WA’s biggest free youth multi-sports, lifestyle, music, and wellness event, Groundswell Festival, is set to return to Scarborough for its 11th year. Stretching across one huge weekend, from October 5th to 6th, it’s the ultimate way to close out the school holidays.
Scarborough Beach and surrounds will play home to Perth’s ultimate weekend of surf, skate, streetball comps, BMX bowl comps and stunt demos, DJs and live music, street art, food trucks, markets, free workshops, and activities.
Throw off the birks and get sandy with beach volleyball and a free dodgeball arena. Plus, the iconic Scarborough Amphitheatre will come alive with the sounds of Groundswell LIVE, and the soul-nourishing Tipi Village returns with a slew of meditations, ocean dips, restorative workshops, and everything in between.
“As Groundswell has grown over the past decade, we have seen increased benefits to the community,” Acting City of Stirling Mayor Councillor Suzanne Migdale said.
“These types of events are important for promoting active, healthy lifestyle choices, and for continuing to establish Scarborough as a premier tourism destination and the natural home for major events,” she said.
Surfing
Surf Boardroom’s Surf League
Surf League first ran back in 1986 and ever since it’s been a breeding ground for stoke and excitement amongst WA boardriders clubs who’ll converge on Scarborough Beach to compete for more than $5,000 in cash and prizes.
The Surf Boardroom Surf League embodies what Australian sport is all about: mateship, team spirit, loyalty, and camaraderie. Surf League’s unique competition format will see clubs nominate their six strongest surfers, with each surfer’s best two scores added together for an overall team total.
When: Saturday, October 5th
Time: 8:00 am to 2:00 pm
Where: Scarborough Beach
Groundswell Surf Comp
The Groundswell Surf Comp is a celebration of local community talent and spirit for the sport in a friendly mate versus mate format. From first comp to seasoned pro, all ages, and skill-levels are welcome to join their division and ride the Scarborough waves for a chance at winning some serious prizes.
When: Sunday, October 6th
Time: 8:00 am to 2:00 pm
Where: Scarborough Beach
Surfer Rescue 365
The Surfers Rescue 365 program aims to provide recreational surfers and beach goers with skills and training to assist in an emergency situation that could ultimately save a life.
When: Saturday, October 5th
Time: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Where: Scarborough Beach (in front of the amphitheatre)
Skateboarding
Groundswell Grind
The Groundswell Grind skateboard bowl competition will see skateboarders of all ages and skill levels battling it out to be the 2024 Grind champions. The Scarborough Beach Bowl will be the centre point for the Groundswell Festival in a spectacle of grinds, slides, high airs, and tricks that will carve up the competition.
With categories for nine and under, 12 and under, 16 and under, the open mens and womens classes, and the masters class for riders over 40, there’s a spot for all. The open mens and womens class will share in a prize purse of $3,000.
When: Sunday, October 6th
Time: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: Skate Bowl
Groundswell Rail Jam
Groundswell Rail Jam is the shredder comp for 2024. BMX, scooter, and skateboard riders will compete within their own discipline, pulling out all the tricks down or over the rail and stairs at the Scarborough Beach Skate Park. With cash prizes up for grabs, you’ll want to be front and centre.
When: Saturday, October 5th
Time: 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Where: Skate Park
Groundswell Roller Skate Demonstration
Watch as skilled skaters take to the Scarborough Skate Park and showcase their impressive moves, spins, and tricks on wheels. From graceful glides to daring flips, whether you’re a seasoned skater or just curious to see some incredible roller-skating skills, you’ll want to check this one out.
When: Saturday, October 5th
Time: 3:30 pm
Where: Skate Park
BMX
BMX Bowl Battle
The Groundswell BMX bowl battle will see BMX riders compete in the biggest skatepark bowl this side of the universe. Competitors can either choose to enter the Rad or the Raddest classes to battle it out for their share of the prizes.
When: Saturday, October 5th
Time: 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Where: Skate Bowl
Freestyle Now BMX Stunt Demos
Watch in awe as the Freestyle Now BMX performers take to the ramps and perform jaw-dropping, mid-air stunts, including backflips, front flips, 360s, and more. This adrenaline-packed show is sure to leave you on the edge of your seat.
When: Sunday, October 6th
Time: 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Where: Djinda Mia — Clock Tower
Basketball
3×3 Streetball State Championships
Get pumped for the 2024/25 summer season because 3×3 basketball is back at the beach. Basketball WA is bringing their legendary 3×3 state championships to the Scarborough Beach Foreshore. Open to both male and female juniors, join the fun with DJs, action, and big prizes.
When: Saturday, October 5th
Time: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: Djinda Mia — Clock Tower
Groundswell LIVE (music)
A mini festival inside the festival, Groundswell LIVE will be headlined by soaring vocalist and songwriter Angie Colman with indie-pop, rock sensation King Ibis, the genre-defying sound and infectious stage presence of Sophian, and the exciting pop and rhythm and blues sensation Tina Zando. It’s completely free and the ultimate way to close out a huge day of action.
When: Saturday, October 5th
Time: 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Where: Scarborough Amphitheatre
Tipi Village (wellness)
Tipi Village is back, bigger, and better than ever. Teaming up once again with wellness powerhouse Cold Nips, this year’s pop ups promise oodles of free, feel-good activities. Think workshops, ocean dips, yoga, empowerment sessions, meditation, ice baths, breath-work, healing work, and everything in between. It’s the home for wellness, mental and physical health, pollution prevention, and all-round good vibes.
Arts
The Art Swell 2024 project is a series of free workshops for all ages, aimed at creating wool wrapped artworks with the community. The goal is to engage participants in hands-on, art-making experiences and encourage their active involvement in the creation of a bright and colourful outdoor sculptural space.
THE 78 HUB
The 78 Festival Hub is back with plenty to eat, shop, and do. When you’re not catching all the action on the water, sand, or in the bowl, the festival grounds will be buzzing with free activities, games, pop-up market stalls, the Livid Skate photo exhibition, and a collection of Perth’s best food trucks to keep you going all weekend.
Alcohol. Think Again Beach Volleyball — King & Queen of the Court
King & Queen of the Court is returning to Groundswell with the Alcohol. Think Again Beach Volleyball Tour holding a pre-season event for WA players to get out and sandy before the official tour begins. Get comfy in the amphitheatre to watch as competitors enjoy friendly games to get back into the swing of the spike, practise their skills, and take home a prize at the end of the day.
When: Saturday, October 5th
Time: 7:00 am to 3:00 pm
Where: Amphitheatre
For the full program of events, registrations, and all the latest information, head to the Groundswell website. Or check out the Facebook event page.
