2026 News and Reviews

Midsumma is very proud of its artists and producers. Here's the scoop on many events from some of the great media supporting the 2026 Midsumma Festival.

Events are listed alphabetically. Within each event, the most recent article appears first.

• A Comprehensive & Profoundly Queer Accounting of the Brief (Yet GLORIOUS!) History of The Gay & Lesbian Kingdom of the Coral Sea Islands by Tom Ballard: 28-31 Jan
  • 29 Jan: Kris Weber, Theatre Matters: ***** Political satire, Queer history, crisp writing and exemplary acting and directing makes this meta play a standout for the Midsumma Festival.
  • 22 Jan: Australian Arts Review: On the Couch with Tom Ballard

• Afterglow: 30 Jan-8 Feb
  • 5 Feb: Kris Weber, Theatre Matters: **** Afterglow is brought to brilliant life by a veteran creative team.
  • 5 Feb: Alex First, The Blurb: Afterglow successfully navigates the vicissitudes of an intimate threesome, in which honesty is compromised, as the ground rules give way to true feelings.
  • 4 Feb: Myron My, My Melbourne Arts: Afterglow reminds us why this story continues to resonate eight years on, and how it still has the power to captivate, unsettle, and move its audience.
  • 3 Feb: Alyssa Moller, The Scoop: Afterglow Burns Bright At 2026 Midsumma Festival
  • 3 Feb: Cameron Woodhead, The Age: **** If you’re after a Heated Rivalry fix in the flesh, look no further (behind a paywall)
  • 3 Feb: Standing (inn)ovation: ***** Afterglow is a Masterful Examination of Trust and Desire
  • 3 Feb: The Plus Ones: … I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it since the final curtain.
  • 3 Feb: Simon Parris, Simon Parris Man in Chair: Making its Australian premiere, international hit play Afterglow reaps the benefits of a charming and talented local cast.
  • 27 Jan: Angus Dalton, The Age: ‘Nourishes my soul’: The side gig Matthew Mitcham swears by (behind a paywall)
  • 27 Jan: Grace Wilson, Broadway World: Interview: S. Asher Gelman of AFTERGLOW
  • 17 Jan: Saturday Magazine, JOY Media: Matthew Mitcham, OAM OLY, Retired Australian Diver, Afterglow (podcast 14:06)
  • 22 Dec: Sofie Rasmussen, Star Observer: ‘Afterglow’ Explores Honesty & Opening Up Your Relationship (And Heart)
  • 8 Dec: Myron My, My Melbourne Arts: Gay drama Afterglow is set to leave audiences hot and steamy
  • 1 Dec: Frooty: International Hit Play Afterglow To Make Its Australian Premiere In 2026

• AIDS Memorial Garden Tour: 23 Jan
  • 23 Dec: Naomi Lawrence, Star Observer: Honour lives, remember history, and tour together through the AIDS Memorial Garden at the old Fairfield Hospital.

• Asexual Fantasies and Hopeless Aromantics: 5-7 Feb
  • 6 Feb: Kris Weber, Theatre Matters: I noted that her soprano vocals has that lovely warm vibrato, and she reminds me of Nina Simone’s singing, in particular, ‘Feeling Good’.

• Australian Open: 21-31 Jan
  • 25 Jan: Michael Brindley, Stage Whispers: … it is a pleasure to watch something so accomplished and so well realised.
  • 24 Jan: Myron My, My Melbourne Arts: ... an entertaining exploration of ambition, intimacy, and the complicated business of figuring yourself out, again and again.
  • 23 Jan: Australian Pride Network: … a thrilling, intelligent and unexpectedly tender piece of theatre.
  • 19 Jan: Kris Weber, Theatre Matters: Jane Montgomery Griffiths talks Australian Open – An exciting inclusion in the Midsumma Festival
  • 9 Jan: Arts Review: Slicing across the Theatre Works stage in the heat of Melbourne tennis-mania, this Midsumma Festival don’t miss the chance to catch Australian Open,...
  • 29 Dec: Melbourning: Theatre Works to serve sharp comedy and relationship drama with Australian Open
  • 23 Dec: Female.com.au: Theatre Works Presents 'Australian Open'

