Midsumma Carnival

Midsumma Carnival is an iconic full-day outdoor extravaganza dedicated to kicking off our three-week-long festival! Located in Alexandra Gardens in Melbourne’s bustling CBD, Midsumma Carnival features a vast array of LGBTQIA+ acts that will grace the four carnival stages: Main, Picnic, Sports and Family. This popular annual day event attracts around 120,000 people and entry is free!

With over 200 stalls including pop-up bars, two large food zones, free giveaways, and multiple queer-friendly community groups and business stalls for you to visit, there's bound to be something for everyone. There's even a parade for your dog, with awesome prizes up for grabs!

Midsumma Carnival offers a variety of fun safe spaces that are open to everyone from dawn to dusk, including sports activities, a youth area and a family-area.

Fancy a picnic? Bring your friends and family and chill out on one of the grassy meadows surrounding our many stages to enjoy Carnival’s entertainment! Our talented artists will leave you in awe with a variety of singers, drag artists, DJs, performers, and even an opportunity to show off your own talents with our Lip Sync Limelight competition!

As the night approaches, Midsumma Carnival begins to wake up with an extravagant dance party held across both the Main and Picnic stages. You’ll join thousands of people dancing the night away and party to a huge line-up on each stage, including a handful of major headliners.

Scroll down to find out more details, including information about specific accessibility services in the MIDSUMMA CARNIVAL ACCESSIBILITY tab at the bottom of this page.

There will once again be two major stages at Midsumma Carnival: The Main Stage and the Picnic Stage (where the Dog Show will be held). In addition there are less formal stages in the Sporting and Family precincts.

Download the 2026 Midsumma Carnival Map in PDF format (1.6 MB)
Zoom in to the PDF map to see more detail. 

For a map showing the Locations of Stalls, Open the Stalls Map (PDF 147 KB) - zoom in for more detail.

Cycling and Pedestrian Detour

The recommended detour around the site for cyclists and pedestrians is shown by the green line on the following map (or download the PDF version):

There are two main stall blocks: the main Stalls Village in the Picnic Precinct, and the Sports Precinct at the St Kilda Rd end of the park. 

See Complete List of 2026 Midsumma Carnival Stalls >>

(Note: The List of 2026 Midsumma Carnival Stalls also includes a detailed MAP showing the location of each stall).

The iconic Midsumma Carnival Dog Show will be back once again in 2026, from 3pm on the Picnic Precinct Stage at Alexandra Gardens, hosted by Nic Cheers. This is a fun day out with your pooch.

Registration

You can register your dog for the show on the day from 11am-2:30pm at the Picnic Precinct Info Tent in front of the Picnic Stage. 

Entry is free and the dog show will start at approximately 3pm.

Judges

The judging panel will be: Michael Galea MP, Joe Ball, Joel Bray, Bianka Ismailovski, Jen Elmer and Brenton Geyer.

Categories

We’ll be searching high and low for winners in the following categories:

• Cutest Bitch
• Sexiest Stud 
• Best Trick
• Best Dressed
• Best Owner/Dog Combo

The winners of these five categories will go on to compete to win the Ultimate Best in Show prize. 

Prizes

A variety of treats and toys will be provided to the winner of each category, and the Ultimate Best In Show prize is a pet camera.

Terms and Conditions – Midsumma Carnival Community Dog Show held on 18 January 2026.

1. The Promoter is Midsumma Festival, Level 6, The Greek Community Centre, 168 Lonsdale St, Melbourne, ABN: 50 783 159 198. Telephone number 03 9296 6600.
2. Information on how to enter and prizes forms part of the terms of entry. Entry into the competition is deemed acceptance of these terms and conditions.
3. If there is any inconsistency between these Terms and Conditions and anything else that refers to this competition, these Terms and Conditions will prevail.

When to enter

4. The competition commences on 18 January 2026 at approximately 3pm AEDT. Entries must be received by the Promoter via the advertised channel and by the advertised time, as published on this website.

How to enter

5. Entrants must enter the competition in advance and in person at Midsumma Carnival on 18 January 2026 at the location advertised above.

Conditions of entry

6. Entrants are required to take full responsibility for their entry and to be in effective and safe control of their dog(s) at all times. All entrants agree to indemnify the promoter and the event sponsors for any incident that may occur as part of the Midsumma Carnival Dog Show.
7. As part of the entry all entrants agree to still or video photography being taken that may be published by the promoter in any form or channel the promoter wishes for promotion of the event or subsequent events.
8. The Promoter reserves the right to disqualify any entrant whose dog(s) is deemed by the organisers to not be under the effective safe control of the handler at all times.

