BendiGLOW Youthfest Event
What is BendiGLOW?
BendiGLOW Youthfest is a youth festival that celebrates young people. Designed by young people for young people, it’s an event built around their ideas and energy.
A key feature of the night is the finalist performances as part of the Battle of the Bands competition, where local youth bands take the stage to compete and showcase their talent.
The event also includes a youth and community market, with stallholders offering hands-on activities and information about local services, programs, and events available to young people across the region. It’s a chance to explore what’s out there, connect with organisations, and discover new opportunities. Throughout the evening, there are free activities to enjoy with friends, like inflatable laser tag, learn-to-skate sessions, and interactive games — all set within a UV-lit space that brings the night to life and puts the GLOW into BendiGLOW.
Attendance is welcome by young people, friends, families, the community, and anyone keen to support the next generation of music!
Welcome Back Battle of the Bands Winners!
We're welcoming back previous Battle of the Bands winners who have gone to do amazing things to headline BendiGLOW 2026. You don't want to miss these performances!
Two Steps Forward
What started as a passion project in Bendigo Australia has slowly but surely risen to be a local icon looking to go international. Inspired by 2000's legends like Linkin Park, Deftones, and System Of A Down, Two Steps Forward is looking to front a revival to the explosive, raw, and intimate energy of that era of music.
APPLES
Apples are a regional Victorian based band (all 18 years old) and we play Indie Rock originals. Instead of writing essays in year 12, we wrote songs. From first learning music together in year 2 to now continuing onto playing music together beyond school, music has led to some incredible opportunities. From local open mic nights, winning regional Battle of the Bands, all the way to playing on the main stage at Melbourne Fed Square, we have had an unreal journey, but this is just the beginning.
Battle of the Bands Competition
Watch some of the biggest up and coming local bands battle it out at BendiGLOW Youth Fest for some huge prizes! The Line Up is now out - check out Battle of the Bands to find out more!
What to Expect at BendiGLOW
From UV lights to giant games and live music, BendiGLOW is stacked with unforgettable experiences. Often featuring multiple activities, similar to the following listed below, that were at BendiGLOW Youthfest in 2025!
UV Face Painting
Get creative and stand out with glowing face and body art that lights up under blacklight.
Learn to Skate Sessions
Hit the pavement and give skateboarding a go with beginner-friendly workshops and support from skilled skaters.
Inflatable Meltdown
Will you make it across gracefully or do an epic wipeout? Challenge your friends and yourself with Meltdown!
Big Baller
This eight player action game challenges your stamina, agility and reflexes. With not one but TWO spinning boom arms to jump over or duck under whilst balancing on your podium. Challenge your friends and see who is the last one standing!
Chill-Out Zone
Need to recharge? Our giant YO Bendigo bean bags are the perfect place to relax and take in the good vibes.
Youth & Community Stalls
Meet local youth groups and service providers, grab some giveaways, and find out about opportunities for young people across Greater Bendigo.
Live Music & Performances
Enjoy an epic lineup of young local artists performing live throughout the night - including the Battle of the Bands finalists taking centre stage.
Accessibility Information
We want everyone to feel welcome, comfortable, and included at BendiGLOW Youth Festival. To support your participation below we have linked the BendiGLOW Youthfest 2026- Access Guide. Click the image below to read the guide or click the link "here".
BendiGLOW is a vibrant event featuring live performances, music, entertainment, activities, and opportunities to connect with others. At times, the festival may be busy, with amplified sound, bright lights, large crowds that may create a high-sensory environment for some attendees.
A chill-out zone will be available for anyone who would like to take a break from the festival, relax, recharge, or enjoy some quieter time away from the main activities. While this space will aim to provide a lower-sensory environment, it is not a completely silent or private area. Accessible toilets will be available at the event venue, and accessibility features will be clearly signed.
If you have any access requirements or if there are ways we can support your participation, we would love to hear from you!
Please contact us before the event by emailing [email protected]. So we can work with you to make your experience as enjoyable and accessible as possible. Note, we can not guarrantee that this email inbox will be actively monitored on the day of the event.
A Safe, Inclusive, Youth-Led Event!
BendiGLOW is a drug, smoke, vape, and alcohol-free event designed to be safe, welcoming, inclusive, and fun for everyone. It is delivered by the City of Greater Bendigo Youth Development Team (YO Bendigo)
It’s proudly supported by Amplify, a Victorian Government initiative that empowers young people to lead the way in creating safe and engaging music and arts events in their communities, and the Victorian Government's Youth Fest program. YO Bendigo acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government.