• BEASTIES: 31 Jan
  • 29 Dec: Naomi Lawrence, Star Observer: Following a sold-out season, BEASTIES is bringing its parade of beautiful queer creatures back to Melbourne

• Behind the Zip: 19 Jan-7 Feb
  • 26 Jan: Dean Arcuri, QNews: Australian Drag King culture in the spotlight at the VPC

• Bev and Myrt and the Scrolling of Doom: 27 Jan-8 Feb
  • 30 Jan: Emelia May, What's the Show: ...a masterclass in short-form playwriting and I only wish it ran longer for my own selfish reasons.
  • 21 Jan: Kris Weber, Theatre Matters: It’s ‘Twilight Zone’ meets the ‘twilight years’ – and Bev & Myrt are here to save the day

• bodies no bodies: 4-8 Feb
  • 7 Dec: Sally Goldner, Out of the Pan, 3CR: Midsumma James Bot re Bodies no Bodies (Audio 59:58)

• Campfire Unleashed: 29-31 Jan
  • 3 Feb: Kris Weber, Theatre Matters: **** Cheeky and fun, this is relaxed entertainment designed to keep both grown-ups and kids at heart engaged and enthralled.

• Dead Mum: 3-7 Feb
  • 28 Jan: Theatre Works blog: Backstage at Midsumma with Jack Francis West | Dead Mum

• Disco Is Dead: 3-7 Feb
  • 29 Jan: Theatre Works: Backstage at Midsumma with Cassidy Cogin

• DIVA: 11 Dec-26 Apr
  • 31 Dec: Naomi Lawrence, Star Observer: … the extravagant new fashion exhibition at the Australian Museum of Performing Arts, ‘DIVA’, is calling you.

• Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens: 29 Jan-1 Feb
  • 30 Jan: Lynette Williams, Stage Whispers: ... the entire ensemble were extremely well-rehearsed and worked as one.

• Final Queen: 5-7 Feb
  • 6 Feb: Myron My, My Melbourne Arts: Final Queen is scrappy in the best possible way, inventive, energetic, and driven by performance over production gloss.
  • 22 Dec: Myron My, My Melbourne Arts: Final Queen: Where drag meets danger and gay glam meets gore

• Finding Glitter in the Storm: 22-25 Jan
  • 24 Jan: Australian Pride Network: Bold, funny and fiercely human
  • 24 Jan: Saturday Magazine, JOY Media: Josh Moyes – Writer & Actor, Finding Glitter in the Storm (podcast 15:49)
  • 20 Jan: Australian Arts Review: On the Couch with Josh Moyes
  • 13 Jan: Stephi Wild, Broadway World: FINDING GLITTER IN THE STORM Will Make Premiere at Midsumma Festival 2026
  • 8 Jan: Arts Review: Finding Glitter in the Storm is a darkly comic coming-of-age tale that crackles with heart, humour, and queer defiance.

• FREAK OUT! THE AFTERPARTY: 7 Feb
  • 27 Jan: Kris Weber, Theatre Matters: Don’t Miss the Ultimate 90s club Late night Experience To Finish Off Midsumma!
  • 27 Jan: Daily Addict: FREAK OUT! The Afterparty Closes ‘Midsumma Festival’ With Glitter, Sweat and Dance Floor Freedom
  • 26 Jan: The Scoop: Announcing Freak Out! The Afterparty To Close Out Midsumma Festival

• Friends of Comedy: 7 Dec 2025
  • 13 Nov: ABC Mildura: interview with Freddie Authur (podcast 13.11 and transcript)

• FUNERAL - KING IV: 29 Jan
  • 2 Feb: Jenni Peters, Whats the show: **** There is a rawness and honesty thrown artistically and boldly in-your-face, and each track leaves you wanting more.