Prizes on offer

9. Advertised Prizes are listed above.
10. Prizes cannot be transferred, exchanged or redeemed for cash.
11. It is a condition of accepting the prize that the winner must comply with all the conditions of use of the prize and the prize supplier’s requirements. It is the responsibility of the winner to confirm such conditions with the prize supplier or other relevant third parties.

Further Terms and Conditions

12. The Promoter reserves the right to amend, cancel or suspend this competition if an event beyond the control of the Promoter corrupts or affects the ability for the competition to take place.
13. If any prize is unavailable, for whatever reason, the Promoter reserves the right to substitute the prize for a prize of equal or greater value.

Are you ready to lip sync for your legacy? Midsumma Carnival’s Lip Sync Limelight could be the perfect place for you to debut your charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent to the world! Hosted by Frock Hudson. 

Where? Midsumma Carnival Picnic Stage, Alexandra Gardens

When? 5:10pm — register by 4pm on the day
(TIP: it books out quickly, so register early to ensure you don't miss out)!

How do I sign up?

• Go to the Picnic Precinct Info Tent in front of the Picnic Stage to sign up on the day,
• choose your song (must be available on Spotify) and
• limber up… ready to let them HAVE IT! 

Prizes

• Best LIPS (double pass to any Midsumma Presents show)
• Best OUTFIT (double pass to any Midsumma Presents show)
• Most ORIGINAL (double pass to any Midsumma Presents show)

Judges

Judged by HRTThrob.

Midsumma Carnival will have two licensed bars for you to purchase your drinks, as well as a VIP Bar for special guests:

• Main Bar: hours 12:30-9pm, located near the Main Stage.
• VIP Bar: hours 12:30pm-9pm, located right beside the Main Stage (area opens at 11:30am).
• Picnic Bar: hours 12 noon-9pm, located near the Stalls Village and Picnic Stage.

Midsumma encourages guests to support the festival by purchasing their drinks from the Midsumma-operated bars.

Proof-of-age Wristbands: In order to gain entry to the bars, all patrons need to obtain a proof-of-age wristband, available from various locations:

• Main Info Tent — in Sports Precinct
• Picnic Info Tent — near Picnic Stage
• In non-peak periods, wristbands can also be obtained at the bar entrances

NO GLASS: To minimise the risk of injury, Midsumma Carnival has a strict no glass policy across the site. Broken glass has been one of the major causes of injury to guests in the past, so please don't bring glass drinking vessels, glass wine bottles or glass beer bottles to Carnival.

2026 Bar Offerings

• Baxter Vodka Lemon, Lime & Yuzu — $13
• Baxter Vodka Passionfruit — $13
• Baxter Vodka & Red Bull Original — $16
• Baxter Vodka & Red Bull Sugarfree — $16
• Baxter Vodka & Red Bull Peach — $16
• Red Bull Energy Drink — $6.50
• Red Bull Sugar Free — $6.50
• Red Bull Peach — $6.50
• One Love Pale Ale — $10.50
• Hi Fi Zero Carb Lager — $10.50
• Meteor Ginger Beer — $12.50
• Casa Gin & Tonic — $12.50
• Casa Agave Soda & Lime — $12.50
• Casa Rum & Cola — $12.50
• TWE Rosé — $12.50
• Squealini Zesty Lemon Spritz — $12.50
• TWE Prosecco — $12.50
• TWE Sauvignon Blanc (trailer only) — $12.50
• Squealini Raspberry (trailer only) — $12.50
• Water — $6
• Sodasmith Finger Lime Soda — $6

All transactions incur a 1.9% card surcharge (except the cash point in the Main Bar).

Midsumma Carnival has something for everybody, and is designed with the varied needs of our diverse community in mind.

There is clear directional signage across the site indicating facilities and services. The site is also staffed by our friendly crew and volunteers if you have any questions or need more information. You can also text or call Midsumma’s accessibility hotline on event day on 0419 682 064 with questions, feedback or requests for assistance.

Water bowls for dog guides and assistance animals will be provided at all water stations.

Getting There

• Accessible Drop-Off Bay for Vehicles (see map): located at the Eastern end of the precinct at the intersection of Boathouse Drive and Alexandra Avenue. Managed by traffic controllers allowing vehicles and taxis to drop you off close to the event precinct, and specially-trained volunteers ready to assist with wayfinding if required. There will be a marquee with seating to give shade to people who are waiting, and there will be a ramp from the kerb down to the road. PLEASE NOTE: the drop-off bay will become very congested from 5pm to 6:30pm and we recommend avoiding the area during this time if you require a speedy drop-off or pick-up.
  Below is a photo of the accessible drop-off area.
  
