Nothing embodies the spirit of summer quite like enjoying live music on the foreshore with a refreshing drink in hand. This February, Frankston will host the Waterfront Festival 2026, a two-day extravaganza featuring live music, carnival rides, food trucks, and a host of entertainment options. The festival will take place over the first weekend of February, offering a vibrant atmosphere from Friday evening through Saturday night.
The best part? Admission is completely free.
A Packed Weekend of Entertainment
The festival kicks off on Friday with an after-work session from 5 PM to 10 PM, setting the stage for a full day of activities on Saturday. From midday until a spectacular fireworks display over the bay at 9:30 PM, attendees can enjoy a variety of events. Early birds can start their Saturday with the Frankston Swim Classic, an open water event featuring courses of 400m, 1.2km, and 2.5km, as well as a 700m kids’ beach run.
Once participants have dried off, the Carlsberg Beach Club will bring a taste of European summer to Frankston Pier with sunbeds, cocktails, and waterfront dining. Back on the foreshore, food trucks, a garden bar, and carnival rides will keep the festive spirit alive.
Musical Highlights and Headliners
The festival’s lineup is headlined by the acclaimed Windang surf rock duo Hockey Dad. Known for their garage-tinged guitar sound, Zach Stephenson and Billy Fleming formed the band in 2013 and have since built a devoted following. Their fourth album, “Rebuild Repeat,” released in 2024, showcases their enduring appeal.
Joining them is coastal folk artist Jack Botts, whose journey from Byron Bay busker to national headliner has captivated audiences. Botts’ laid-back sound and earnest songwriting have led him to tour with Tash Sultana and Boy & Bear, as well as perform across North America, the UK, and Europe.
ARIA-nominated singer-songwriter Gordi rounds out the top tier of the lineup. Known for her folktronica textures and intimate lyricism, Gordi has collaborated with artists like Troye Sivan and Bon Iver. Her releases, including “Reservoir” and “Our Two Skins,” have garnered critical acclaim.
Dancefloor Energy and Local Talent
Beyond the headline acts, the festival embraces a dancefloor vibe. Melbourne’s Sunshine and Disco Faith Choir promises a unique fusion of house, techno, and live gospel vocals. DJ Sunshine will lead the charge, while her choir delivers euphoric harmonies that have captivated audiences since 2016.
Melbourne DJ stalwart John Course will also perform, bringing decades of dance music expertise to the waterfront. Other acts include The Gnomes, Cool Out Sun, Sunday Lemonade, Ruby Mae, DJ Cooper Smith, and Sundance.
“With surf rock at sunset, gospel harmonies bouncing off the bay, and fireworks to close out Saturday night, the Waterfront Festival has become one of the most distinctive free events on Melbourne’s summer calendar.”
Looking Ahead: A Staple of Melbourne’s Summer
As the festival draws near, anticipation is building for what promises to be a memorable weekend. Frankston’s foreshore provides a stunning backdrop, allowing attendees to focus on enjoying cold drinks, good tunes, and the best spots to watch the fireworks.
The Waterfront Festival 2026 not only highlights the vibrant cultural scene of Frankston but also reinforces its status as a must-visit destination during Melbourne’s summer months. As the community gathers to celebrate music, art, and togetherness, the festival is set to leave a lasting impression on all who attend.