• Gay Stuff Market: 31 Jan
  • 23 Dec: Naomi Lawrence, Star Observer: For those who love a good thrift and market wander, this is the perfect Saturday for you.

• Hetslayer: Amplifying Trans Voices with Music of Resilience: 31 Jan, 1 Feb
  • 7 Dec: Sally Goldner, Out of the Pan, 3CR: Midsumma James Bot re Hetslayer (Audio 59:58)

• Homophonic!: 6-7 Feb
  • 10 Feb: Emelia May, WhatsTheShow: ***** ‘Homophonic!’ celebrates the intertwinement of art and self in a new form that welcomes a wider audience through the golden gates of classical music
  • 7 Feb: Myron My, My Melbourne Arts: It’s a reinvigorating experience that reminds us of the power of music to bring people together, share stories, and inspiring hope and excitement for the future.
  • 4 Feb: Theatre Works: Backstage at Midsumma with Miranda Hill | Homophonic!
  • 18 Jan: Sunday Arts Magazine, JOY Media: the Sunday Arts Magazine team chats with Miranda Hill, artistic director of Homophonic (podcast: 14:44)

• Hot and Steamy: 25 Jan
  • 7 Jan: Liam Heigmann-Ryce-Lemercier, Frooty: Hot And Steamy Brings The Heat To Melbourne In 2026
  • 6 Nov: Michael James, Star Observer: From the Tropics to the City: Fierce Queer Celebration Hot & Steamy Goes National
  • 5 Nov: beat: Melbourne scores massive nine-hour tropical queer festival with Drag Race royalty

• HOUSE OF DIESEL | THH - VOGUE NIGHT: 7 Feb
  • 31 Dec: Naomi Lawrence, Star Observer: Pump up the pride at Midsumma and sashay into a world of fierce performance ...

• I'm only dating these men because my uncle bequeathed me money and I need to get married by the end of the year: 19-23 Jan
  • 27 Jan: Kris Weber, Theatre Matters: **** A cute, sexy, musical comedy romp through the world of Gay dating.
  • 21 Jan: Myron My, My Melbourne Arts: … a show with flashes of genuine humour and inventive energy, anchored by the chemistry and timing of Costabile and Cliffe.
  • 10 Jan: Myron My, My Melbourne Arts: I’m Only Dating These Men... explores the messy, funny world of gay love

• Kiki House of Furia Presents - The Fantasy Ball: 24 Jan
  • 31 Jan: Jacob Gamble, ABC News: Ballroom community takes over State Library of Victoria for LGBTQIA+ Fantasy Ball

• LGBTIQA+ Youth History Workshop: 20-29 Jan
  • 3 Jan: Naomi Lawrence, Star Observer: Calling all LGBTIQA+ folks aged 16–25 in Melbourne!

• Loving Exhibition: 14 Jan-22 Feb
  • 28 Jan: European Union: LOVING Exhibition Opens in Melbourne

• Magical Prescriptions: 29-31 Jan
  • 4 Dec: Myron My, My Melbourne Arts: Jessie Ngaio Smith is prescribing connection, ritual and reflection in Magical Prescriptions

• Mama Alto: Transcendent: 29-31 Jan
  • 27 Jan: Australian Arts Review: Enigmatic, multifaceted and resplendent, her weaving of song and story, triumph and tragedy, poignancy and pathos make for an unforgettable musical experience.
  • 23 Jan: Australian Arts Review: On the Couch with Mama Alto

