After an extended hiatus, Rainbow Spirit Festival is firing back up in Tallarook under a fresh identity and renewed vision.
Rainbow Spirit: Gathering Light brings four days of music and arts to Tallarook
After an extended hiatus, Rainbow Spirit Festival is firing back up under a fresh identity and renewed vision. Running 6–9 March as Gathering Light, the festival that’s been a cornerstone of Australia’s independent electronic scene since 1998 returns to celebrate its legacy while plotting a sustainable path forward.
Rainbow Spirit: Gathering Light
- When: 6–9 March
- Where: Eagle Ridge Event Park, Tallarook
- Stages: Horizon, Sunrise, The Homestead
- Tickets: here
Gathering Light Lineup
International artists:
- Antix (NZ)
- Asheez (NZ)
- Atmos (SWE)
- Chmura (USA)
- DJ Krush (JPN)
- John Monkman (UK)
- James Monro (UK)
- Katayanagi Twins (NZ)
- Mad Zach (USA)
- Marsh (UK)
- Paige Julia (NZ)
- Saturna (CAN)
- Simon Vuarambon (ARG)
- Sonic Species (UK)
Australian artists:
- Aisle8
- Angus Green
- Augmented
- Auramechanic
- Azabloom
- Aztoria
- Bridget
- Beatrice
- C000kie
- Chromatone
- Cookie
- Doppel
- Farebi Jaleebi
- Flow Theory
- Fowl Owl
- Frank Moss
- Freq
- GMJ & Matter
- Handsdown
- Hans DC
- Interpulse
- ISH
- JPS
- J-Slyde
- Kallisto
- Karl Pilbrow
- Kasey Taylor
- Kodiak Kid
- Krusty
- Kundalini
- Liam Sieker & Wilma
- Lo.Tess
- Luke McD
- Macro
- Megapixel
- Mela Coia
- Melta
- Monkey Marc
- Moontide
- Mr Peculiar
- Old China
- Ozzy
- Rising Sun
- Safira
- Safire
- Skynk
- Spoonbill
- Sykonix
- Thad Lester
- Thankyou City
- Them2y
- The Horse
- The Oddness
- Tom Baker & Jedidiah
- Unseen Dimensions
- Xulalit
- Zimonix
Check out our gig guide, our festival guide, our live music venue guide and our nightclub guide. Follow us on Instagram here.
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Gathering Light’s lineup spans the electronic spectrum with international heavyweights and homegrown talent sharing the decks.
UK legends John Monkman, James Monro, Marsh and Sonic Species lead the charge alongside Swedish producer Atmos, Japanese selector DJ Krush, and Canadian artist Saturna. New Zealand’s presence runs strong with Antix, Asheez, Katayanagi Twins and Paige Julia all locked in.
US producers Chmura and Mad Zach bring their distinct sounds, while Argentina’s Simon Vuarambon rounds out the international contingent.
Australian selectors include Melbourne duo GMJ & Matter, plus Freq, Handsdown, Hans DC, Interpulse, ISH, JPS, J-Slyde, Kallisto, Karl Pilbrow, Kasey Taylor, Kodiak Kid, Krusty, Kundalini, Liam Sieker & Wilma, Lo.Tess, Luke McD, Macro, Megapixel, Mela Coia, Melta, Monkey Marc, Moontide, Mr Peculiar, Old China, Ozzy, Rising Sun, Safira, Safire, Skynk, Spoonbill, Sykonix, Thad Lester, Thankyou City, Them2y, The Horse, The Oddness, Tom Baker & Jedidiah, Unseen Dimensions, Xulalit and Zimonix, alongside Aisle8, Angus Green, Augmented, Auramechanic, Azabloom, Aztoria, Bridget, Beatrice, C000kie, Chromatone, Cookie, Doppel, Farebi Jaleebi, Flow Theory, Fowl Owl and Frank Moss.
Originally known as Rainbow Serpent Festival, the event spent over two decades shaping the country’s dance music culture from its permanent home in Lexton. While a return to Lexton isn’t on the cards just yet, Gathering Light sets up at Eagle Ridge Event Park in Tallarook for a more intimate gathering that keeps the festival’s spirit alive.
Three stages spread progressive, techno, psychedelic and bass sounds across four days and nights, with international and local acts carving out the sonic landscape. Horizon Stage leans into progressive and techno as the sun drops behind the trees, backed by sweeping views across the surrounding countryside. Sunrise Stage cranks things up with psychedelic sounds, intricate textures and immersive visuals where music and light collide. The Homestead Stage goes low and heavy, grounded in bass-driven sounds like dubstep, glitch and deeper electronic forms.
Art installations, stage designs and multimedia pieces flow throughout the site, transforming pathways and gathering spaces. VJs bring live-reactive visuals to the dancefloors after dark, while Evolve Gallery showcases visionary artworks alongside live painting sessions happening in real time.
The Village hosts guest speakers, workshops and panel discussions covering creativity and practical skills. Mind & Body spaces offer sound healing and meditation for those seeking balance from the dancefloors, while cultural ceremonies honour First Nations traditions and Country.
Rainbow Spirit Kids Space provides workshops, activities and play areas for families, creating a safe environment for the next generation to get amongst it.
For more information, head here.
