All eyes on Frankston City - South Side Festival returns

Published on 27 April 2026

The next chapter in Frankston’s major events calendar will see the City’s creative arts, culture and sustainability industries amalgamate for 10 days of adventure at South Side Festival next month.

Running between 8 – 17 May, Frankston City will proudly host an array of activities, exhibitions and workshops that will thrill, entertain and engage everyone that drops by.

In the spirit of all of Frankston City’s major events, South Side will cater for all members of the family and all fields of interest, with something different to discover around every corner at both free and ticketed events, such as thought-provoking and exciting world-class performances, raucous comedy, dazzling installations and striking visual arts displays.

“South Side Festival is a wonderful opportunity to try something for the first time, learn something new or discover a field of interest that you may not have previously encountered,” Frankston City Council Mayor, Sue Baker said.

“Events like South Side Festival strengthen our reputation as a vibrant creative arts destination, highlighted by our open-air street art gallery, sculpture portfolio and our incredible Frankston Arts Centre.

“Every festival and major event that we host elevates our city’s profile and I have no doubt that this year’s South Side Festival will continue that trend.”

Returning by popular demand for a third year is the free Neon Fields immersive installation, powered by Volter International, which will light up the Frankston night sky in Beauty Park with epic displays and stunning neon art works between Friday 8 – Sunday 10 May, beginning at 5pm.

New to the 2026 exhibition, the Stargate monolith will complement the established fan favourites, while Volter International will also debut two new collections at South Side; The Unicorn Playground, and Australian Animals, giving Frankston the first look at the new creations.

The addition of food truck hospitality and the Soundlounge bar zone will offer the perfect complement to the evening’s festivities.

“Volter International is thrilled to be lighting up Beauty Park again this year with our largest number of neons yet to interact and take photos with,” Carla O’Brien, Creative Director of Volter International, said.

“There's something for everyone from a trip to the Moon with our Cosmic Collection to finding the secret Unicorn Playground and even a visit to a Neon Circus.  There is so much to see you might even come down twice!”

This year’s focus on sustainability will put fashion at the forefront by helping attendees discover your next outfit or find that final complimentary piece you’ve been looking for, courtesy of The Great South Side Women's Clothing Exchange and a talk on the growing trend of ‘slow fashion’ by stylist Jenna Flood, combining environmentally sustainable practices with all-important style.

These initiatives complement the ‘A Wearable Canvas’ exhibition making the trip interstate from the Sunshine Coast, presented by the Australian Wearable Art Festival.

The exhibit will bring a collection of stunning pieces from previous runway shows, bringing the creativity and technical prowess of wearable art into a gallery setting.

Those seeking a deeper connection with nature and the benefits of undertaking earth-conscious practices can take an icy plunge with some of our bravest residents in the South Side Sea Soak or gain a deeper understanding of the significance of Sweetwater Creek through the immersive Creeklines experience.

This year, South Side is also hoping to help singles find a potential romantic flame, as Human Love Quest brings the romance (and comedy!) of reality television dating shows to Cube 37 at the Frankston Arts Centre.

Born in the creative melting pot of the Brunswick Ballroom in Melbourne’s inner north, the concept gives contestants the chance to break free from the constraints of online dating through personable, human interactions.

Not just for singles, this is a live action comedy show!

South Side will also be the final opportunity to experience the Street Art Studio in Bayside Shopping Centre, a product of this year’s Street Art Festival, where members of the public can place their final bids on the art pieces on display through a silent auction.

The space closes on the Festival’s second-last day, Saturday May 16.

To plan your visit to South Side Festival 8-17 May, and reserve your place at a show, tour or exhibit, head to https://www.southsidefestival.com.au/Home  @southsidefestivalfrankston on Facebook and Instagram.