Explore South Side (the adult edition)
Adults only guide to South Side
You may have read our previous blog about all the wonderful family friendly events and exhibitions in the South Side Festival 2025 program – and we love it – we love that every member of the family, all ages (and even the dog) can get involved and enjoy our city’s creativity. But sometimes there needs to be a moment for just the adults – and we’re here for it.
So pop those little people to bed, and let’s talk South Side Festival, the adults only edition. (You can read the kids version here)
Let’s start with the raunchy- then we’ll move onto the serious….
Who’s ready to Cheer? On Friday 16 and Saturday 17 May, the creative masterminds at Circus Trick Tease bring another laugh-out-loud performance to the South Side Festival program.
Cheer is a sexy circus, meets burlesque acrobatics show that will have you wondering if you could do that too! With high kicks, spins and plenty of pom poms, this high energy 18+ show is full of moments set to surprise and delight.
Next it's time to get your Creative Juices flowing…. Grab your clipboard & art suppli
es at the door and dive into a world where you can doodle till your hearts content.
Expect to laugh – expect UV paint – expect the absurd and creative to all come together in a collective chaos that is nothing if not a celebration of art and comedy.
No art skills required. It’s a rollercoaster of drawing noodly self portraits, ADHD life drawing, romantic modelling, monster making, and painting the host in UV paint!
As seen at the Adelaide Fringe and Perth Fringe World, get your tickets to join the Scratch Arts team at Cube 37 on Saturday 10 May.
(Photo credit: Creative Juice by Kat Fogarty)
Now we get a little more serious….
You know how we all want to be on the right side of history? All of those apologies we’ve borne witness to in the past – those that we see from a distance or those we have delivered ourselves. Sincere Apologies is an invitation to look closer at how we say sorry – and how we show we really mean it. Or perhaps we don’t.
This is not a performance. This is an interactive participatory night of discovery. You (the audience) will be right there in the thick of it, acting out the apologies of the past as we move through our collective regret to a place where we might try to fix the parts of the world that are broken.
This unique experience is awkward, funny, unexpectedly intimate, and strangely moving.
It’s unmissable.
It wouldn’t be South Side without merging art with important environmental and social issues. And in 2025 we have arranged a special screening of Kiss the Ground.
This eye-opening documentary uncovers how regenerating the planet’s soils can stabilise the climate, restore ecosystems, and ensure abundant food supplies. With stunning visuals and ground breaking science, this film reveals soil as the missing piece of the climate puzzle and is narrated by eco activist and actor Woody Harrelson.
This is the date-night conversation starter we all need to be a part of – watch the trailer then get your tickets here.
Lovers and misfits is an exhibition of portraits by Peter Milne taken during the formative years of his artistic practice. Milne first began taking photographs of his friends, family, and the Melbourne punk scene in the 1970s, and over the subsequent decades captured a flow of figures including Nick Cave, Anita Lane, Rowland S Howard, and Polly Borland. This exhibition is proudly co presented with the Museum of Australian Photography.
Do you love music? And hubby loves sport? Then we have a date night that will get you both in the mood.
Experience the greatest sporting anthems live with the Frankston Symphony Orchestra and Mornington Peninsula Chorale in Symphonic Sportacular! From the Olympic Games to AFL to soccer and more, this one-time concert will rock you with unforgettable moments. Celebrate the triumph of music that unites nations and inspires champions.
And finally, from tender moments to an electrifying storm of energy, Sydney Dance Company's momenta sweeps you up in a breathtaking journey of individuality and unity. Watch as dancers push beyond physical limits, exploring the full range of their bodies with raw vulnerability, strength, and elegance.
With Rafael Bonachela’s signature choreographic magic at its core, momenta weaves together the dynamic forces of life into a stunning celebration of connection and flow. This is more than a performance—it’s an invitation to revel in the beauty, fragility, and shared humanity that binds us all.
Looking for something a little more casual? We’ve got you covered…
Critical Info is back with their super fun Don’t Be Caught Dead Pub Quiz on Friday 9 May at Frankston Brewhouse. Try and outsmart the Grim Reaper with your knowledge on all things about death! Fun to play, prizes to win – get a team together and book your table today. Side note: Frankston Brewhouse will also be running their free brewery tours and tastings – so many reasons to book it in!
Continuing the trivia theme – The Hop Shop team is hosting their hilarious, Sh*t Pub Trivia. Young Street Tavern have put on their best pre-show burger and cocktails menu and Sk8house is unleashing their third annual Carnivale Party and promises to be the sparkliest yet.
Staying sporty, Strong Pilates Frankston offers up a free Pilates Community Class, join Parkrun at the Frankston Nature Reserve or get yourself rink-side for the jam-packed South Sea Roller Derby Game day.
Look, there are a few things you could do between the 8th and 18th of May - we can't mention them all here.
All of these events happen in and around the Frankston Arts Centre, so make sure you keep some time up our sleeve to grab a bite to eat in the City and make a day or night of it.
From General Public’s scrumptious lunch specials, or Young Street Tavern’s most delicious burgers – plus amazing Italian, Chinese, Vietnamese, and of course the sweet finish ice-cream, fro-yo or Spanish donuts – Wells, Young, Playne Streets and Nepean Highway are a foodie’s dream.
Be sure to book your spot on the weekends though as tables fill up fast!
If you still haven’t found exactly what you’re looking for why not have a read of our family and kids guide to South Side - or head to the website and browse the program and grab your tickets to your favourite events, and don't forget to follow the Festival on Facebook and Instagram as well.
There is so much to choose from – you’ll be amazed what you find South Side….
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