• Midsumma Carnival: 18 Jan
  • 27 Jan: Radio Info: Vision Australia Radio and JOY Media unite for Midsumma Carnival broadcast (podcast 14:03)
  • 22 Jan: JOY Media: JOY’s Midsumma Carnival 2026 Broadcast with Vision Australia Radio (podcast 2:19:44)
  • 19 Jan: Dean Arcuri, QNews: PHOTOS: Midsumma Carnival Community Stalls
  • 16 Jan: Australian Pride Network: Time & Place Begins Here: Midsumma Carnival launches 22 days of Queer Joy
  • 14 Jan: Sarah Patterson, Radio Today: JOY 94.9 and Vision Australia Radio to host collaborative live broadcast from Midsumma Carnival
  • 5 Jan: JOY Media: Get your free mpox vaccination at Midsumma Festival 2026
  • 31 Dec: Facebook: City of Melbourne: City of Melbourne will be offering mpox vaccinations during the Midsumma Festival in 2026
  • 30 Dec: Naomi Lawrence, Star Observer: Gather the girls, gays and theys, it’s time to stake your spot in the park and open Pride season the right way

• Midsumma Matters: Queer Joy: 31 Jan
  • 23 Dec: Naomi Lawrence, Star Observer: Queer Joy is back with Midsumma Matters to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community

• Midsumma Pride March: 1 Feb
  • 9 Feb: Asylum Seeker Resource Centre: ASRC Marches in Pride with LGBTQIA+ Communities
  • 9 Feb: JOY Media: Live broadcast of Midsumma Pride March 2026 (podcast 2:00:11)
  • 3 Feb: Dean Arcuri, QNews: PHOTOS during the march
  • 3 Feb: Dean Arcuri, QNews: PHOTOS before the march
  • 2 Feb: Dean Arcuri, QNews: I think this year might be the most important Midsumma Pride March ever
  • 2 Feb: Wu Po-hsuan and Sam Garcia, Taipei Times: Taiwan group joins Midsumma Pride March in Australia
  • 2 Feb: The Indian Sun: “Equality is not negotiable in Victoria”: Allan at Midsumma Pride March
  • 1 Feb: Michael James, Star Observer: Thousands Take To The Streets For Midsumma Pride March
  • 1 Feb: Maeve Bannister, The Standard: 'Equality is non-negotiable': pride on show in streets
  • 1 Feb: ABC Melbourne Facebook: ABC Melbourne's Post
  • 31 Jan: Newshub, Medianet: PWDA marches again at Midsumma to put LGBTQIA+ people with disability InFocus
  • 29 Jan: T J Watts, QNews: Midsumma Pride March returns to St Kilda with 45,000 set to celebrate
  • 24 Jan: Dean Arcuri, QNews: Last chance to ride with Dykes on Bikes at Midsumma Pride March (2026)
  • 22 Dec: Naomi Lawrence, Star Observer: Melbourne’s Midsumma Pride March Matters Now More Than Ever

• Milo Hartill: Black, Fat and F**gy: 4-5 Feb
  • 5 Feb: Myron My, My Melbourne Arts: … her charisma, humour and vocal power keep the audience firmly in her orbit.
  • 7 Jan: Chloe Sargeant, Star Observer: Black, Fat & F**gy: A Born Diva, Milo Hartill Is Changing The Game
  • 14 Dec: Myron My, My Melbourne Arts: Milo Hartill on being seen, heard, and unapologetically funny

• Molten Tongues: 31 Jan-28 Mar
  • 4 Feb: Australian Arts Review: Molten Tongues exhibition to ignite Incinerator Gallery

• Much to do with Law, but more to do with Love: 4-7 Feb
  • 29 Jan: SBS Audio: Danish Sheikh on Queer Love, Courtrooms and Creative Freedom (podcast 22:10)
  • 8 Jan: John Bailey, The Sydney Morning Herald: Love turned this playwright into a criminal. His response will surprise you
  • 6 Jan: Indira Laisram, The Indian Sun: The lawyer who wrote his verdict on stage
  • 2 Jan: Naomi Lawrence, Star Observer: Straight from the tortured poets department, 2025’s Queer Playwriting Award winner returns to Naarm in 2026

