Frankston is set to glow this autumn as South Side Festival returns in May 2026, delivering 10 days of performances, immersive installations, exhibitions and community events, with the much-loved Neon Fields to take centre stage.
From Friday 8 May to Sunday 17 May 2026, Frankston will be transformed into one of Victoria’s most exciting cultural destinations, featuring everything from world-class circus and theatre to family-friendly light installations, exhibitions, workshops and even a sunrise cold-water swim at the foreshore.
Freyja Macfarlane, Senior Producer, Arts and Culture at Frankston City Council, said the 2026 program has been carefully curated to offer something for every kind of festivalgoer.
“South Side Festival is all about discovery, it’s about stepping into something unexpected, seeing Frankston through a new lens, and sharing incredible cultural experiences with the people around you,” said Ms Macfarlane.
The Festival’s ticketed program is a major highlight in 2026, showcasing bold and contemporary artists and productions.
In Common by One Fell Swoop Circus explores the tension, trust and connection that bind us together as six acrobats build and perform on a stunning structure.
A big drawcard is Human Love Quest – an inclusive, live comedy dating show at Cube 37 (18+), and Kiki and Zuki – a beautiful shadow puppetry performance for families and children six and older.
A feature film will be shot, edited and scored live on stage in real time with a cast and crew of local Frankston youth mentored by industry professionals in HERE & NOW: Live Cinema by Michael Beets.
The strong visual arts program includes Good Times – an exhibition of iconic photography from legendary Australian photographer Rennie Ellis, showcasing candid images of everyday life.
Visitors can also experience A Wearable Canvas – a vibrant exhibition from the Australian Wearable Arts Festival, that features striking works across categories including Trashion, Sustainable Nature, Avant Garde and Abstract Form.
Festival audiences can also experience Shan Gao Shui Chang (山高水长) – a performance blending contemporary dance, Chinese water painting, a tea ceremony and interactive technology to explore themes of diaspora and migration.
Back by overwhelming demand, Neon Fields will return for a third year, transforming Beauty Park into a glowing wonderland of colour, light and adventure across three nights from Friday 8 May to Sunday 10 May 2026.
The free, all-ages event will feature brand-new installations alongside returning fan favourites attracting thousands of locals and visitors into the heart of Frankston.
For those willing to face the chill, the much-loved South Side Sea Soak will return on Saturday 9 May at the Frankston Foreshore bringing together cold-water swimming groups and first-time dippers for a shared sunrise adventure.
“South Side Festival is about bringing people together, families, friends, visitors and locals to celebrate arts, culture and community in a way that feels welcoming and exciting,” said Ms Macfarlane.
The 2026 South Side Festival runs from Friday 8 May to Sunday 17 May. For more information and full program, visit: www.southsidefestival.com.au for details.
Images: Neon Fields (2025) – photo by Rohan Shearn | One Fell Swoop Circus – photo by Daniel Rabin | Shan Gao Shui Chang (山高水长) – photo by Razan Fakhouri