Midsumma Pride March Participation

This is a queer community event and we warmly invite all members of our LGBTQIA+ communities and allies to participate. Whether you're marching in a group with friends or colleagues or just strutting by yourself, you’re welcome to join in the celebration.

The best part is it's all free! Free to sign up and free to march on the day.

Date: Sunday 31 January 2027

Time: 10:30am - 1:30pm, with staggered march times

Location: St Kilda. Meet at Ian Johnson Oval, march down Fitzroy St, end in Catani Gardens

Here’s what marchers can expect...

In the lead-up:

• Sign up online: To be able to join the march, someone from your group needs to complete the registration form below before the deadline in November.

• Stay up to date: The person who registered for the march is now our primary contact. From December to February, we’ll email this contact key information and updates.

• Get your group details: In January, you’ll receive your group’s march position and arrival time.

• Attend the briefing: On a date in late January, join our one-hour online Participant Briefing. This session is compulsory for one representative from each group and covers everything you'll need to know for the day.

On the day of the Pride March:

• Arrive at your allocated time.

• Your nominated contact should collect wristbands at the St Kilda Sports Club.

• Marshal into position with guidance from friendly Midsumma staff and volunteers.

• March down Fitzroy Street and soak up the incredible atmosphere!

• Celebrate afterwards in Catani Gardens and the Fitzroy/Acland Street precincts.

How do I register to march?

Register to march by completing the form below (once it opens). Due to the extensive planning that takes place in the lead-up to Pride March, we cannot accept registrations on the day of the march. 

Can I march as an individual?

Of course! Individuals are grouped together in the march but you still need to register and attend the participant briefing.

Download the 2026 Midsumma Pride March map (PDF, 2.6 MB)

Marching Route

The march starts at Ian Johnson oval. Participants proceed down Fitzroy St and finish in Catani Gardens.

Traffic Road Closures

• Drop-off area for Participants (PDF 2.79 MB)
• Motorbike entry route (PDF, 2.77 MB)
• Supplier Access to Catani Gardens (via Cowdery St, PDF 2.78 MB)

Midsumma Pride March is a big event with road closures, limited parking and changes in public transport.

Drop-Offs & Pick ups

For those being dropped off or picked up by a friend, fam, or fab rideshare chauffeur, these are our recommendations for points that are just outside of our road closures: 

Coming from the CBD, or North / West Melbourne?

Head to the intersection of Canterbury Rd and Fitzroy St. 
Drivers can access this via a U-turn on Canterbury Rd while Fitzroy St is closed to traffic (see Google Map). 

Coming from South / East Melbourne?

Head to the corner of Jackson St and Grey St (see Google Map). 

We also have a specific accessible drop-off point for participants. Details on this in the accessibility section below. 

Public Transport Options

The easiest way to get to Pride March is to use Public Transport - use the Transport Victoria journey planner to plan your journey.

Tram

Trams will not be traveling down Fitzroy Street between 10am and (approx) 2:30pm, but can still be used to get you close to the march (see tram routes map). Options include: 

• Route 96 to Stop 132 (St Kilda Station). There will be special 96a trams shuttling between Spencer St and St Kilda Station.
• Route 12 (Victoria Gardens to St Kilda via Spencer St) to Stop 143 (Park Street/Fitzroy Street) will be running as normal.
• Routes 3, 5, 16, 64 or 67 along St Kilda Rd to Stop 30 (St Kilda Junction) will be running as normal.

Train Stations

• From Balaclava Station: Tram 3/3a or 16 to Stop 30 (St Kilda Junction)
• From Caulfield Station: Tram 3/3a to Stop 30 (St Kilda Junction)
• From Elsternwick Station: Tram 67 to Stop 30 (St Kilda Junction) or Route 246 bus to St Kilda Rd/Barkly St
• From Flinders Street Station: Tram 3/3a, 5, 16, 64 or 67 to Stop 30 (St Kilda Junction)
• From Southern Cross Station: Tram 96 or 12 to Fitzroy Street
• From Windsor Station: Tram 5 or 64 from Stop 32 (Dandenong Rd) to Stop 30 (St Kilda Junction), or walk (15-20 minutes).

