Here’s how to get the most out of The Waterfront Festival, with 5 not-to-be-missed experiences for kids.
Over two jam-packed days, The Waterfront Festival will transform the Frankston Waterfront into an extravaganza of colour, family fun, and entertainment. There is so much to see and do so grab your map and let us help you plan your festival highlights.
1. Who doesn’t love a day at the beach? Our Beach and Beyond activities will be sure to get you moving on the sand and on the bay. There’ll be sailing, SUP boards, beach cricket and volleyball, plus AFL staff on hand to teach the kids some Auskick skills (and help you find a local club in 2023.) Stroll the pier while you’re there and enjoy the vista of Frankston beach.
Top Tip: Don’t forget to pack your bathers, sunscreen, hat and towel! If you forget, you can find some of these items at the items at the Frankston Visitor Information Centre!
What you need to know: Beach and Beyond will have activities running from 12 – 6pm on Saturday and Sunday. Activities are free of all to enjoy. Nearby you will also find touch tanks filled with marine life. These interactive displays will run daily from 12pm-5pm on Pier Promenade. Here you can learn about conservation and appreciate the wildlife found in Port Phillip Bay!
2. After all that running around and splashing in the bay, it’s time to excite those tastebuds with festival dining. You’ll find all the usual crowd pleasers like calamari, twisted potatoes and pizza or you can sample the flavours of the world with some Columbian street food in the Ventana precinct. Follow it up with a sweet treat of loaded brownies, fairy floss or mini donuts. And don’t forget to keep cool with a bubble tea!
Top Tip: Volks Coffee has everything you need to stay caffeinated throughout the day.
What you need to know: There’s over 30 trucks offering up their most delicious flavours throughout the festival. Click here for the full list of vendors.
3. Your tummies are full and the littlest legs may need a rest by now. It’s time to kick back on the grass and enjoy the live music on the Waterfront Stage. You’ll find everything here from Melbourne Ska Orchestra to the soulful voice of Thndo to Australian alternative rock legends, You Am I. Why should the kids have all the fun?
Top Tip: While you’re checking out the music, don’t forget to visit the Emerging Artist Stage to support some local acts and artists. And if you’re up for a late night with the kids, stick around to see the night sky light up as fireworks project from the end of the Frankston Pier from 9.45pm.
What you need to know: There’ll be live music at the Waterfront Stage from 12pm – 9.45pm on Saturday and 12pm – 7.45pm on Sunday. See the full line up of music.
4. It will not go unnoticed by the kids that the festival is brimming with lights, colour and action. Step up the fun factor with our rides and amusements. It’s time to make some summer memories with giggles and squeals galore!
Top Tip: Our larger rides can offer a spectacular view of the bay so be sure to bring your camera along for the ride.
What you need to know: Tickets for the rides and amusements are available to purchase on the day.
5. Last on the list is The Dreaming Space. With circus performances and demonstrations, you’ll escape to a world full of discovery, curiosity and surprise. Let your imagination be stirred and your senses ignited by bubbles, puppets and magic shows.
Top Tip: Finish off your festival with the fire show in The Dreaming Space on Saturday night at 7.45pm before heading home in time for bedtime.
What you need to know: The Dreaming Space is located in the Activity Zone and is fun for all ages. Other experiences in this space include sensory stations, Boom Box Beats, Floor is Lava, Mountain Boarding, silent discos and more.
Don't miss a thing all weekend long!
So there you have it. 5 family friendly ways to experience The Waterfront Festival in 2023. For live updates follow The Waterfront Festival on Facebook and Instagram. Accessible event information and frequently asked questions can be found here.
See you there!
The Waterfront Festival.
Saturday 18 February, 12-10pm
Sunday 19 February, 12-8pm
Frankston Waterfront
Free entry
waterfrontfestival.com.au