Laser show on Murray, Eurovision sway poles: What to expect from the inaugural Upstream Festival

The 'Three Belles' of Melbourne-based Strange Fruit will emerge on five-metre sway poles during the festival's Saturday night street party in Wodonga.

It's among more than 100 things to see and do across the four-day festival, which kicks off with a gala opening at Noreuil Park tonight.

Wodonga Council's Kim Strang, part of the Upstream working party, said the rain had not significantly affected set-up for the festival.

"It's been extremely smooth," she said.

"Albury will showcase sculpture installations on Friday night as well as light installations, and there will be a laser show across the river, which is pretty exciting.

"It's all free, and it's an opportunity for people to immerse themselves.

"There's beautiful theatrical experiences where they can go into a horse float, then they could jump to an art activity."

Castlemaine's Alex Sanson finished building his colourful sculpture installation "Spherophyte" at Junction Place on Thursday.

"It really transforms at night," he said.

"I find kids are so drawn to the movement. I'm really excited for the festival."

Mr Sanson is also inviting community members to contribute to a piece about the Murray River.

Spherophyte has featured at Melbourne's White Night and many installations from across Australia have been booked, after research by the working party.

But local performers will also feature strongly and Border venues will open their doors across the festival, which includes day-time events on Saturday and Sunday.

"The kids will particularly like the messy arty party at Belvoir Park; it's going to be a chance to wear something old and explore it," Ms Strang said.

Other attractions include a family event with Lynley Dodd on Saturday, art and photography workshops, and the Upstream Small Sculpture Prize.

The Two Cities One Community event has been promoted in metropolitan publications and across social media in a bid to draw visitors.