Bus

Bus routes 600, 606 and 922 will be affected by the event, but will be diverted to nearby temporary stops. Bus options during the Fitzroy Street closure period are:

• Route 246 (Elsternwick to Clifton Hill) to St Kilda Road/Barkly Street (running as normal)
• Route 623 (Glen Waverley to St Kilda) to Luna Park/The Esplanade via Carlisle Street (running as normal)
• Route 606 (Fishermans Bend to Elsternwick Station) will reroute via St Kilda Station during the closure period (8am to 4:30pm)
• Route 600/922/923 (Southland Shopping Centre to St Kilda via Sandringham) will run as normal but will not service the last two stops (St Kilda Station or Robe/Grey St).

See Summary of Affected Bus Routes (PDF 1.04 MB) or for route maps, see Affected Bus Services (PDF 872 KB). 

Road Closures

There will be extensive road closures throughout the area.

• Beaconsfield Parade, Marine Parade and Jacka Boulevard will be closed between Glenhuntly Rd and Kerferd Rd between 10am and 2pm approximately.
• Fitzroy Street and adjoining side streets will be closed to traffic between 8am and 4pm approximately.
• Download a map of road closures here (PDF, 2.6MB)

Parking

Due to the congestion caused by Midsumma Pride March, and the size of the event, there will be less parking than what is normally available in the precinct. Midsumma highly recommends taking public transport or cycling to the event.

Another option could be to park some distance away and catch a tram (e.g. park near MSAC and catch the 96 tram to St Kilda Station). If you are unable to catch public transport, surrounding options for parking include:

• Palais Theatre Parking — Jacka Boulevard, St Kilda (via Carlisle/Acland Street only)
• Luna Park — 23 Shakespeare Grove, St Kilda (via Carlisle/Acland Street only)
• Acland Court — 158 Acland Street, St Kilda

Cycling

The Fitzroy Street cycling path will be closed during Midsumma Pride March, but the Bayside Trail will be unaffected.
The best alternatives to the Fitzroy Street path are shown on the Cycling During Midsumma Pride March map. The easiest and safest route is via Cowderoy St, which links the Bayside Trail (at Pier Rd) to Canterbury Rd and the Western Bike Path. Alternatively, follow Cavell, Carlisle and Barkly Streets, which link the Bayside Trail to St Kilda Rd.

After their inception in 2017, the Midsumma Pride March Awards have returned each year, helping to increase the passion and flamboyance of the march.

The awards are intended to encourage a bright and meaningful presence from participants. Winners are selected by a panel of diverse community representatives and announced at the post-Pride Celebrations.

2026 Award Winners

★ Peter Dewildt Award - Most Significant Message - awarded to the group with a timely and well-conveyed message: Minus18. This award honours the memory of Peter Dewildt (1953-2019) who was the first president of Pride March Victoria (now known as Midsumma Pride March).

★ Most Fabulous - awarded to a group who are fabulously dressed up, adorned and decorated for Midsumma Pride March: Bloco 3k.

★ Most Innovative - awarded to a group with an exciting and innovative float, props or theming for their marching group: Glamourhead Sharks.

2025 Award Winners

★ Peter Dewildt Award - Most Significant Message - awarded to the group with a timely and well-conveyed message: Minus18 plus an honourable mention to Queer Arabs

★ Most Fabulous - awarded to the most fantastically-frocked group: City of Melbourne Highland Pipe Band plus honourable mentions to Rainbow LARP and Scouts Victoria 

★ Most Innovative - awarded to the cleverest group in the march: Museums Victoria (homo of the dinosaurs) plus an honourable mention for Queer South Asians of Melbourne

2024 Award Winners

★ Peter Dewildt Award - Most Significant Message - awarded to the group with a timely and well-conveyed message: LAHRC - Latin American & Hispanic Rainbow Community 

