Jazz Connect 2025 is here — and if you’ve been wondering what to do in Scarborough this weekend, wonder no more. From Friday 30 August to Sunday 1 September, Scarborough will transform into a multi-stage, multi-sensory celebration of jazz, community, rhythm, and local creativity.

Whether you’re a long-time jazz lover or someone who just likes good music and great vibes by the beach — this is your weekend.

It’s More Than a Festival — It’s a Takeover

What makes Jazz Connect so special isn’t just the lineup (although yes, it’s incredible). It’s the way Scarborough becomes the festival.

Instead of packing into one big space, you’ll find music flowing across twelve different venues — each one with its own atmosphere, its own crowd, its own feel. From beach bars to laneways, rooftop lounges to skate cafés, the entire coastline is going to pulse with sound.

One minute you’re catching a laid-back sax solo with your morning coffee at Zoie Café, the next you’re grooving under the stars at The Lookout with a cocktail in hand.

And just when you think it’s over? You’ll hear trumpet notes echoing out of a laneway you didn’t even know existed.

Where You’ll Find the Music

Here’s what makes this weekend so deliciously Scarborough: the music meets you where you are.

We’re talking:

• Scarborough Beach Amphitheatre — music at golden hour with the ocean as your backdrop
• Scarborough Sunset Markets — food trucks, community buzz and jazz under festoon lights
• The Lookout, El Grotto, The Sandbar and Scarborough Beach Bar — for your late-night grooves and seaside sips
• Livid Skate Café and Livid Laneway — raw energy, youth vibes and edgy beats
• Zoie Café, Indigo Oscar, and La Cabaña — beachside brunches with background brass
• Scarborough Beach Community Centre — family-friendly workshops and performances
• Rendezvous Hotel Lobby Bar — your classy Sunday wind-down with upright bass and all the feels

Some shows are completely free. Others — like standout sessions at The Lookout and El Grotto — are ticketed and worth every cent. You can check out the full artist and venue schedule at artconnectwa.com.au/events

Who You’ll Hear

Expect everything from smooth and sultry vocals to foot-tapping funk and experimental jazz fusion.

Local legends like Ali Bodycoat and Gemma Farrell will be lighting up the main stages, while rhythm-heavy sets from Daniel Susnjar’s Afro-Peruvian Project and Holli Scott & The Rush Hour Circus promise to shake things up in all the right ways.

But here’s the thing — you don’t need to know the names to enjoy the music. That’s the beauty of Jazz Connect. You discover your new favourite artist by accident. Sitting on a bar stool. Walking past a café. Lying on the grass at the amphitheatre, listening with your eyes closed.

The Rhythm of Scarborough

What makes this weekend so magical isn’t just the music. It’s where you’re hearing it.

The way the breeze carries a trumpet solo across the shoreline.
The way the crowd hushes for a quiet moment at sunset.
The way strangers start moving in sync to the rhythm of something bigger than all of us.

Scarborough comes alive in a way that doesn’t happen every weekend. This is jazz in its purest form — spontaneous, soulful, and woven into the very streets we walk every day.

Here’s How to Do Jazz Connect Like a Local:

Friday night: Start at the Livid Skate Lounge— with the Late Night Organ Donors

SATURDAY 30 AUGUST – The Main Event
Morning – For the Early Risers & Families

9:00–11:00 AM → Jazz with Junior at Scarborough Beach Community Centre – family-friendly, interactive music

10:00–12:00 PM → Laneway Jazz at Livid Laneway – easy groove in a hidden urban pocket

Afternoon – Breezy Beats & Brunch Vibes

1:00–3:00 PM → Ocean View Jazz at Zoie Café

2:30–4:30 PM → Tom O’Halloran Trio at Rendezvous Hotel Lobby Bar

Evening – Peak Festival Energy

4:00–6:00 PM → Swing Dance Party at Scarborough Sunset Markets

5:30–7:30 PM → Latin Sessions at Scarborough Beach Bar

6:30–9:30 PM → Sandbar Jazz Party at The Sandbar

SUNDAY 31 AUGUST – The Wind-Down
 Morning – Easy Like a Sunday

9:30–11:30 AM → Laneway Jazz at Livid Laneway

10:00–12:00 PM → Jazz Through the Ages at Scarborough Beach Community Centre

Midday – Seaside Grooves

12:00–2:00 PM → Danilo da Paz at The Sandbar

1:00–3:00 PM → Ocean View Jazz at Zoie Café

1:30–4:00 PM → The Basilios at The Lookout Bar

Afternoon into Sunset – Creative Closers

2:00–4:00 PM → Music Makers & Art Shakers (Workshop) at Community Centre

2:30–4:30 PM → Brenda Lee Duo at The Sandbar

4:00–6:00 PM → Sunset Samba at Scarborough Beach Bar

5:30–8:30 PM → Sophie Foster at The Sandbar

So, What Are You Doing This Weekend?

Let’s be real — if you live in Scarborough, or you love Scarborough, this is your chance to see it like never before.

This is music for the people.
By the beach.
In your neighbourhood.
And you’re invited.