• Accessible Parking: unfortunately, there is no onsite accessible parking, but accessible parking is available at:
  • Arts Centre car park
  • Federation Square car park

Wheelchair Accessibility

The Midsumma Carnival precinct is wheelchair accessible: The majority of permanent bitumen pathways remain free of infrastructure to maximise accessible routes across the site; grass areas will also be cut low for wheelchair access through parklands; low-hanging tree branches trimmed by Council arborists; and the majority of food service areas are positioned on hard stand surfaces, with low-service counters included where possible.

Specific wheelchair facilities provided are:

• Wheelchair Charging Facility: at the main Information Tent, beside the Sports Precinct at the St Kilda Rd end of the park. Be sure to bring the adapter/cable for your wheelchair.
• Wheelchair Lift: available as required at the stages.
• Accessible Toilets: all toilet blocks include accessible toilets. Toilet blocks are in multiple locations throughout the event site, including inside the bar and behind the Main Stage (for performers).

Toilets

• There are several locations of gender-neutral portable toilets across the site and every one of these locations has an accessible toilet.
• All back of house areas have access toilets for our artists and staff.
• There are additional City of Melbourne Accessible toilets that are part of the static event site facilities in Boathouse Drive.
• TIP: Head towards Boathouse Drive (the Yarra River) to find toilet facilities.

Designated Viewing Areas

Positioned close to the front of each stage for people with varying requirements.

Auslan Interpretation

• Carnival Stages: All programming on the Main Stage and Picnic Stage will be Auslan interpreted (apart from DJ sets). This includes the Dog Show. Auslan interpretation for Main Stage and Picnic Stage is provided by Auslan Stage Left.
• Family Precinct: Auslan interpreters will be present at the Family Precinct from 11:30am to 4pm. 
• Stallholders Precinct: There will be roving interpreters provided by Expression Australia at the Stallholders Precinct for any Deaf community who would like to communicate with stallholders on the day.

Audio Description

• Describer guides from Vitae Veritas will be onsite from 1-4pm at Carnival offering tailored audio description and guiding service to blind and low-vision community.
• Tactile Tour from 11:30am to 1:30pm, with describer guides available from 1pm to 4pm. For bookings, please email Nilgun from Vitae Veritas on [email protected] or [email protected].
• Vision Australia Radio will be broadcasting live from the Carnival stalls precinct, from 10am to 2pm.

Access Coordinator

Midsumma Carnival will have an Access Coordinator on site to support a team of Volunteer Access Champions who will be working specifically on supporting access for audiences and artists. If you or someone you are with requires one-on-one support navigating the Midsumma Carnival precinct, or guidance to finding and using the available provisions, our Access Coordinator can be contacted by:

• Asking one of the friendly volunteers at the entrances
• Asking at the Info Tent
• Texting or calling Midsumma’s accessibility hotline on 0419 682 064 on the day of the event

Social Story

• We’ve created a social story to help you know what to expect at Midsumma Carnival. It removes surprises and helps you know what will happen.
• You can read it before you come, during the day, or only the parts you want.
• SOCIAL STORY 
• The social story is also posted to our social media accounts 

Children & Families

• The Midsumma Carnival precinct is pram accessible. The majority of permanent bitumen pathways remain free of infrastructure to maximise accessible routes across the site. Grass areas will also be cut low for pram access through parklands.
• There is an accessible toilet with a baby change facility located on Boathouse Drive behind the Main Stage area.
• There are also 2 baby change facilities located in the new permanent Alexandra Gardens toilet block (near the Skate Park).
• The Families Area will host a range of family-friendly programming - details will be listed shortly.
• Note: the event becomes very busy and congested at times!

Commitment to Ongoing Improvement

If you have questions, comments or feedback about access at Midsumma, we would love to hear from you. You can complete our Disability Access and Inclusion Feedback form, or contact us by: written email, Auslan video or voice memo to [email protected] or call 03 9296 6600.

Midsumma is National Relay Service ready. If you are Deaf, hard of hearing or want assistance with spoken communication, contact the National Relay Service on 133 677 or via relayservice.com.au then ask for 03 9296 6600 during business hours. There is no additional charge for this service

Can I bring glass?

No. To minimise the risk of injury, Midsumma Carnival has a strict no glass policy across the site. Broken glass has been one of the major causes of injury to guests in the past, so please don't bring glass drinking vessels, glass wine bottles or glass beer bottles to Carnival. Midsumma encourages guests to support Midsumma Festival by purchasing drinks at the Midsumma-operated bars. In order to gain entry to the bars, you need to obtain a proof of age wristband, available beside the Main Information Tent or near the entrance to the Main Bar. 

What happens if there is severe wet weather or smoke?

We are monitoring the Melbourne weather very carefully, and will also have professional risk assessors on the day of Midsumma Carnival who will be monitoring the weather. Our first priority is you and our communities at Midsumma Carnival. If there is severe rain or smoke on the day we will pause the activities on the stages until it is safe to resume. For weather and air updates in Melbourne visit the Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology. Make sure you have a contingency plan, stay safe in all weather, and look after each other.

