Frankston City: Celebrating 60 Years

Frankston City marked 60 years since its proclamation as a city with a weekend of celebrations from 21 to 23 August 2026.

The City of Frankston was proclaimed on 24 August 1966. Six decades on, Frankston City took a moment to reflect on the people, stories and local spirit that helped shape the community it is today.

Over three days, the city centre came alive as Frankston celebrated six decades of community, culture and local stories through exhibitions, author talks, live music, historical displays, family activities and more, with something for every age and interest.

Events program

(see link to program below)

The celebrations featured a diverse program of events across Frankston City. The following descriptions are reproduced from the official program.

21 August

Rising Creators: Your Frankston, Your Way, Frankston Library

Join author Danielle Binks and illustrator Judy Watson to write and draw your version of Frankston, inspired by historic photos, local places, and future ideas.

22 to 23 August

Frankston Arts Centre Exhibitions 9am-5pm Frankston Arts Centre and Cube 37.

Discover various exhibitions including Postcards from Frankston, When Hollywood Came to Frankston, and No Place Like Home celebrating Frankston’s history, community and creativity.

(See link to Frankston City Libraries digital postcard collection below.  The postcards displayed in this exhibition are included in this collection.)

Sixty Years a City: Frankston’s Story

Through historic photographs and memorabilia, this exhibition captures a time of growth, change and community pride in Frankston City. Discover what life was like as Frankston took shape in its earliest city years.

Explore McClelland Sculpture Park & Gallery, Langwarrin

Explore a remarkable collection of sculptures set within a stunning natural landscape and discover captivating exhibitions by local artists Christopher Pyett and Alison Tedesco.

22 August

Mayoral Morning Tea Mechanics’ Hall 

Attended by 16 former Frankston City Council Mayors, along with Mayor Cr. Sue Baker, Deputy Mayor Cr. Cherie Wanat and Councillors Cr. Green, Cr. Asker, Cr. Hill and Cr. Steffie Conroy.

Beauty Park Markets 9am–2pm

Enjoy a day of craft, food, design and culture from over 100 hand-picked creatives right in the heart of Frankston City.

Community Mural Painting

Paint dates: 17 to 22 August, Live painting: 22 August, Dandenong Road West.

Local artists Jack and Josh painted a community mural celebrating Frankston’s unique natural environment and rich cultural heritage, telling the story of the city’s past while looking confidently toward its future.

Little Stories for Little Locals 11am, Frankston Library

A joyful morning of stories, songs and rhymes that celebrate Frankston’s talented children’s book creators. Featuring special guest readings from local picture book authors and illustrators, alongside a lively Storytime.

Growing up Frankston: Authors in Conversation 4pm, Frankston Library

How does a place shape a writer? Paul Kennedy leads an engaging discussion with Shaun Carney, Alan Wickes and Sue Robinson on how their Frankston roots have shaped their stories, careers and creative work. A relaxed, catered event for lovers of local storytelling.

Frankston’s 60th Anniversary Swing Night 6–8pm, Cube 37, Frankston Arts Centre

Celebrate Frankston’s 60th anniversary with a spectacular night of live entertainment featuring a premier 5-piece swing band, dancing, prizes, giveaways and unforgettable community spirit.

23 August 

Film screening: On the Beach 2–4.15pm and 5–7.15pm, FAC and Cube 37

A free screening of Stanley Kramer’s iconic film On the Beach — adapted from former Langwarrin resident Nevil Shute’s bestselling novel and filmed across Frankston, Mt Eliza and Melbourne.