Midsumma Festival

Plan a summer escape to Melbourne for Midsumma Festival - Australia's premier celebration of LGBTQIA+ arts and culture. Across 22 sun-kissed days and nights, the city lights up with theatre, music, cabaret, visual art, parties and outdoor spectacles that champion LGBTQIA+ artists and communities from Australia and around the world. The program blends a curated Midsumma Presents line-up with a vibrant open-access stream, showcasing stories at the margins, the richness of queer history and the thrill of new ideas. Expect bold premieres, boundary-pushing performances, intimate conversations, family-friendly happenings and big, joyous moments that take over iconic Melbourne spaces. Join tens of thousands at Midsumma Carnival to kick off the season, feel the power and pride of their signature march, and dive into neighbourhood events across the city's galleries, theatres, parks and late-night venues. Between shows, discover Melbourne's laneway bars, award-winning food scene and beaches — summer at its best. Whether you're a culture lover, a party seeker or a curious first-timer, Midsumma is your invitation to connect, celebrate and be inspired — inclusive, safe, and brilliantly creative. Start planning now and make Melbourne your unforgettable LGBTQIA+ city break.