Is food available?

Yes, a diverse selection of delicious food trucks will be at Midsumma Carnival at differing locations throughout the precinct, offering food options for all. Whether you're feeling like sweet or savoury, something vegan, gluten free or craving a meaty delight, Midsumma Carnival has it all.

Can I bring my own tent structure or umbrella to Carnival?

Midsumma will provide umbrellas around the event precinct for the public to use. The City of Melbourne absolutely bans pegging any structures into the ground or placing them close to trees. If you do bring a structure it must be weighted to ensure it is safe in wind gusts, and it cannot be located anywhere that it will block views for other attendees. Non-conforming structures will need to be dismantled and removed from the site.

Is Midsumma Carnival family friendly?

Midsumma Carnival is a family friendly event, but at 6pm Carnival transforms into a dance party, which is recommended for 16+.

Are pets allowed?

Pets are welcomed at Carnival and you're invited to enter your dog in the Midsumma Carnival Dog Show. Please note though that the event is held in an outdoor space in the middle of summer. As there is limited natural shade available, we highly recommend taking the necessary precautions to ensure your pet is protected from the heat and stays hydrated. With all that in mind, the safest place from the heat for your pet is at home.

How do I stay cool and sun-safe at Midsumma Carnival?

As Midsumma Carnival is held in the middle of Summer it is important to remember to:

• Slip on a shirt
• Slop on sunscreen (throughout the day) - free sunscreen available at the Information Tents
• Slap on a hat (or bring an umbrella)
• Seek shade
• Slide on some wraparound sunglasses
• Hydrate regularly (with three free water stations onsite)

Due to the natural structure of Alexandra Gardens, shade is limited and in high demand.

Check the SunSmart website for the current UV rating and advice on how to minimise sunburn and skin cancer risks, the Bureau of Meteorology website for weather forecasts and warnings or the EPA Victoria website for information about air quality ratings.

Transport

Midsumma Carnival is held at Alexandra Gardens (opposite Arts Centre Melbourne), which is a short walk from Flinders Street Station. As parking is limited, we recommend:

• a train to Flinders Street Station
• any tram along Swanston Street to stop 13 (Federation Square/Swanston St) or stop 14 (Arts Centre Melbourne/St Kilda Rd)
• a Flinders Street tram to stop 5 (Swanston St/Flinders St), or
• cycling to the event.

Can I film, photograph or interview people?

If you are working for a media organisation and intend to use film, photography or interviews of participants or performing artists for content, please get in touch with Felicity McIntosh, Midsumma's Marketing and Communications Manager, at [email protected] to request Media Accreditation.

If you are capturing memories for personal use, we ask you to please be respectful and ask for people’s permission before doing so.

Can I sell merchandise at Midsumma Carnival?

Stallholders and registered rovers are able to sell merchandise, but people who haven't registered are not permitted to do so. In order to sell merchandise outside of your stall space, you need to have a pre-approved Midsumma Rover pass.

What happened to T Dance?

Midsumma Carnival is the opening event for the festival - we used to advertise that Midsumma Carnival turns into T-Dance at 6pm. Midsumma no longer calls the evening celebrations "T-Dance", as we consider the total event to be "Midsumma Carnival".

What accessibility services are provided at Midsumma Carnival?

Check out Midsumma Carnival Accessibility for a comprehensive description of the accessibility features provided at Midsumma Carnival and see Access Information for details about accessibility across the festival.

Wheelchair Accessibility: all of Alexandra Gardens are wheelchair accessible.

What measures are taken to protect the environment?

Midsumma Carnival is a large event - having so many people gathered in a relatively small space has the potential to seriously damage the environment. Some of the measures taken to reduce that impact include the following:

• Dedicated recycling and food waste bins are located in all areas of the venue, and are regularly cleared throughout the event
• Hydration stations and bubblers are provided to promote the use of refillable water bottles (and to encourage participants to keep well hydrated)
• No glass is allowed into the venue, to minimise the possibility of broken glass 
• No balloons or streamers are allowed on site. Vendors may be permitted to use Eco-Glitter subject to approval on a case by case basis
• Electricity is provided via mains power or bio-diesel generators
• Food traders only use biodegradable products (no single use plastic)
• Volunteers and staff members are asked to bring refillable water bottles to be refilled at the hydration stations

Further questions?

If you have any questions, feedback or would like any information in another format, please don't hesitate to contact us on 03 9296 6600 or by emailing [email protected]

If you are Deaf, hard of hearing or have difficulty speaking, contact the National Relay Service on 133 677 or via relayservice.com.au, then ask for 03 9296 6600 during business hours. There is no additional charge for this service.