Midsumma Festival 2025 in Melbourne

The Midsumma Festival, held annually in January and February, celebrates LGBTQ+ culture through performances, art, films, talks, parties, and community events. It kicks off with a carnival in the heart of Melbourne, drawing over 100,000 attendees, and features a Pride March later in the festival. The event aims to showcase the diversity and vibrancy of the LGBTQ+ community while breaking down stereotypes through art and culture.

Events

The Midsumma Festival in Melbourne includes a diverse range of activities, such as photo and painting exhibitions, film screenings, stage performances, debates, and health discussions. There are also picnics, concerts, and sports events. The festival culminates in a grand gay parade and a celebration at St Kilda beach, marking a vibrant conclusion to the event. It aims to celebrate LGBTQ+ culture and promote inclusivity through art and community engagement.

Midsumma Pride March (February 2, 2025)

The Midsumma Pride March sees over 10,000 marchers and 45,000 spectators along Fitzroy Street in St Kilda. The march begins with a procession by Dykes on Bikes, Rainbow Riders Victoria, and Melbourne Motorcycle Tourers, followed by a diverse group of marchers led by the Indigenous Pride Float. Afterward, the celebration continues at Catani Gardens, where awards are given to the Most Fabulous, Most Innovative and groups with a Significant Message. This is one of the festival's major highlights, showcasing unity and LGBTQ+ pride.

Midsumma Carnival (January 19, 2025)

Midsumma Carnival in Melbourne's Alexandra Gardens is a lively and inclusive celebration that features a variety of events. Highlights include the iconic Midsumma Dog Show, where pets compete in categories like "Cutest Bitch" and "Best Dog Overall," the Lip Sync Limelight for audience participation, and performances across multiple stages. The festival also includes a sports precinct, a youth area, a family zone, and a relaxing chill-out area. The evening culminates in a dance party with DJs, paying homage to the history of tea dances with a modern twist.

Victoria's Pride Street Party (February 9, 2025)

Victoria's Pride, formerly Melbourne Pride, spans from November to February with events across the state, culminating in a vibrant street party in Melbourne's Gertrude and Smith Streets. The celebration features live performances from local and international artists, food, drink, and shopfront activations. It’s a day to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community’s journey of equality through arts, culture, and community engagement. Local businesses also get involved, offering food and drinks to attendees. The event is free and for all ages, making it a diverse celebration for everyone.

History of Midsumma Festival

The festival featured over 194 events in 2020, with involvement by over 5000 culture-makers in over 100 different venues across Melbourne and wider Victoria—to audiences of over 261,800.