• NGV Friday Nights: Midsumma: 30 Jan
  • 31 Dec: Naomi Lawrence, Star Observer: Calling all fashion lovers and runway divas craving an alternative night out!
  • 10 Nov: NICOLE DE SOUZA, SECRET MELBOURNE: NGV Friday Nights Are Back This Summer With Fashion, DJs And More

• Park Lounge: 31 Jan
  • 11 Dec: Star Weekly: Pride at Kelly Park

• Peter Pan: Twinkle in Time: 20-24 Jan
  • 26 Jan: Kris Weber, Theatre Matters: 4.5 stars A clever and well performed one-man comedy defies expectation and hilariously reimagines Peter Pan.
  • 22 Jan: Myron My, My Melbourne Arts: … a bold, playful, and rough-around-the-edges show.

• PiaNu-Metal: 29-31 Jan
  • 3 Feb: Australian Arts Review: Even as life can be messy, sometimes it can be “peachy”.

• Plunge for PRIDE!: 31 Jan
  • 9 Jan: Dean Arcuri, QNews: Take the plunge for pride & abseil down the Victorian Pride Centre

• PORN: 27-31 Jan
  • 22 Dec: Myron My, My Melbourne Arts: Turning taboo into theatre: Keelan Armstrong on PORN

• Post Hole Digger: 25 Jan
  • 18 Jan: Sunday Arts Magazine, JOY Media: The Sunday Arts Magazine team catches up with queer, trans, comedic hack Jack Brady (podcast: 17:34)

• Pride Tide Boat Party: 24 Jan
  • 23 Dec: Naomi Lawrence, Star Observer: Get ready to set sail, because Dragged To invites all aboard the decks of diversity

• Queer Bodies: 23 Jan-8 Feb
  • 14 Jan: Mirage News: Local Artist Shines In Midsumma Exhibition

• Queer Comedy Gala: 22 Jan
  • 23 Dec: Naomi Lawrence, Star Observer: MELBOURNE PRIDE GUIDE: Queer Comedy Gala

• Queer Food Tour: 31 Jan
  • 26 Jan: JOY Drive, JOY Media: Andy de Groot: ‘A Taste of Pride’ at the 2026 Midsumma Festival (podcast 7:18)

• RENT - The Musical: 21-24 Jan
  • 18 Jan: Sunday Arts Magazine, JOY Media: The Sunday Arts Magazine team chats with Rory Godbold, Steph Amir, Lizzy Cassidy, and Lucia Clarke about their production of Rent (podcast: 15:27)
  • 3 Jan: Gillian Blum, Broadway World: RENT Comes to Midsumma 2026 in St Michael's Community and St Kilda Creatives Collaboration

• Robert the Octopus: 29 Jan-7 Feb
  • 1 Feb: Alannah Sue, Limelight: Delightfully playful and a smidgen messy
  • 29 Jan: Michael Brindley, Stage Whispers: … it’s what Fish, McCowage, Goodman and Twiner do with it that makes this show definitely worth seeing
  • 15 Dec: Myron My, My Melbourne Arts: Kimberley Twiner’s queer world of tentacles and play

• She Slayed: A Drag Murder Mystery: 29-31 Jan
  • 10 Dec: Myron My, My Melbourne Arts: She Slayed: A drag murder mystery too fabulous to miss

• SKIN: THE PERFORMANCE: 6 Feb and SKIN: THE EXHIBITION: 6-8 Feb
  • 27 Jan: Australian Pride Network: … a crucial cultural experience- not to be missed this Midsumma.
  • 28 Jan: Australian Arts Review: On the Couch with Jessi Ryan

• Southside Queer Pool Party: 25 Jan
  • 30 Dec: Naomi Lawrence, Star Observer: Be quick, because this year’s Southside Queer Pool Festival is set to be a hot ticket

