails at Hakatere Conservation Park for a hike or wildlife spotting. And if you're into art and history, swing by the Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum to get your culture fix. If mountain biking is your thing, we have some amazing options for you.

Check out the Experience Mid Canterbury website for all the information you need to make the most of your visit. You'll be glad you did!