This ultimate summer celebration is about to hit Frankston's shores.
The sun-kissed shores of Frankston are set to come alive in February with the two-day fiesta known as the Frankston Waterfront Festival.
This epic celebration promises an unbeatable combination of live music, delectable food and drinks, thrilling rides, family-friendly activities, and a spectacular fireworks display. Best of all, it’s a free festival that caters to every member of the family.
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Here’s everything you need to know.
Live Music: Touch Sensitive, The Grogans, and more
At the heart of the festival beats the Waterfront Stage, where an incredible lineup of artists will grace the audience with genres ranging from DJ beats to Afro-funk and indie rock.
Touch Sensitive, the triple-threat producer, live performer, and DJ, is set to lead the Saturday night festivities. Known for remixing Rufus, collaborating with Flume, and touring internationally with Flight Facilities, Touch Sensitive brings his signature hooks and impeccable taste to the stage. His latest album, ‘Visions,’ is a pastiche of slow disco, new-jack swing, and retro productions.
The Grogans, a Melbourne-based trio, explore nuanced manoeuvres in surf, punk, blues, garage, psych, rockabilly, and reggae. With a string of EPs and albums, including ‘Just What You Want’ and ‘Which Way Is Out,’ The Grogans have become a national sensation, delivering an eclectic sound that captivates audiences. They’ll be one of the headers of the main stage on Sunday afternoon.
One to watch will be Melbourne’s Sunshine and Disco Faith Choir, who fuse infectious club-ready house and techno with uplifting gospel and soul vocals. This 12-piece choir, led by DJ Sunshine, creates an energetic and unique performance that has graced dance floors across the city.
Led by Maisie Everett, Frankston’s own The Belair Lip Bombs will bring their debut album, ‘Lush Life’ to the main stage. With indie rock melodies that paint stories of longing and self-discovery, the band showcases meticulous craftsmanship and a passion that leaves an unforgettable mark in the indie music landscape.
Other Talents to Look Out For
The festival boasts an impressive array of talents, including Frankston’s own acoustic folk singer songwriter Anthony Lorenzo, Toowoomba-based artist Cloe Terare, Afro-funk Hip Hop outfit Cool Out Sun, and coastal indie-folk singer/songwriter Felipe Baldomir. There’s also Horns of Leroy, Kylie Auldist, Mariah McCarthy Trio, Matilda Pearl, Maya Vice, Sledgehammer Honey, Sunday Lemonade, and The Brooke Miller Duo.
With diverse sounds ranging from acoustic folk to powerful indie rock and electro soul, there’s something for every music lover.
Fireworks: A Spectacular Night Sky Display
As the sun sets on Saturday night, festival-goers are in for a visual treat with an epic fireworks display above the water, launching from the Frankston Pier at 9:45 pm. The best viewing spots include the beach, Pier Promenade, or Oliver’s Hill.
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Amusements and Rides: Thrills and Chills
Bringing along the family? The festival features an adrenaline-pumping array of rides and amusements for all ages. From classic carnival games to daring rides, the waterfront transforms into a playground of excitement.
Expect to find the likes of dodgem cars, a kid’s carousel, the classic cup and saucer, dragon coaster and of course the iconic Ferris wheel. There’s even one called the Sky Flyer that will give you sky high views of the bay. For a mere two or three ride tokens (priced at $4 each), you can experience the thrills of screaming and, perhaps, a touch of nausea. Don’t forget to pick up a show bag while you’re there too.
Ventana: A Mosaic of Cultures
Celebrate global cultures at the Frankston Waterfront Festival’s Ventana Stage, a vibrant hub of intercultural entertainment. Offering live music, dance, workshops, creators, makers, and delectable international cuisines, it’s a window into a mosaic of cultures, bringing energy, colour, and movement to the festival.
Must-see acts include Amaru Tribe, Japanese Blues Cowboy George, Pirritu, Wadaiko Rindo, Solomon Sisay, Perolas, and local talents Bashka. The Ventana Precinct offers immersive experiences with Cuban Rudea Style Salsa, Bollywood dancing, Kuki Culture, and more.
The Garden Bar & The Beer, Wine and Spirits Trail: Kick Back and Relax
This year there are two great spots to plonk with friends and enjoy all the beelines to the surrounding stable of vendors that you like – the Garden Bar near the Waterfront Stage and the Beer, Wine and Spirits Trail in the Yacht Club Precinct. Featuring local breweries and distilleries, the trail will feature the likes of Banks Brewing, Penni Ave, Frankston Brewhouse and more.
As for the food? Over on the Food Truck Square, savour offerings from Pizza Forno Xpress, known for authentic Italian pizza flavours, and Rolling Burger Brothers, crafting gourmet burgers with a focus on local produce. Explore diverse cuisines like South Mediterranean street food from Wesh, traditional baked potatoes from Spudalicious, and Middle Eastern delights from Falafel Off The Truck.
In the Yacht Club Precinct, Wonder Pies offers handcrafted pies and pastries using the best of Victorian produce, you’ll find Greek fare from Mary had a little lamb, and Mexican from Mr Alejandro.
Looking for more?
You’ll discover a plethora of family-friendly activities across the festival, from Hoop City’s 3×3 Street Hustle Basketball to Pongo Ping Pong, BMX demos, Rotary Duck Derby, mermaid braids and face painting.
For those with a competitive edge, make sure you check out Pickleball at the festival – a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong using a paddle and plastic ball with holes. One hit and you’ll be addicted.
There is also nature crown workshops, circus play, canoeing and abseiling with Scouts Victoria, giant bubble workshops, silent discos, and a bunch of roving entertainment throughout the weekend.
Betty’s Burgers is also hosting a Dive-In Beach Movie Night on Friday, February 9, and running a Beach Club collaborating with Glitter Gypsy to provide a free Glitter Bar on-site. From 12-8 pm on Saturday and 12-5 pm on Sunday, transform yourself into a magical, colourful, beautiful, and creative festival sensation.
If you’re a fan of open water swimming, head down to the first-ever Frankston Swim Classic, set against the picturesque backdrop of Frankston Beach on Saturday. With three enticing swim distances—400m, 1.2km, and 2.5km—participants will glide through the serene waters of Port Phillip, basking in the early morning sun’s shimmering dance.
The Best Part: Free Entry for All
Frankston Waterfront Festival is open to all with free entry. So, mark your calendars for February 10th and 11th, from 12 pm to 10 pm on Saturday and 12 pm to 8 pm on Sunday.
For more details, visit waterfrontfestival.com.au or keep up with the latest on Facebook here.
This article was made in partnership with Frankston City Council.