• St Kilda Pride Afterparty at The Espy: 1 Feb
  • 30 Jan: Melbourning: The Espy is hosting a huge after party following the Midsumma Pride March this Sunday

• Strip The Life Fantastic: 31 Jan-1 Feb
  • 18 Jan: Sunday Arts Magazine, JOY Media: The Sunday Arts Magazine team chats with burlesque performer Imogen Kelly (podcast: 8:42)
  • 11 Dec: Peter J Snee, Aussie Theatre: A One-Woman Revolution with the Audience as Co-Conspirators
  • 9 Dec: Jameson & Co: Australia's Kween of Burlesque, Imogen Kelly returns with groundbreaking new show

• Surf Coast Slay - Torquay Pride Fest: 31 Jan
  • 23 Jan: Ellie Claringbold, Surf Coast Times: Slay on the Surf Coast

• Sugar: 13-25 Jan
  • 18 Jan: Michael Brindley, Stage Whispers: See it to revel in an awesome chameleon but very refined performance.
  • 16 Jan: Stephen A Russell, ArtsHub: **** a frothy, fun and fearless Midsumma treat
  • 15 Jan: Heather Bloom, Australian Stage: Sugar is a thoughtful production that reminds us that fairytales can be bought and paid for, just as much as they can be self-made.
  • 15 Jan: Patricia Maunder, Limelight: **** Tomáš Kantor oozes talent and charisma in this cabaret one-hander about the misadventures of a novice sugar baby.
  • 15 Jan: Jesse Oey, The Scoop: ...Sugar performed by Tomáš Kantor is a riotous cocktail of camp glamour, irresistible pop, and larger-than-life storytelling.
  • 11 Jan: Sonia Nair, Vyshnavee Wijekumar, Cameron Woodhead, Marcus Teague and Tony Way, The Age: **** Lust, power and betrayal collide in this story of an aspiring sugar baby (behind a paywall)
  • 11 Jan: JOY Daytimes, JOY Media: Tomáš Kantor: SUGAR at the 2026 Midsumma Festival (podcast 8:51)
  • 8 Nov: Australian Arts Review: Outrageous hit cabaret show SUGAR triumphantly returns to Melbourne for Midsumma Festival

• The Pearl Prize Awards Gala: 30 Jan
  • 1 Dec: ARTS hub: The Gala 2026 is here so dress like the runway knows who you are

• The Placeholder: 27 Jan-1 Feb | 3-8 Feb
  • 2 Feb: Kris Weber, Theatre Matters: **** It has all the makings of a modern classic.
  • 31 Jan: Greg Gorton, Theatre Travels: For someone who wants to support great transgender creatives but feels a little uncomfortable away from “traditional theatre”, this is the perfect show for you.
  • 31 Jan: Myron My, My Melbourne Arts: The Placeholder finds its strength in the ordinary, locating meaning in shared routines and hard conversations.
  • 30 Jan: Mary Sinanidis, On The House: 4.5 stars In inviting us to sit at the table and listen, really listen, it offers something increasingly rare: a space where difficult conversations can unfold without certainty, but with care.
  • 27 Jan: Dean Arcuri, QNews: Bold new queer Australian play explores feminism, friendship & chosen family
  • 24 Dec: Naomi Lawrence, Star Observer: MELBOURNE PRIDE GUIDE: The Placeholder
  • 19 Dec: Myron My, My Melbourne Arts: The Placeholder: A trans narrative takes the stage
  • 18 Nov: broadway WORLD: The Placeholder at fortyfivedownstairs

• The Pole Shebang: 18-25 Jan
  • 21 Jan: Kris Weber, Theatre Matters: 4.5 stars Gritty, mesmerising and uber athletic, Andrea James Lui slays the pole and captivates the audience.
  • 19 Jan: Myron My, My Melbourne Arts: The Pole Shebang is both a display of extraordinary talent and an exploration of the complexities, challenges, and joys of the craft.

