Groundswell Festival is back for another action-packed weekend

Groundswell Festival, proudly presented by the City of Stirling, returns to Scarborough Beach on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 October 2025 for its 12th year. 

The two-day festival takes over Scarborough’s foreshore and beachfront with wall-to-wall action, welcoming thousands of people from across WA for a high-energy celebration of surf, skate, music, culture and connection.

“Groundswell has grown to become one of the biggest events on our calendar,” City of Stirling Mayor Mark Irwin said.

“There aren’t many places in Australia that could accommodate the surfing, skateboarding, basketball, markets, live music and everything else that comes with it, so it’s a great advertisement for Scarborough Beach as well.

“If you’ve never been to Groundswell, I’d encourage you to get down to Scarborough next month and see what it’s all about.”

What’s new in 2025

More “Have A Go” Action: Let’s get ready to…roll! This year, the “Have A Go” coaching zone expands to offer even more free taster sessions across BMX, Skate, Scooter, Rollerskating and Basketball. Whether you’re stepping on a board for the first time or looking to land that next-level trick, these sessions are open to all skill levels and ages. No judgement – just good vibes. Rego on the day.

Surfing

• Surf Boardroom’s Surf League – Saturday 11 Oct: WA’s best boardrider clubs will be going wave-for-wave in this crowd-favourite team comp. Backed by Surf Boardroom, the Surf League is a fast-paced format that brings together junior, open and masters divisions to compete for cash and prizes. Conditions permitting – final call will be made on the Thursday prior.
• Groundswell Surf Comp – Sunday 12 Oct: A mate-against-mate style showdown that brings Scarborough’s local surf scene together. Open to surfers of all ages and levels, the comp serves up serious prizes in a super fun way. Conditions permitting – final call will be made on the Thursday prior.
• Club Shakas – Sunday 12 Oct: An inclusive surf session for women and non-binary folk, hosted by Club Shakas. Designed to be empowering, fun, and pressure-free, it’s a great chance to connect in the water and start the day with good vibes.
• Surfers Rescue 365 – Saturday 11 Oct: This essential ocean safety course equips surfers and beachgoers with the skills to respond in an emergency. In just 90 minutes, Surfers Rescue 365 covers CPR, basic first aid and board rescue techniques - practical training that could one day save a life. The course is free, but bookings are essential.

Skateboarding

• Groundswell Grind – Sunday 12 Oct: This bowl comp is the event of the year for WA’s skate community. Sanctioned by the Australian Skateboarding Federation, the Groundswell Grind attracts top talent across juniors, open, and masters divisions – all battling for podium spots, prize money, and national ranking points. Expect huge airs, wild lines, and a full day of high-stoke skating in one of the biggest bowls in the country. Groundswell Grind supported by Momentum, Pylon skateboards, Aikenheads skate, Maple Rd, Vans, Sneaky Wholefoods, WC cruiser and Livid Skate.
• Groundswell Rail Jam – Saturday 11 Oct: The Rail Jam is back, and it’s bringing the heat. Skate, BMX and Scooter riders will go all in, throwing their biggest tricks on the stair and rail setup at Scarborough Skate Park. With cash prizes on the line and a live DJ keeping the vibes up, it’s one of the weekend’s most electric sessions.
• Roller Skate Demo – Saturday 11 Oct: Get ready to roll! Perth’s best inline rollerskaters are taking over the Skate Park for a high-energy demo packed with spins, glides and gravity-defying tricks. Fun, fast and totally free, this one’s for skaters and spectators alike.

BMX

• BMX Bowl Battle – Saturday 11 Oct: A no-holds-barred showdown between the RAD and the RADDEST. The BMX Bowl Battle brings elite riders into the Scarborough Bowl for a wild comp full of massive transfers, technical combos and jaw-dropping moments. BMX bowl Battle supported by - Vans, Colony BMX Sneaky, Wholefoods, Local BMX and Backbone BMX.
• Freestyle Now BMX Stunt Shows – Sunday 12 Oct: The legends from Freestyle Now are back with their jaw-dropping stunt show - packed with backflips, 360s, barspins and more. You’ll want a front-row spot for this one!

Basketball

3x3 Streetball State Champs – Saturday 11 Oct: Basketball WA is bringing the heat back to the coast with their official 3x3 Streetball State Championships. Expect DJs, fast breaks, big energy and beachside vibes as junior divisions battle it out for bragging rights and serious prizes. Plus, mini clinics will run alongside the comp to help future ballers sharpen their game.

Groundswell Live – Saturday 11 October, 3.00pm – 7.00pm

As the sun dips over the ocean, Groundswell LIVE takes over the Scarborough Amphitheatre for an epic afternoon of music, movement and golden-hour vibes. This year’s FREE beachside gig will bring together some of WA’s most exciting emerging acts for a mini festival bursting with soul, sound and local flavour with sets from Mariae Cassandra, Birdland, Flewnt and Emily Joy. Make a night of it and swing by the Scarborough Sunset Markets next door for food, drinks and browsing before or after the show.

Tipi Village (wellness)

The soul of Groundswell’s wellness experience, Tipi Village returns in 2025 with its biggest program yet; thoughtfully curated to help you recharge, reconnect and realign. Across both days you’ll find a dynamic mix of movement, mindfulness, creativity, and community, including:

• Ocean dips and silent disco (Saturday only)
• Breathwork and Sound Healing sessions
• Pilates and Yoga led by The Yogaroom and Pilates Studio
• Loyly Sauna open all weekend
• Men’s Talk workshop (Sunday) in collaboration with Loyly
• Reiki sessions and tarot readings
• Hands-on creative workshops like basket coiling, pottery, scrunchie making, natural dyeing, and herbal tea blending
• Acoustic + Asana (Sunday): a fusion of live music and mindful movement
• SECOND SEASON Clothes Sale (Sunday only)
• Sea Shepherd education stall and a beach clean-up (Saturday).

Festival village

Grab a bite, browse the markets, or kick back with free games and good company. The Festival Village is the central hangout space at Groundswell – home to delicious eats from Perth’s best food trucks, live mural painting, workshops, and the return of the Livid Skate photo exhibition.

Click here to view the full festival schedule.