Manly is positioning itself as more than a beach destination with the launch of a new Surf + Sound Festival combining culture, sport and entertainment across its iconic waterfront.
A New Play for the Shoulder Season
For years, Manly’s busiest period has arrived with the peak summer rush. Now, attention is turning to the weeks before the traditional holiday season.
The new Surf + Sound Festival aims to bring people into the area earlier, creating activity across Manly Wharf and Manly Beach while giving residents and visitors more reasons to spend time in the suburb. Rather than focusing on a single attraction, the event combines live entertainment, sport, food and public art in an effort to showcase different sides of the community.
The festival is scheduled to run from Oct. 16 to Nov. 1, giving businesses a chance to tap into visitor spending ahead of the summer peak.
More Than a Music Event
While a strong music lineup is expected to attract attention, organisers are positioning the festival as a broader celebration of Northern Beaches culture.
Acts announced for the event include Skegss, The Whitlams, Skunkhour, The Beautiful Girls, GANGgajang, Winston Surfshirt and Mudhoney. Their performances will be spread across the festival period, helping create a steady stream of activity around the waterfront and beach precinct.
Away from the stage, visitors can expect surf-focused events, family-friendly experiences and public spaces transformed through large-scale art installations.
Surf, Art and Community Connections
Surfing remains central to the festival’s identity.
World champion surfer Joel Parkinson is set to lead surfing competitions, linking the event to one of the area’s most recognised local passions. At the same time, artist Jeremyville is curating public artworks designed to bring colour and creativity into shared spaces around Manly.
The combination reflects a deliberate effort to blend sport, culture and community rather than treating them as separate attractions. Families, artists, surfers, local residents and visitors are all being targeted as part of the festival’s audience.
Manly Wharf’s Next Chapter
The festival is being hosted by Artemus Group, which acquired Manly Wharf in 2024.
The company has indicated the event forms part of a broader push to strengthen community engagement and boost tourism in the area. For local businesses, that could mean increased foot traffic during a period that traditionally sits between winter’s slowdown and summer’s busiest months.
The real test will be whether the festival can establish itself as an annual fixture. If crowds respond, Manly could gain a new signature event that extends the economic and cultural benefits of the summer season beyond the usual calendar.
Published Date 24-September-2026