★ Most Fabulous - awarded to the most fantastically-frocked group: Rainbow LARP 

★ Most Innovative - awarded to the cleverest group in the march: Junkyard Beats 

2023 Award Winners

★ Peter Dewildt Award - Most Significant Message - awarded to the group with a timely and well-conveyed message: Union Pride (Victorian Trades Hall Council)

★ Most Fabulous - awarded to the most fantastically-frocked group: Pride Of Our Footscray

★ Most Innovative - awarded to the cleverest group in the march: Liberty Disability Services

2022 Award Winners

★ Peter Dewildt Award - Most Significant Message - awarded to the group with a timely and well-conveyed message: Lifeview Residential Aged Care

★ Most Fabulous - awarded to the most fantastically-frocked group: LAHRC - Latin American & Hispanic Rainbow Community
HONOURABLE MENTIONS:
Thorne Harbour Health
Jews of Pride
Pride Of Our Footscray 

★ Most Innovative - awarded to the cleverest group in the march: House of Airline Internationale - 'SURVIVAL' (Performance Group) 
HONOURABLE MENTIONS:
Scouts
Chill Out Festival
Performing Older Women's Circus
Glamourhead Sharks

2021 Award Winners

★ Peter Dewildt Award - Most Significant Message - awarded to the group with a timely and well-conveyed message: LAHRC - Latin American & Hispanic Rainbow Community
HONOURABLE MENTIONS:
Indigenous Pride
Home Style Aged Care Services 
Coburg High School 
POW (Performing Older Women's) Circus

★ Most Fabulous - awarded to the most fantastically-frocked group: Samba Energia
HONOURABLE MENTIONS:
O'Ziriguidum Escola de Samba and friends 
PacifiqueX 
Melbourne Front Runners 

★ Most Innovative - awarded to the cleverest group in the march: VICPaH - Victorian Pups and Handlers
HONOURABLE MENTIONS:
Melbourne Argonauts Rowing Club 
City of Port Phillip 
Motafrenz Car Club 
Bisexual Alliance Victoria 

2020 Award Winners

★ Peter Dewildt Award - Most Significant Message - awarded to the group with a timely and well-conveyed message. This award honours the memory of Peter Dewildt, Pride March Victoria's first president, who passed in 2019: Parents of Gender Diverse Children
★ Most Fabulous - awarded to the most fantastically-frocked group: Rainbow LARP (Live Action Role Play)
★ Most Innovative - awarded to the cleverest group in the march: Pacific Essence

2019 Award Winners

★ Most Fabulous - awarded to the most fantastically frocked group.
    The 2019 winner was: VIKA
★ Most Significant Message - awarded to the group with a timely and well-conveyed message.
    The 2019 winner was Lifeview Residential Care
★ Most Innovative - awarded to the cleverest float in the show.
    The 2019 winner was Rainbow Aboriginal Pride

Honourable mentions

★ Victoria's bisexual community
★ Deaf-initely Pride
★ Minus18
★ Melbourne Aces - Asexuals Australia

2018 Award Winners

★ Most Fabulous - the 2018 winner was Jews of Pride
★ Significant Message - the 2018 winner was No Pride in Detention
★ Most Innovative - the 2018 winner was Scouts Victoria.

2017 Award Winners

★ Most Fabulous: Melbourne Frontrunners
★ Most Significant Message: joint winners: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders; Minus18 and Safe Schools
★ Most Innovative: VAC and their Riff Raff Marching Band

Revving up the rally is our much-loved pre-march procession; the Dykes on Bikes and Melbourne Motorcycle Tourers.

The rest of the procession then starts on foot, led annually by the iconic Rainbow Mob contingent.

The marching order shows the order in which the groups will be marching. They are assembled together into "waves" according to similar areas of interest or themes.

If you are a participant in the March, your primary contact will be sent this information by email in January.

On event day, you will be able to text or call Midsumma’s accessibility hotline on 0419 682 064 for information or assistance.

Getting There

While we recommend most people get public transport to Pride March, please note this is a highly attended event and trams / buses can become very crowded.

There will be extensive road closures throughout the event site — see our Getting There section above for a map and details of road closures. 