• There’s a story in you: Queer filmmaking workshop: 24-25 Jan
  • 13 Jan: Out Takes, JOY Media: Midsumma 2026 – MQFF with Ro Bright, and There’s a story in you: a Queer filmmaking workshop with Louise Lever

• TINA A Tropical Love Story: 6 Feb
  • 1 Feb: James Norman, The Guardian: The moment I knew: as we sat on the veranda playing Scrabble, it hit me – I was in love
  • 17 Jan: JOY Drive, JOY Media: Benjamin Graetz: ‘TINA – A Tropical Love Story’ at the 2026 Midsumma Festival (podcast 9:58)

• Tourmaline: Transcendent: 18 Jan-8 Feb
  • 28 Jan: Sunday Arts Magazine, JOY Media: Tourmaline and Sophie Prince – January 25th, 2026 (podcast 16:41)

• Victoria's Pride Street Party: 8 Feb
  • 10 Feb: Dean Arcuri, QNews: PHOTOS : Victoria’s Pride Street Party 2026
  • 9 Feb: City of Yarra: State Government announces Victoria's Pride Street Party is staying alive!
  • 7 Feb: Dean Arcuri, QNews: Sniffies transforms pub into a multi-level cruising destination for Victoria’s Pride
  • 6 Feb: Dean Arcuri,QNews: The full lineup of LGBTQ+ entertainment for Victoria’s Pride Street Party
  • 10 Jan: Jordan Hirst, QNews: Headliners announced for upcoming Victoria’s Pride Street Party
  • 9 Jan: Australian Pride Network: Mo’Ju to headline Victoria’s Pride Street Party
  • 5 Jan: JOY Media: Get your free mpox vaccination at Midsumma Festival 2026
  • 2 Jan: JOY Drive, JOY Media: Ingrid Stitt: Pill Testing at the Midsumma Festival’s 2026 Pride Street Party (Podcast 12:34 — 17.3MB)
  • 31 Dec: Naomi Lawrence, Star Observer: Clear your calendar, it’s once again time to groove on the streets of the inner North!
  • 23 Dec: Australasian Leisure Management: Pill testing at Victoria’s Pride Street Party marks first trial at street festival
  • 19 Dec: Lydia Jupp, Star Observer: Midsumma’s Victoria’s Pride Street Party To Trial Mobile Pill Testing

• WERK - SERVE: 31 Jan
  • 24 Dec: Naomi Lawrence, Star Observer: MELBOURNE PRIDE GUIDE — WERK: SERVE

 

