The annual Midsumma Carnival will take over Melbourne’s Alexandra Gardens on Sunday 18 January, for an iconic full-day free outdoor extravaganza dedicated to kicking off the 22-day long festival.
Presented by Midsumma Festival and supported by City of Melbourne, this popular day event attracts over 120,000 people and features over 200 stalls including pop-up bars, two large food zones, free giveaways, and multiple queer-friendly community groups and businesses. There is even a parade for the dogs, including the iconic Dog Show for pooches to compete to win the Ultimate Best Dog prize.
Hosted by Dolly Diamond, official proceedings kick off the festival at 1.00pm on the Mainstage. Victorian Commissioner for LGBTQIA+ Communities Joe Ball will be in attendance with Minister for Equality Vicki Ward.
Midsumma Carnival highlights include:
The Main Stage comes alive with performances from Kita Mean, winner of Ru Paul’s Drag Race Down Under (Season 1), and a sneak peek variety show of Midsumma performances from the Festival program, hosted by one of Naarm’s most electrifying performers, Milo Hartill. The line-up also includes DJ sets from DJ Joelby and local powerhouse DJ MZ Rizk, whose distinct sound has graced stages at iconic festivals like Glastonbury, We Out Here, and landmark venues across, the US, the UAE, and Croatia.
Over at the Picnic Stage audiences can expect a Spotlight on Cabaret and Comedy, Lip Sync Limelight hosted by Frock Hudson and judged by Florian Wild and HRTTHROB. The Picnic Stage is also home to the beloved Midsumma 2026 Dog Show hosted by Nic Cheers; categories to win include Cutest Bitch, Sexiest Stud and Best Owner/Dog Combo. The category winners will then battle it out for the esteemed Ultimate Best in Show prize.
Festival goers will have an opportunity to bask in a variety of fun and safe spaces accessible to everybody. Friends and families can bring a picnic or indulge in the on-site food stalls. Hosted by Proud 2 Play, the Midsumma Sports Precinct is back for a massive day of queer sport and community fun! The Midsumma Family Precinct will be providing family friendly entertainment from 11:30am – 6.00pm.
Midsumma Carnival takes place on Sunday 18 January at the Alexandra Gardens, St Kilda Road, Melbourne. For more information and full program, visit: www.midsumma.org.au for details.
Image: Midsumma Carnival – photo by Tom Noble