Accessible Drop-off Point for Participants

The accessible drop-off point for participants is at the intersection of Fitzroy Street and Lakeside Drive (just north of tram stop 16). See Google Maps or option 1 of Pride March Access Points).

• This can be accessed via: 
  • Left turn from Lakeside Drive, 
  • Right turn from Princess St
  • Or a U-turn on Fitzroy St
• Note that no parking is available — this is a drop-off zone only.

From here it's about a 3 minute walk or wheel to the march marshalling area on Ian Johnson Oval, including the Accessible Marshalling Tent

If you would like assistance with way-finding, please email [email protected] prior to the event or call 0419 682 064 on event day.

Accessible Marshalling Tent

Ian Johnson Oval has some accessibility challenges (including slopes and grass), so an Accessibility Marshalling tent will be provided for participants while they wait to march. 

This tent is for anyone who needs to wait in the shade, with seating. It's also great for anyone using mobility devices, as the tent is adjacent to both the footpath and a ramp connecting to the parade route. 

Any marchers can assemble at this tent and join the rest of their group when it's their time to march. Volunteers will be on hand to assist syncing up marchers with their groups. 

For anyone arriving by car, the best drop-off point for this tent is the Accessible Drop- off point for Participants (details above). 

If you would like assistance with way-finding, please email [email protected] prior to the event or call 0419 682 064 on event day.

Accessible Pick-up Point in Catani Gardens

The accessible pick-up point is at the roundabout on Pier Road (see Google Maps or option 5 of Pride March Access Points).

• Passengers wanting to get to the accessible pick-up point should walk 100m towards the beach from the central rotunda in Catani Gardens.
• Drivers need to enter Pier Rd from Beaconsfield Pde. You will need to do a u-turn via the roundabout after collecting your passenger(s).
• If you would like assistance with way-finding, please email [email protected] prior to the event or call 0419 682 064 on event day.

Wheelchair Access around Midsumma Pride March

Fitzroy Street and Catani Gardens are wheelchair accessible.

The grass will be cut low for easier wheelchair access and low-hanging tree branches will be removed in Catani Gardens.

Pride March takes place on an open, smooth bitumen road (down Fitzroy Street in St Kilda), and this terrain is not controlled by Midsumma. The march route crosses tram tracks twice.

Specific wheelchair facilities provided are:

• Accessible Viewing Area: located at tram stop 134 on Fitzroy Street, between Park Lane and Loch Street. This area will be attended by Midsumma team members from 10am to 2pm. There are a number of accessible positions along Fitzroy Street where you can experience the march if you do not want to be in a designated viewing area. For more information about this Viewing Area please see our info page for spectators here.
• Accessible Toilets: all toilet blocks at the Ian Johnson Oval and in Catani Gardens include accessible toilets. There are also accessible toilets at the Victorian Pride Centre.

Auslan Interpretation

• Ian Johnson Oval proceedings: at 10:15am, a Welcome to Country and speeches before the march begins will be Auslan interpreted.
• Catani Gardens: will have DJs from 10:30am - 3pm, which will not be Auslan interpreted.

Audio Description

• The march will be audio described live from the accessible viewing platform through headsets available. For more information about this Viewing Area please see our info page for spectators here.
• There will be water bowls for dog guides at the free water stations, plus one at the Accessible Viewing Area.
• If you would like assistance with way-finding, please email [email protected] prior to the event or call 0419 682 064 on event day.

Access Coordinator

Midsumma Pride March 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 Pride March precinct, or guidance on 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 in Catani Gardens
• Texting or calling Midsumma’s accessibility hotline on 0419 682 064

Rainbow Recharge Hub at the Pride Centre

The Victorian Pride Centre offers a space to a break from the buzz of Midsumma Pride March. 

The Rainbow Recharge Hub is inside the Victorian Pride Centre’s Theatrette – a free, inclusive, and accessible space designed to support the community, especially our regional and rural communities. This “rest and recoup” station is perfect for those travelling from afar or anyone needing a quiet space amidst the celebrations.

Who is it for?