General Midsumma Festival 2026 News and Reviews

• 4 Feb: Chloe Sargeant, Star Observer: 2026 Gifts Us Yet Another Glorious Midsumma Night’s Dream
• 30 Jan: Chloe Sargeant, Star Observer: Star Observer’s Must-See Picks For Week 3
• 25 Jan: Phoebe Blogg, National Indigenous Times: Midsumma Festival returns with a spotlight on First Nations-led events
• 22 Jan: Mirage News: Hobsons Bay Shines Bright at Midsumma Westside
• 21 Jan: Chloe Sargeant, Star Observer: Star Observer’s Must-See Picks For Week 2
• 20 Jan: Hudson Brown, Concrete Playground: NGV & Midsumma: Queer Histories, Futures & Creativity
• 18 Jan: Sunday Arts Magazine, JOY Media: the Sunday Arts Magazine team catches up with Meg Slater, curator of international exhibitions at the NGV, to talk Midsumma (podcast: 14:44)
• 17 Jan: Saturday Magazine, JOY Media: Kent Burgess – Interim CEO, Thorne Harbour Health, Midsumma Events (podcast: 11:30)
• 16 Jan: Chloe Sargeant, Star Observer: How To Have The Best Midsumma Ever: Star Observer’s 2026 Must-See Picks
• 16 Jan: Alannah Sue, ARTS hub: queer culture highlights to pop on your calendar
• 15 Jan: Australian Arts Review: Top Picks for the 2026 Midsumma Festival
• 14 Jan: Brimbank Northwest - Star Weekly: Midsumma festival fun in Brimbank
• 14 Jan: Sunbury Macedon Ranges - Star Weekly: West is best this Midsumma
• 14 Jan: JOY Media: JOY is ready for Midsumma Festival 2026
• 10 Jan: Saturday Magazine, JOY Media: Karen Bryant, CEO of Midsumma, What’s Happening in 2026? (podcast 11:44)
• 9 Jan: James McKenzie, 3CR: Midsumma CEO and Creative Director Karen Bryant Interview (podcast)
• 8 Jan: Mornington Peninsula Shire: Midsumma comes to the Peninsula
• 2 Jan: QNews: RMIT becomes a Midsumma Festival major partner
• 30 Dec: Star Observer: Pride Guide Melbourne: 2026 Festival Edition (Calameo flip-book)
• 23 Dec: Naomi Lawrence, Star Observer: MELBOURNE PRIDE GUIDE: PrideFinder Podcast Returns For Midsumma 2026
• 22 Dec: Naomi Lawrence, Star Observer: The Pride of Victoria: This Year’s Incredible Regional Activation Program
• 19 Dec: Out In Perth: RMIT becomes Midsumma Festival Major Partner
• 18 Dec: JOY Media: Midsumma Festival 2026: Time & Place
• 9 Dec: Maribyrnong City Council: Midsumma Westside 2026
• 3 Dec: Cowboy King, DNA Magazine: Midsumma 2026 Serves Dating Disasters, Unapologetic Cabaret, And 22 Days Of Bold Programming
• 3 Dec: Chloe Sargeant, Star Observer: IDPWD 2025: On Queer Disabled Visibility & Being Proud To Call Myself Disabled
• 2 Dec: JOY Media, News: Welcome to JOY’s Summer Season 2025-26 (PrideFinder 6pm Sundays | Midsumma Carnival 18 Jan | JOY Live at Midsumma Pride March 1 Feb | JOY at Victoria's Pride Street Party 8 Feb)
• 2 Dec: Hudson Brown, Concrete Playground: Victoria's major LGBTQIA+ arts and cultural celebration is back, delivering over 250 events that champion queer creativity and community
• 30 Nov: Sunday Arts Magazine, JOY Media: Interview with Pieta Farrell (Midsumma Head of Programming)
• 29 Nov: State Library Victoria: Midsumma Festival at State Library Victoria
• 28 Nov: Dean Arcuri, QNews: PHOTOS: Midsumma Festival 2026 Program Launch
• 28 Nov: Kris Weber, Theatre Matters: Spiegel Haus Melbourne to host Midsumma shows and a Latin NYE party
• 27 Nov: Star Weekly: Midsumma to again go west
• 25 Nov: Chloe Sargeant, Star Observer: Midsumma Has Dropped Its Absolutely Stacked & Sparkling 2026 Program
• 25 Nov: Australian Arts Review: Queer creativity takes centre stage as Midsumma 2026 explores Time & Place
• 25 Nov: Nicole De Souza, Secret Melbourne: Midsumma Festival Is Coming Back To Melbourne With Over 250 Extraordinary Events
• 24 Nov: Travel and Tour World: Midsumma Festival 2026 in Victoria, Australia: A 22-Day Celebration of LGBTQIA+ Culture, Art, and Community with Over 200 Events and a Focus on Connection and Creativity
• 24 Nov: Live stream of the Midsumma Festival 2026 Program Launch (video, 2hr 52min)
• 24 Nov: FROOTY: Midsumma Festival 2026 Programme
• 12 Nov: Bairnsdale Advertiser: Bairnsdale to host pride celebration at The Hub (PDF)