Frankston set to ignite next winter with new fire festival
Published on 06 November 2025
Frankston City Council will see the city glow brighter than ever next June with the launch of a new signature event — the Frankston Winter Fire Festival — completing its 2025–2026 Destination Event Attraction Program (DEAP) line-up.
Taking place on 13 June 2026, the festival will transform the Frankston Waterfront into a spectacular celebration of fire, food and live entertainment — bringing warmth, connection and energy to the city centre during the cooler months.
Council has committed $100,000 to the new festival as part of its investment in major events that drive tourism, support local business and highlight Frankston’s coastal appeal.
The festival will feature a bonfire lighting ceremony, fire pits, roving performers, live music and a feast of fire-cooked food and warm drinks, such as mulled wine and hot chocolate.
Frankston City Council Deputy Mayor Cr Steffie Conroy said the new event completes Council’s year-round calendar – extending the city’s vibrancy into winter and cementing Frankston’s reputation as a must-visit destination in every season.
“The Frankston Winter Fire Festival will bring warmth, light and energy to our city at a time when things traditionally begin to quieten down,” Cr Conroy said.
“Building on the success of our summer and autumn DEAP events — including Carlsberg Beach Club, the Frankston Swim Classic and the Australian Sand Sculpting Championships — this new festival will keep our city glowing all year long. It’s about giving people more reasons to visit, stay and spend locally, no matter the season.”
The Winter Fire Festival is part of Council’s Destination Event Attraction Program (DEAP) — a key initiative delivering high-quality events that attract visitors, strengthen the local economy and celebrate Frankston’s community spirit.
Now in its third year, DEAP events are expected to draw around 51,000 visitors and generate almost $5 million in economic benefit annually. The program complements Frankston’s broader events calendar, which features much-loved favourites such as the Frankston Waterfront Festival, Party in the Park, Frankston Street Art Festivaland South Side Festival.
This year Council increased funding for the DEAP program by $60,000 to $310,000.
“Frankston’s list of iconic local events continues to grow — and with the Winter Fire Festival joining the line-up, there’s now even more fun for everyone to enjoy,” Cr O’Reilly said
“This festival is all about creating connection — it’s a chance for people to rug up, come together and enjoy the warmth and atmosphere that make our city so special.”
“We know that the colder months often see people retreat indoors, but the Winter Fire Festival will do the opposite — encouraging residents and visitors to connect, socialise and share in the vibrancy of our city.”
Council’s Festival and Major Events team will collaborate with specialist event suppliers to deliver the Festival, with full program details and activations to be revealed in early 2026.
Final DEAP line-up
The Frankston Winter Fire Festival completes the 2025–2026 DEAP line-up:
- Carlsberg Beach Club – Summer – Friday 19 December 2025 to Sunday 29 March 2026
- Frankston Swim Classic – Summer – Saturday 7 February 2026
- Australian Sand Sculpting Championships – Autumn – April 2026
- Frankston Winter Fire Festival – Winter – Saturday 13 June 2026
To explore the full calendar of Frankston City’s upcoming events, visit: imaginefrankston.com.au/events-in-frankston-city