• Regional and rural Victorians looking for a recharge base during the long day of Pride March. Older folks seeking a comfortable space to rest.
• Rainbow families wanting a calm, family-friendly spot to regroup.
• Anyone needing a reset.

What’s on Offer:

• Quiet rooms, and hydration stations to keep you refreshed. All-gender bathrooms, charging stations, and friendly volunteers to assist with accessibility needs.
• Watch the Pride March live broadcast with commentary from JOY Media inside the hub or step out the front to see the march in action.

Open from 10am - 5pm. 
Head to the Pride Centre and volunteers will show you the way.

Access Feedback 

Midsumma is committed to improving access to cultural experiences for d/Deaf and Disabled attendees.

If you'd like to share an area that needs improvement or a positive experience around accessibility at Midsumma Pride March please head to our specific access feedback form. 

We're eager to hear from you!

When planning your fabulous outfits, banners and activations, please do not include: 

• Balloons
• Glitter

The City of Port Phillip restricts the use of these items due to the event's proximity to the coast. 

Also, all banners, props, and vehicles must be under 2.5m tall. This is because tram lines run above the march route on Fitzroy St — we want the day to be electrifying, but not in that way!

Arising from extensive feedback from our diverse communities and discussions with a range of stakeholders, Midsumma will continue to trial the process which involves participants in the march not wearing formal workplace uniforms.

Why trauma-informed? 

This requirement is based on contemporary trauma-informed practices. Many members of our LGBTQIA+ communities, especially the most vulnerable, experience trauma in their lives, which impacts upon them today. Whilst triggers are unique to each individual, trauma-informed practice prioritises safety and seeks to remove, where practical, common triggers identified as barriers to diverse community engagement.

For instance, the sight of formal emergency service uniforms can evoke strong personal memories, often linked to moments of crisis in people’s lives. A trauma-informed approach seeks to minimise these instances. This change will impact only a small number of groups who take part in the Pride March but could have a significant positive impact for many in our communities. 

Consultation 

Midsumma consulted with uniformed groups and the Victorian State Government to address all feedback and arrive at an approach for the march which prioritised access, inclusion and safety for all. The majority of affected groups were supportive of a trauma-informed approach. 

What Does This Mean for Participants?

• Please refrain from formal workplace uniforms (e.g. emergency services, police, defence, corporate). 
• Branded casual attire and group signage are welcome (e.g., T-shirts, caps, accessories with logos). 
• Youth and community sporting groups are not affected by this change. 
• Feel free to use creative outfits to represent your organisation. 

It's really important (read, compulsory) that at least one member of your group attends the Pride March Briefing, which will be held online. 

• Date: TBA (FYI: it was Tuesday 27 January for 2026)
• Time: Evening 6-7pm
• Link: Will be emailed to the primary contact of each participant group by mid-January. 

Rules on hand outs?

You will be able to hand out items like flyers or merchandise to spectators while marching. We encourage you to think sustainably and please avoid single use plastics (such as packaging, or branded items like plastic fans). These often end up being used once and going straight in the bin. 

Please also keep in mind that the spirit of Pride March is not a promotional opportunity. If you do wish to include branding, try and do it thoughtfully. 
Please avoid things that could become trip hazards, such as long bits of fabric. 

Any paper collateral you intend to distribute must have environmental messaging on it such as a "Recycle Responsibly" tagline. 

What about any protests that occur on the day?

Midsumma supports any lawful and peaceful protests which may occur in or around our events that do not contravene our Equal Participation Policy, do not intimidate others, do not disrupt others’ participation or enjoyment of our events, and do not place anyone in attendance, including protestors themselves, at risk of physical harm.

Midsumma, our Staff, Volunteers, external security, and Risk Managers go through extensive training to prioritise the safety of the march and its participants. Midsumma has several plans in place for any disruption to the march and will act accordingly in the best interest of our patrons.

Is there food available?

Both the Ian Johnson Oval (marshalling area) and Catani Gardens (post-pride celebrations) will have food options to appeal to all. Fitzroy St and surrounds are also home to fantastic cafes and restaurants.

Can I BYO alcohol?

