Smith Street’s iconic Pride Street Party is here to stay under the Allan Labor Government – and only the Labor Government will continue to fund and deliver it if re-elected.
Minister for Equality Vicki Ward and Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt visited Smith Street today (Sunday 8 February) to celebrate the fifth annual Pride Street Party – designed, delivered and funded by the Labor Government.
“Equality is not negotiable in Victoria which is why only a Labor Government will fund Pride Street Party if re-elected – a popular celebration of our LGBTIQA+ communities,” said Minister for Equality Vicki Ward
Pride Street Party is a free, one‑day festival of music, comedy, circus, drag and art installations, transforming Melbourne’s inner north into a vibrant celebration of pride.
This year, Victoria’s mobile pill testing service will also be at the party – providing free, confidential drug checking services to attendees so they can make safer, more informed decisions. The Pride Street Party is the first free street party to take part in the 18-month implementation trial.
“The Pride Street Party is the latest event that our mobile pill testing service is visiting this summer – offering attendees the opportunity to have their drugs checked and to have a health-lead conversation so they can make an informed decision about their drug use,” added Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt.
Leading the musical line-up, neo‑soul star Mo’Ju will be joined by Thandi Phoenix, Umbra Moon, Kevin Silvester, Armana Khan, Dyan Tai and Ben Graetz. Festival favourite and award‑winning cultural powerhouse Samuel Gaskin will host, alongside powerhouse vocalist and The Voice 2025 runner‑up Cle Morgan.
Delivered in partnership with Midsumma Festival Inc – Australia’s premier LGBTIQA+ arts and cultural organisation – Victoria’s Pride Street Party marks the final day of the 2026 Midsumma Festival and caps off several months of regional pride events across the state.
“Across the full Victoria’s Pride program, we see extraordinary diversity from bold artists, emerging talent, and local supporting businesses who bring the event to life,” said Midsumma Festival CEO and Creative Director Karen Bryant.
The Victoria’s Pride Street Party is being held today (Sunday 8 February) in the Gertrude and Smith Streets Precinct until 9.00pm. For more information, visit: www.midsumma.org.au for details.
Image: Victoria’s Pride Street Party – courtesy of Midsumma Festival