🎟️ Some events are free. Some are ticketed. All are worth it.
📲 Full schedule & venue details: artconnectwa.com.au/events

📸 Tag @scarboroughlive with #JazzConnect to be featured

We’ve made a list of all the types of Dads (and we all know at least one of them!), with some inspiration on how to find their perfect gift in Scarborough! 

Foodie Dad

Loves: Exploring new flavours, indulging in gourmet meals, and making every mealtime a special event.

Ideas: Head to La Capannina for a splendid view of the Indian Ocean while feasting on a la carte dishes or Scarborough Beach Bar for delightful food specials.

Artsy Dad

Loves: Appreciating fine arts, engaging in creative ventures, and immersing in cultural experiences.

Ideas: Book a table at Folk and Merchant for a scrumptious three-course meal crafted by renowned chef Frankie Dawson. While enjoying the feast, let dad indulge in a family quiz and enjoy the projector setup at the back, offering a mix of entertainment and art.

Outdoorsy Dad

Loves: Fresh air, scenic views, and the serenity of nature.

Ideas: Treat Dad to a beachfront meal at The Sandbar Scarborough. Not only can he relish the food, but there’s also live music and a beautiful sunset awaiting. Or, book a table at Scarborough Beach Bar to enjoy the beach vibe with delicious food specials.

Surfy Dad

Loves: Riding the waves, the beach vibe, and surf culture.

Ideas: For dads who love to surf, or just love the surf culture, head to Cordingley’s for up to 50% off on winter warmers. Alternatively, snag The Fresh Dad Bundle at Rip Curl Scarborough or get him flannel shirts at a cool 30% off from The Surf Boardroom.

Remember to show you are following Scarborough Live at purchase for an additional discount on these offers

Still-a-Kid Dad

Loves: Fun games, light-hearted activities, and a touch of nostalgia. Will do anything that lets him let lose to be a kid again. 

Ideas: Bowling is a sure-shot winner for dads who are kids at heart. Take him to Dad’s Day at The Lookout for bowling, delicious bites, and an incredible beach view.

Old School Dad

Loves: Flipping through records, searching for rare jazz or old-school albums, sipping on a single-origin pour-over coffee.

Ideas: Head to The Galway Hooker for a signature Sunday roast coupled with a pint of Guinness. The live music is an added bonus to reminisce over old times and perhaps discuss those classic records.

With so many choices at your disposal, Father’s Day in Scarborough promises to be an eventful and memorable day. Whatever you choose, make sure to capture the memories, cherish the moments, and most importantly, make Dad feel treasured.

Enjoy celebrating with the Dad(s) in your life in beautiful Scarborough! 

From discounted surf gear to the soothing warmth of a spa, rev up some Pilates heat or thaw out at the hottest bar in town – there’s something for everyone.  

We’ve curated a list of deals and offers to brighten your winter’s day! 

Deal 1: Surf into Savings at Rip Curl Scarborough

Head in-store to ride the wave of discounts this winter! Brace the chilly tides with a stylish apparel or save money getting ready for summer, with up to 30-50% off until July 9th. With the EOFY sale in full swing, hurry and grab your stylish steals before the tide runs out! 

Deal 2: Indulge in Warmth at Serene Day Spa

Banish the winter blues with Serene Day Spa’s Winter Warmer promotion. Pamper yourself with a selection of their top treatments, now available at special reduced prices. Opt for one, two, or even five treatments to curate your ideal relaxation session, and amp it up with an infrared sauna session for just $35. Hurry, offer lasts only until the end of July! 

Deal 3: Kickstart Your Fitness Journey at The Hundred

Empower your core strength with The Hundred’s unbeatable 2-week intro package, just at $35! Explore our diverse range of Pilates classes, designed for both fitness enthusiasts and beginners. Seize this incredible opportunity to discover your favourite fitness regimen, and join your new community to sweat, smile, and move together. Limited time offer, hurry and secure your spot today! 

Deal 4: Score Big with the Oak Pilates Fundraiser

Make sure you secure your tickets today! Oak Pilates has lined up a fitness jackpot, up for grabs in August. They’ve teamed up with Scarborough’s top-notch brands to raise funds for the local football club, offering you a chance to win prizes worth $5,000. From SafeStyle Promo Packs to Custom Rusty Surfboards, it’s a treasure trove of rewards, all set to make your winter a winning season. 

Deal 5: Embrace the Waves at Oceans 6019

Let the good times roll at Oceans 6019 with exciting offers to spice up your Fridays! Treat yourself to their famous steak sandwich and Emu Export combo for just $28, and enjoy a refreshing change of pace with all taps and house spirits available for only $8 all day! Add to it the thrill of the Pong Comp and live DJ music, and you’ve got yourself a winter night you won’t soon forget. 

Deal 6: Stretch into Motion Health and Wellness

 Elevate your well-being this winter with Motion Health and Wellness Clinic’s assisted stretching sessions! Try a standalone 30-minute session or enhance your remedial/sports massage treatment with some revitalising stretching. Embrace the magic of a healing touch, and let the specialists help you stretch your way to optimal health. 

Discover savings, and something new in Scarborough at our Deals & Offers page!