The City of Port Phillip prohibits drinking or holding an open container of alcohol along the St Kilda foreshore precinct from 1 November to 31 March inclusive. No BYO alcohol is permitted.
There are plenty of venues serving alcohol around the Fitzroy St and Acland St precincts.

Will there be a bar?

Are pets allowed?

Pets are welcome at Midsumma Pride March, however, as the event is held in an outdoor space in the middle of summer 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 extreme heat for your pet is at home.

Is Midsumma Pride March family friendly?

Midsumma Pride March is a family friendly event that appeals to individuals of all ages. Families are warmly welcome to participate. However, parental or guardian discretion is advised: Pride March celebrates diverse genders & sexualities so the march may contain references to sex, and you will see the odd bare bottom.

Can I film/ photograph/ 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 Midsumma's Marketing Manager, at [email protected] to request Media Accreditation.

If you are capturing memories for personal use or your personal social media posts, we ask you to please be respectful and ask permission of your subjects before doing so.

Why does the march start at 10:30am?

Because Midsumma Pride March occurs in summer, the possibility of extreme heat conditions on the day of the march is always present. Morning is the safest time, minimising the risk to the health and well-being of marchers, volunteers, staff and crowd members should extreme heat conditions prevail.

Why are corporations involved in Midsumma Pride March?

Many corporations and businesses participate in Pride Marches across the world. The two most common reasons that businesses participate in Midsumma Pride March are to empower their LGBTQIA+ employees to show pride and feel safe within their workplace, and to demonstrate to the general public that their business is queer-friendly.

Businesses will not march ahead of queer advocacy and gender-and-sexuality-diverse-representative groups. Midsumma Pride March is not sponsored by a commercial business, and no businesses pay to be part of Midsumma Pride March.

Why are there police at Pride events?

It is a legal requirement that any major public event has policing support. Midsumma works with Victoria Police and the local governments at each of our major events to ensure we meet these requirements.

What is Midsumma's role in organising Midsumma Pride March?

Midsumma became the custodians of Victoria's Pride March in 2015, when Pride March Victoria, the body who had organised the march since its inception, folded. As Victoria's leading festival for and by LGBTQIA+ peoples, Midsumma is proud to deliver this vital event, which takes year-long planning and significant resourcing. We're always looking for ways to improve it in response to Victoria's diverse, dynamic and ever-growing queer communities. We welcome feedback about Midsumma Pride March!

What measures are taken to protect the environment?

• Dedicated recycling bins are located at both the Ian Johnson Oval and Catani Gardens, and are regularly cleared throughout the event
• Hydration stations are provided to promote the use of refillable water bottles (and to encourage participants to keep well hydrated)
• No glass is allowed on site to minimise the possibility of broken glass 
• No balloons or streamers are allowed
• 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 provided with refillable water bottles to be refilled at the hydration stations

If you're planning on driving a vehicle (whether it is a motorbike, fire-engine or car) as part of a registered marching contingent, there are a few things you need to know:

Non-motorised bicycles and unicycles are welcome in the parade. They do not need to be registered as a vehicle but it would be helpful to mention them when you register your group.

• Driver and Vehicle Details: for the safety of all participants, at the time of registering you'll be asked to provide the vehicle registration of each vehicle, licence details of each nominated driver as well as their contact details. This will be held by Midsumma Festival in the event that Victoria Police ask us to do any checks.
• Communication: Each driver will receive communications from the Midsumma team, vital to their participation in the march.
• Briefing: Each driver MUST attend the Pride March Briefing.
• Safety: For the safety of all marchers and viewers, drivers will be breathalysed and drug tested at Assembly. It is likely that motorcycle riders won't be required to wear helmets during the parade, pending approval, this will be confirmed at the participant briefing.
• Parking: There is no designated parking for vehicles after the parade.
• Registration: You must register prior to the registration closing date.

Please note that only vehicles and drivers registered with Midsumma will be allowed to participate. If you are unsure if your vehicle and nominated driver have been approved, please contact us on [email protected] or 03 9296 6600.

Midsumma Pride March was H-O-T T-O G-O long before Chappell Roan. And we mean hot literally.

