Waterfront Festival boost for Aussie talent & accessibility
Published on 14 January 2026
An incredible line-up of Australian artists and new features will take centre stage at Frankston’s popular Waterfront Festival (6-7 February), thanks to a partnership between Frankston City Council and Revive Live – an Australian Government initiative.
The collaboration, which includes a $95,000 investment from the Australian Government on top of Council’s major events contribution is expected to continue to boost visitor numbers to the event and the region, benefiting the broader community and local businesses.
The grant will go directly towards performance fees for original, contemporary Australian artists, ensuring a diverse mix of established and emerging acts. This shift creates career pathways for musicians and brings fresh, authentic sounds to the waterfront and builds on Frankston’s vibrant live music scene, providing more opportunities for locals and visitors to enjoy free Aussie talent.
The grant is also delivering large LED screens on the main stage, enhancing sightlines for attendees to enjoy live acts, and delivering real-time accessibility information, safety messaging, and program updates.
This year’s festival is headlined by much-loved Australian indie artist Hockey Dad, joined by crowd favourites Jack Botts and Gordi, bringing big melodies and laid-back summer vibes to Frankston’s stunning waterfront.
Across two days, audiences can also enjoy standout performances from Sunshine and Disco Faith Choir, John Course (a local fan favourite with a strong history with Frankston's music scene dating back to the 1990s), The Gnomes, Cool Out Sun, Sunday Lemonade, Ruby Mae, DJ Cooper Smith, and Sundance – the perfect mix of live bands and DJs from day through to nighttime.
Mayor Sue Baker said: “The Waterfront Festival is a highlight of Frankston’s summer, and this collaboration ensures it continues to grow as a free, family-friendly celebration of music and culture.
“I am particularly proud that we can make the event more accessible this year, which complements the launch of Australia’s Most Accessible Beach pilot here on Frankston Beach this summer. This is just the start of more to come.”
Federal Member for Dunkley Jodie Belyea added: “Revive Live is about keeping live music thriving and supporting Australian artists. We are thrilled to be able to support Frankston City Council to deliver one of Victoria’s most loved summer festivals, creating opportunities for performers and unforgettable experiences for audiences.”
The Waterfront Festival is one of Frankston City’s most popular and iconic events, attracting more than 40,000 people each year to the Frankston Foreshore for a free weekend of entertainment.
Now in its 27th year, the festival is more than music – it offers something for everyone, from delicious food to family-friendly activities, market stalls, and beachside fun.
Along with the festival, visitors to Frankston waterfront in the summer months can enjoy the Carlsberg Beach Club (now in its second year), Australia’s Most Accessible Beach pilot, and from 23 January and throughout summer, the Frankston Beach Kiosk serving hot and cold snacks including ice cream, non-alcoholic cold drinks, coffee and more.
With a beautiful boardwalk, beach and waterfront reserve for picnics and BBQs or walks, and just a stone’s throw away from Frankston’s city centre with a range of hospitality and dining options and a vibrant retail offering, there’s something for everyone in Frankston this summer.
For more information about the Waterfront Festival visit: waterfrontfestival.com.au or follow the festival on Facebook and Instagram @waterfrontfest for all your festival updates.
Find out what else is happening on and around the waterfront this summer, including how to get there and where to park: frankston.vic.gov.au/summeronthewaterfront