Draaaag the crew together and kick off Midsumma 2026 at Carnival.
Midsumma Carnival is a one-day FREE event that opens the three week LGBTQIA+ arts and culture festival of Midsumma (full dates - 18 JAN - 8 FEB 2026) midsumma.org.au
Set beside the Yarra in Melbourne’s vibrant CBD, Alexandra Gardens hosts Midsumma Carnival, free to attend and loved by more than 120,000 festival-goers. Bursting with sights, sounds and flavours, Carnival is the ultimate day-long outdoor arts and performance celebration, lighting the fuse for our three-week festival.
Across 55,000 square metres you’ll discover three performance
stages, two food hubs with diverse options, pop-up bars, and aisles of stalls from LGBTQIA+ supporting businesses, essential community organisations and handy services, many with giveaways. Round up friends and family and settle into lush grassy pavilions around the stages to soak up the entertainment.
Expect standout vocalists, dancers, DJs and variety performers,
plus a chance to shine in our Lip Sync Limelight competition. Furry pals are welcome too, enter them in the annual Dog Show for extra joy!🤩
Whether you’re a first-timer or Carnival regular, this signature summer moment brings community together in the heart of the city, sun on skin, music in the air, and story, rhythm and pride in motion.
FOR ALL EENT DETAILS - www.midsumma.org.au/carnival
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Also check out other
Festivals in Melbourne.
