Frankston heats up this summer with a scorching schedule of events and experiences

Got plans on February 19 and 20? Now you do, because the Waterfront Festival is back for another year of live music, food trucks, a garden bar, market stalls and carnival rides. There will be three performance areas, with the Garden Bar Stage set to host big names like Sneaky Sound System, Gretta Ziller, Andrew Swift, Miss Lizzy and the Night Owls, and for that hit of 90s nostalgia, Jack Jones of Southern Sons fame. Held down on the Frankston foreshore, this beloved event is all about celebrating summer beach nights by the bay. In 2022 the festival will also coincide with the Ventana Fiesta, a colourful commemoration of Latin, Iberian, Italian and Caribbean cultures. In addition to a tasty selection of food and drink experiences (think empanadas, paella, sangria, Mexican gelato and Chilean street food), the line-up of activities also includes dance classes, art exhibitions and educational workshops. The hugely popular Mexican wrestling ring is also back! Just don’t plan on leaving the party too early – come nightfall the sky will ignite in a sparkling display of fireworks set to dazzle and delight all.

Commencing at 6.30pm every Friday night, the Twilight Street Art Tours are an absolute must-do for lovers of art and culture. Frankston is actually home to more than 40 outdoor murals, and on this 1.5-hour exploration of the city’s streets and laneways you’ll get to hear all about the stories and inspiration behind many of the major pieces. Friday nights don’t suit? Tours run through the weekend too, or you can take part in the self-guided digital experience, which uses iBeacon technology to activate videos, voiceovers and photos connected to each artwork (best of all, you can go at your own pace). Be sure to grab a bite to eat and a cheeky drink before or after to really soak up the Frankston vibes.

Part digital scavenger hunt, part augmented reality, Encounter is like nothing you’ve ever experienced in Frankston before. To begin, you’ll need to download the EyeJack app, then unlock the clues that solve the riddles to reveal the secret locations of seven different artworks. From watching the moon spin behind a giant skeleton to listening as a wise old soul plays you a tune, the artworks are truly out of this world. You can work as an individual or in a team, and as you race around the city you’ll also receive offers to use in-store at select businesses. The Encounter experience is available until March 2022.

Stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, boating, swimming – name a water activity and chances are you can do it in Frankston. But we may have just discovered the coolest new way to experience the city’s epic coastline: waterbikes. These crazy-looking aquatic contraptions – they kinda look like a cross between an inflatable boat and an exercise bike – give you the freedom to explore the open water. The crew at Peninsula Waterbikes have all the gear you need, and offer both recumbent (where you lay back in a comfortable reclining position) and upright (similar to riding a normal two-wheeler) styles. In terms of speed and performance the waterbikes are all equal, so the choice is completely up to you. And with no prior experience required, you’ll be pedalling off into the bay in no time.

As things start to heat up outside, Frankston wants you to Do It Outdoors – eat, drink and listen to live music, that is! It’s all part of a new plan to support eateries by building bespoke parklets that have been designed to encourage people to get out and enjoy the sunshine. Some of the restaurants taking part include Seagulls, a beloved Greek taverna that’s been in business since 1985, and Non Solo Vino, a newcomer to the local dining scene that’s winning plenty of fans with its gnocchi nights. There is even live music scheduled for every weekend until the end of February, so you can enjoy your meal with a side of acoustic guitar. Busy Norman Avenue will also transform into a major dining hub come summer, with fairy lights, picnic tables and coloured umbrellas going up. If you’re keen for something a bit more active though, check out the free yoga and Zumba classes that are happening right through to February 26 at Beauty Park. It’s all about balance, right?