A live music lover’s guide to summer in Frankston.
Frankston City is gearing up for the ultimate convergence of sound, sun, and sea this summer, transforming itself into a music lover’s paradise.
Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or a casual gig enthusiast, Frankston has something for everyone. Will Sparks and Touch Sensitive are just the prelude to an extraordinary lineup that will resonate through the season.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Festivals
Lucky Day Out NYE: Dance into 2024
Sunday 31 December 2023
As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, Frankston’s Kinetic Stadium will come alive with pulsating beats and electrifying performances at Lucky Day Out NYE. Join the likes of Will Sparks, Restricted, Rockafellas, Brynny, and more as they usher in the new year with a spectacular music festival. Dancing our way into 2024 with top-tier local electronic talents with views across the bay? Yes, please!
This event sold out last year. Tickets are on sale now. Get amongst it for an unforgettable start to the year.
Purchase tickets here.
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Reminisce Decade of House: A Tribute to the Last 10 Years
Friday 26 January 2024
Take a trip down memory lane to the roots of the musical phenomenon that emerged in Frankston over a decade ago. From its humble beginnings, the renowned Reminisce festival has blossomed into an iconic event, wowing audiences across the state. Join us on January 26 at Kinetic Stadium for the extraordinary Reminisce Decade of House event. Featuring headliners Lovebirds, alongside Andhim, Market Memories, Boogs, Chardy, Minx, and Orkestrated, this festival is a tribute to the best house tracks of the past 10 years, right where it all began.
Get your tickets here.
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Waterfront Festival: Where Music Meets the Waves
Saturday 10 February & Sunday 11 February 2024
Mark your calendars for February 10 and 11 as the Frankston Waterfront transforms into the ultimate destination for live music and entertainment. The Waterfront Festival promises two days of musical bliss with 30 live music artists, garden bars, local brews, and entertainment for the whole family. Channel your best music festival vibes as Touch Sensitive takes the stage, alongside The Grogans, Sunshine and Disco Faith Choir, The Belair Lip Bombs, Kylie Auldist, and many more. Fireworks on Saturday evening will illuminate the sky, making this one of the peninsula’s biggest summer festivals.
Oh, and did we mention this one’s free?
Find out more here.
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Live Music beyond the festivals
AKA the heartbeat of Frankston’s nights. Frankston’s pulsating nightlife is not just about the festivals; it’s about the intimate encounters with live music at its iconic venues all summer long.
Here are some of the best spots to check out over the summer.
Pelly Bar
The iconic Pelly Bar is widely known as the hottest live music room this side of Melbourne.
Located inside the Pier Hotel, one of Frankston’s most frequented pubs, this is the Pier’s intimate entertainment room. With plenty of drinks on offer on any given weekend, you will find anything from a grunge rock band to a techno-loving DJ up on stage, putting on a show. Intimate, unpretentious and raw, Pelly Bar is the perfect little spot to cut a shape after having a few in the hotel’s Front Bar. Acts slated to hit the stage over the summer include the likes of The Chats, Coterie, Sons of the East, Old Mervs, and ARIA Award-winning singer, songwriter and raconteur Phil Jamieson.
Check out the latest gigs here.
Pier Bandroom
The Pier Bandroom, nestled within the Pier Hotel, has emerged as a vibrant live music hub. Spearheaded by the team behind The Croxton’s revival, this dynamic venue breathes life back into the South Side’s live music scene. Formerly the iconic 21st Century Nightclub, renowned for its revolving dance floor and hosting 70s and 80s legends, the Pier Bandroom is the go-to spot for an epic night out. This summer the bandroom will be hosting big names, including Illy, The Amity Affliction, Cosmic Psychos, Crooked Colours, Beddy Rays, The Terrys, and The Dreggs.
This is a full-on live music venue where you will catch some spectacular acts, so keep an eye on the venue guide.
Find out more here.
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Rooftop Revelry: The Deck and Hotel Lona
As the sun dips below the horizon, Frankston’s rooftop bars are also known to come alive. The Deck and Hotel Lona have become stages for rising talents and established artists. Picture yourself sipping on a cocktail while the music serenades the night.
Offering something for everyone, head to The Deck for an ever-changing roster of live rock bands, sultry acoustic artists and DJs every week, all based around one of the sweetest bay views you can get your eyes on. Renowned for their Sunday Session, this one’s a must for the best DJs and sunny house music Melbourne has to offer.
As for Hotel Lona, it offers live music seven days a week, from acoustic solo acts and duos to bands and DJs. A huge supporter of the live music industry, there’s always something happening at Lona.
Frankston Arts Centre
At the heart of every great city is a thriving arts centre. A cultural haven, the Frankston Arts Centre is an absolute premier venue with an 800-seat theatre, two galleries, a function centre, and a black box theatre. This spot hosts diverse events, from theatre productions to live music. A magnet for music lovers from Mornington Peninsula to Melbourne’s bayside, this summer will see exciting performances from the likes of Daniel Champagne, Zeppelin UnLedded, The Black Sorrows, Ian Moss, Southern Sons and award-winning singer-songwriter Kate Miller-Heidke.
Explore upcoming gigs here.
If it’s live music you’re craving this summer, there’s never been a better time to immerse yourself in Frankston City’s rich live music scene. From energetic festivals to local venues showcasing diverse genres, there’s a musical experience awaiting everyone.
Enjoy the vibrant tunes and discover the hidden gems within the city’s burgeoning live music community.
For more on Frankston’s live music scene, visit Discover Frankston.
This article was made in partnership with Frankston City Council.
