Are you ready for a summer of pride and joy? Midsumma Festival is just around the corner, and you can look forward to a stacked program of over 250 events around Melbourne and greater Victoria. Celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community with performances, talks, social events and more. Stay busy with major events like Midsumma Carnival, Midsumma Pride March and Victoria’s Pride Street Party. Find festival events in over 100 venues, such as Arts Centre Melbourne, NGV International, State Library Victoria and more. Midsumma Festival is on from January 18 to February 8.
Midsumma Festival 2026
The theme this year is “Time & Place”, and explores how moments and locations shape our identity.
The festival will launch with Midsumma Carnival in Alexandra Gardens. This free, outdoor extravaganza will feature acts across four stages, as well as a dog show, pop-up bars, two food zones, giveaways, stalls and more. The event will start at 11am and run into the evening, ending with a huge dance party. The Carnival will take place on Sunday January 18.
Don’t forget to strut your stuff at Midsumma Pride March, which will return for its 31st anniversary. Take to the streets of St Kilda in honour of the past and with hope for the future. Flaunt your pride or show your solidarity with loved ones, and make your way down Fitzroy Street to Catani Gardens. At the end of the march, there will be free entertainment, such as live performances and DJs. It’s all happening on Sunday February 1.
One week later, on Sunday February 8, head over to Gertrude and Smith Streets for the boisterous Victoria’s Pride Street Party. Expect a showcase of live performances, as well as stalls and food and drink from local businesses.
More events
- Diva (Dec 11 to Apr 26) – Visit Arts Centre Melbourne and celebrate powerful performers like Judy Garland, Elton John and Cher in this incredible exhibition. See over 250 objects, including 60 costumes, as well as jewellery, photography, art and more.
- Night at the Museum (Jan 24) – Minus18 is taking over the Immigration Museum. Queer young people aged 12-19 are invited to party, make new friends, see exhibitions after dark and more.
- Kiki House of Furia Presents: The Fantasy Ball (Jan 24) – Don’t miss Midsumma’s first official ball at State Library Victoria. Queen’s Hall will light up in a celebration of ballroom and voguing culture, with fierce looks, performances, DJs and more.
- Queen Worldmaking: Women Photographers 1900-1975 (Feb 7) – Take a guided tour at NGV International, and learn about queer themes in 20th century photography.
- Rooftop Piano Bar with Tina Del Twist (Jan 23 to Feb 7) – Head to the rooftop of Spiegel Haus on Fridays and Saturdays for a free cabaret and comedy hour.
- Gay Stuff Market (Jan 31) – Pop into the Victorian Pride Centre for fashion, accessories, crafts and more at this creative market.
This is just scratching the surface of all the wonderful events happening at Midsumma Festival. See the full program here.