Frankston’s South Side Festival Reveals 2025 Program
Frankston’s South Side Festival is returning from Thursday, 8 May to Sunday, 18 May 2025, bringing a packed program of cutting-edge visual arts, immersive installations, playful performances, workshops, and live music, all showcasing the colourful and creative undertone at Frankston’s core.
Now in its fourth year, the festival offers more to explore than ever before—this is your chance to jump in, discover something new, and be part of the action.
“As South Side returns for its fourth year, we have worked to create a program that is exciting, intriguing, and inspiring, to captivate all ages and interests,” says Freyja Macfarlane, South Side Festival Producer. “Whether you’re a patron of the arts, a keen film or theatre buff, or just love a light show, the 2025 program is packed with unexpected surprises.”
After an epic debut in 2024, Neon Fields (8–11 May) returns to transform Beauty Park into a glowing wonderland, inviting families and friends to explore dazzling light installations and soak up the after-dark atmosphere. “Get ready for a park full of brand-new neon collections, plus a life-size neon grand piano and drum kit so you can step into the spotlight and be your own rockstar!” says Carla O’Brien, Director of Volter International.
Also back for another splash, the South Side Sea Soak (10 May) invites bold dippers to hit the water for an invigorating ocean plunge, before warming up with a classic beachside brekkie served by the Frankston Life Saving Club. Join Fiona Basile, Sea Soak ambassador who says “The energy in 2024 was infectious. I can’t wait for Sea Soak 2025—join us! You won’t regret it!”
On May 10, Sydney Dance Company’s momenta on 10 May at the Frankston Arts Centre. From quiet, tender moments to surges of energy, momenta sweeps you up in a breathtaking journey of movement, rhythm, and connection. Choreographed by Rafael Bonachela, this stunning performance brings together world-class dancers in a celebration of individuality and unity. More than a show—it’s an invitation to experience the power of dance in all its grace, strength, and emotion.
Multi-award-winning Circus Trick Tease are also bringing two brand-new shows: one for grown-ups and one for the whole family! CHEER (16 & 17 May) is a wild, acrobatic circus-comedy fusion packed with high-energy stunts and just the right amount of attitude. Meanwhile, Farmy Farm (17 & 18 May) serves up high-flying circus antics, juggling carrots, and hilarious larrikin farmers—perfect for kids aged 3–10. Circus? Comedy? Pom-poms? Bring it on!
Festival Highlights also include:
- Joshua Searle: Oro Vivo (Living Gold) (Friday 9 – Sunday 18 May): Renowned artist Joshua Searle animates the Frankston Library forecourt with large-scale projections that celebrate Colombian heritage through art and sound.
- Holiday in Frankston (Saturday 10 May): Local punk bands take over Singing Bird Studio for an all-ages night of raw talent and high-energy performances.
- Peter Milne: Lovers and misfits (Saturday 10 May – 26 July): A powerful photography exhibition at Frankston Arts Centre’s Mezzanine Gallery, featuring portraits from Melbourne’s 1970s punk scene, including Nick Cave, Anita Lane, Rowland S Howard, and Polly Borland. Presented in collaboration with the Museum of Australian Photography (MAPh).
- Lori Hakim: Undercurrent (Saturday 10 May – 19 July): Contemporary jeweller Lori Hakim reimagines discarded waste found along the Port Phillip Bay coastline, transforming plastics, broken bottles, and forgotten objects into wearable works of art.
- Creative Juices (Saturday 10 May): A riotous blend of art and comedy, Creative Juices invites audiences to swap the role of spectator for creator in this high-energy, hands-on experience led by award-winning performer Timothy Christopher Ryan.
- Sincere Apologies (Wednesday 14 – Thursday 15 May): An interactive theatre experience exploring how we say sorry and its role in collective healing.
- Kiss the Ground Film Screening (Thursday 15 May): An eye-opening documentary that uncovers how regenerating the planet’s soils can stabilize the climate, restore ecosystems, and ensure abundant food supplies – followed by a panel discussion on local sustainability initiatives.
- Community Workshops and Events: From urban gardening classes with The Urban Nanna to cultural bushwalks with Nairm Marr Djambana, the festival provides countless opportunities to engage and learn.
With free and ticketed events across the program, South Side Festival is a chance to be surprised, to participate, to discover and to experience Frankston as a city where creativity and community thrive.
Visit southsidefestival.com.au for the full program and tickets.
South Side Festival is proudly presented by Frankston City Council and supported by EastLink.
