Frankston’s 2026 events calendar could soon feature fresh festivals and new crowd-pullers, with Frankston City Council opening applications for its 2026–27 Destination Event Attraction Program (DEAP) and setting aside $250,000 in support.
Council says the annual competitive program is designed to attract and grow destination events that strengthen Frankston’s reputation as a creative events city and bring new audiences into the municipality.
DEAP offers a mix of financial and in-kind assistance, with Council encouraging event organisers, producers and creative operators to propose experiences that “embrace bold ideas”, celebrate cultural diversity and showcase Frankston’s lifestyle.
What Council Says The Funding Is For
In announcing the program, Mayor Sue Baker pointed to Frankston’s location and foreshore as natural strengths for destination-style events.
“With easy access from Melbourne, a stunning foreshore and a growing reputation for creativity, Frankston is perfectly placed to host events that surprise, delight and attract visitors from across Victoria and beyond,”
Mayor Sue Baker said Council wanted organisers to bring forward ideas that can add to the city’s event offering.
“We’re calling on event organisers to work with us and help shape the next chapter of Frankston’s events story.”
Council says DEAP is a key part of its Destination Events Strategy 2023–2028, and expects supported events to collectively draw more than 50,000 visitors each year and generate around $5 million in annual economic benefit.
Events Already Locked In
Council says several events have been selected to return in the 2025–26 season, including The Carlsberg Beach Club, the Australian Sand Sculpting Championships and the Frankston Swim Classic.
Looking ahead to 2026, Council says the city’s calendar includes the first-ever Frankston Fire Festival in June and the Stellar Short Film Festival in February, alongside established annual events such as the Waterfront Festival, Frankston Street Art Festival and South Side Festival.
Mayor Baker said the program is intended to build on Frankston’s creative identity and deliver flow-on benefits.
“Frankston City is already recognised as a creative centre in Melbourne’s south-east, and this program helps take that reputation to the next level,”
“By supporting great events, we’re growing the creative economy, attracting new visitors, creating local jobs and injecting fresh energy into the city.”
How Applications Work And When They Close
Council says funding allocations are determined against criteria set out in the 2026–27 guidelines. Applicants are asked to pitch their event concept and specify the level of Council investment sought to create, relocate or host an event in Frankston.
Stage one applications are now open and close on Sunday, 8 March 2026.
If you are a community-minded individual, local organisation or small business with an event idea that fits this opportunity, what would you bring to Frankston’s calendar if you had the backing to make it happen?
