Frankston

As a region located just to the south-east of Melbourne in Victoria, Australia, Frankston is a hub of community activity throughout the year. Whether you're a local looking for something to do close to home or you're visiting the area and want to soak up some of its cultural offerings, there are plenty of nationally or globally recognised annual events that people can observe in and around Frankston.

1. Frankston Waterfront Festival
The Frankston Waterfront Festival takes place every year in February and is a highly-anticipated event for both locals and visitors. The festival is a celebration of the community's connection to the water and features an array of water-based activities, including jet ski races, flyboard demonstrations, and kite surfing competitions. There are also other family-friendly activities such as live music, amusement rides, and delicious food stalls.

2. Frankston's Christmas Festival of Lights
Every December, Frankston turns on the Christmas lights and decorations for the annual Christmas Festival of Lights. The highlight of the event is the lighting of the Christmas tree, and there are also plenty of other activities for the whole family to enjoy, such as Christmas markets, live music, and children's activities.

3. Melbourne International Film Festival
Although not located in Frankston, the annual Melbourne International Film Festival is a globally recognised event that attracts film enthusiasts from all over the world. Frankston is conveniently located just a short train ride away from Melbourne's CBD, where the festival takes place every year in August.

4. Australian Open
The Australian Open, a major grand slam tournament on the tennis circuit, takes place every January in Melbourne. Even though Frankston is slightly removed from the action, the city still gets into the spirit of the tournament with local bars and restaurants hosting watch parties and events. For those who are willing to make the journey, the Australian Open is an unforgettable experience.

5. Peninsula Short Film Festival
The Peninsula Short Film Festival takes place in Frankston every year in February and is a great event for film enthusiasts who appreciate the art of short films. The festival showcases a curated selection of short films that have been submitted from around the world, and there are always opportunities for networking with other creatives and film industry professionals.

6. Frankston's Rye Carnival
Located just a short drive away from Frankston, the Rye Carnival takes place every year in January and is a great celebration of summer and seaside fun. The carnival features amusement rides, food stalls, and live music, and is a great event for families and individuals to enjoy.

7. St Kilda Festival
The St Kilda Festival is a much-loved event that takes place every February in the nearby suburb of St Kilda. The festival features live music, stalls selling artisanal products, and activities for families.

8. Mornington Peninsula Wine Show
Located in the heart of Victoria's wine country, the Mornington Peninsula Wine Show is an annual event that takes place in late September. The show is a celebration of the region's best wine producers and features wine tastings, food pairings, and live music.

9. Australian International Airshow
The Australian International Airshow takes place in nearby Geelong every two years in February and is an event that aviation enthusiasts look forward to. The event features thrilling air shows, displays of vintage aircraft, and opportunities to meet with pilots and aviation professionals.

10. Frankston's Sand Sculpting Exhibition
Every year, from December to April, Frankston hosts an impressive sand sculpting exhibition on the waterfront. This exhibition showcases the impressive sand sculpting skills of artists from around the world, and is a great event for families and individuals to enjoy.