OBSERVER: Midsumma launch


Last week we witnessed the big reveal of 2026 Midsumma Festival, Victoria’s premier festival of LGBTQIA celebrated through arts and culture January 18 – February 8 at BMW Edge Theatre and coinciding with Transgender Awareness Month. Victoria, both city and regional, will host over 200 events in over 150 venues.
Djirri Djirri dancers opened with welcome and dance, followed by Emcee and vocalist Milo Hartill setting the scene in an opening song. Creative Director Karen Bryant highlighted the significance of the festival theme ‘Time and Place’, acknowledging and introducing key players.
Through key-note speakers we realised the contributions of their organisations to enable artists to have their voices through creativity delivered with courage and care. Dazzling dance and song performances included Hot and Heavy and Armana Khan.
The festival kicks off with the family friendly, day-long Midsumma Carnival, Alexandra Gardens 11am9pm Sunday, January 18, with three performance stages, food hubs, pop-up bars, aisles of stalls from LGBTQIA and supporting businesses.
Furry friends welcome: entry into annual Dog Show. Go to Victoria’s Pride Street Party from noon in the Smith and Gertrude Sts. Fitzroy, Casey Rainbow Picnic, Old Cheese Factory Berwick, LGBTQIA+ Ageing Community Social Club, Victorian Pride Centre St. Kilda or WERK-SERVE at Acca, Southbank.
Dare to imagine the State Library floating in gowns at the Festival Fantasy Ball and House of Furia. Dip into cabaret, comedy, interactive performances, dance, musicals, story-telling, circus, film, exhibition or Asphyxsia’s Amplio Rocks. Deaf Club and dance party at the Meat Market. There are workshops, talks and tours along with events designed for kids and also for youths.
Midsumma’s website lists the multitude of venues, activities and events along with a planner for the 22 days of fun.
Many events are free but the organisers point out that your $ goes directly into the pockets of independent venues and queer artists.
admin@midsumma.org.au (general enquiries)
boxoffice@midsumma.org.au (ticketing and venue enquiries)
Review by Sherryn Danaher