Rest assured that we have detailed heat management plans prepared for the day. Here are just some of our interventions to beat the heat. 

Early Start Time for the March

• The march will start at 10:30am 

• It will finish at approximately 1:30pm 

• The post-march celebrations in Catani Gardens will run from 10:30am-3:30pm 

Accessible Marshalling Tent

This marquee on Ian Johnson Oval is set up, with seating, for marchers who need to wait in the shade. It's also great for anyone using mobility devices, as the tent is adjacent to both the footpath and a ramp connecting to the parade route. 

Any marchers can assemble at this tent and join the rest of their group when it's their time to march. Volunteers will be on hand to assist syncing up marchers with their groups. 

For anyone arriving by car, the best drop-off point for this tent is the Accessible Drop Off point for Participants. This is at the intersection of Fitzroy Street and Lakeside Drive (just north of tram stop 16). See Google Maps or option 1 of Pride March Access Points).

• The drop-off point can be accessed via: 
  • Left turn from Lakeside Drive, 
  • Right turn from Princess St
  • Or a U-turn on Fitzroy St
• Note that no parking is available — this is a drop-off zone only.

From here it's about a 3 minute walk or wheel to the march marshalling area on Ian Johnson Oval, including the Accessible Marshalling Tent

If you would like assistance with way-finding, please email [email protected] prior to the event or call 0419 682 064 on event day.

The Rainbow Recharge Hub at VPC

The Victorian Pride Centre offers a space to take a break from the buzz of Midsumma Pride March. 

The Rainbow Recharge Hub is inside the Victorian Pride Centre’s Theatrette – a free, inclusive, and accessible space designed to support the community, especially our regional and rural communities. This “rest and recoup” station is perfect for those travelling from afar or anyone needing a quiet space amidst the celebrations.

Who is it for?

• Regional and rural Victorians looking for a recharge base during the long day of Pride March. Older folks seeking a comfortable space to rest.
• Rainbow families wanting a calm, family-friendly spot to regroup.
• Anyone needing a reset.

What’s on Offer:

• Quiet rooms, and hydration stations to keep you refreshed. All-gender bathrooms, charging stations, and friendly volunteers to assist with accessibility needs.
• Watch the Pride March live broadcast with commentary from JOY Media inside the hub or step out the front to see the march in action.

Open from 10am - 5pm. 
Head to the Pride Centre and volunteers will show you the way.

Tips for Staying cool on Pride March day

It's important that you incorporate these sun safety tips into your own planning: 

• Keep Cool For the Summer! Choose breathable fabrics like cotton and linen to prevent overheating. Make wide-brim hats and umbrellas part of your Pride March fit. 
• If your activities involve movement or stuffy costumes, have a back up plan in case of 30+ degree heat. 
• Wear sunscreen and reapply every few hours as needed. 
• No tea, ALL shade. While marshalling, stay out of the sun in shaded areas on the perimeter of Ian Johnson Oval.
• Pack a water bottle and keep it full at one of our hydration stations.
• Bring spray bottles or handheld fans to cool off.
• Keep your pets safe from the asphalt with animal footwear, or leave them at home.
• Plan a cool route home (if catching public transport, can someone give you a lift from the station?).

Some people are more vulnerable to heat than others. These tips are especially crucial if the people you’re marching with are: 

• Elderly
• Babies or young children
• Pregnant 
• People with disabilities
• People with health conditions or on certain medications

Local traders along Fitzroy Street and Acland Street, St Kilda, will once again be celebrating with our LGBTQIA+ communities on Sunday 1 February, so make sure you pop in to say hi and maybe tuck in for a snack or a beverage when the march is over.

Check out the Midsumma Pride March - Fitzroy & Acland Streets Special Offers.

If you know of a business who would like to provide an offer for the day of Midsumma Pride March, please get them to contact the Fitzroy Street Traders Association. 

Why not make a day of it? After you finish the march route check out the nearby after parties. In 2026, the after-parties were: 

• The ''KWEEN'' of Wales Hotel Pride Party - The Prince Hotel: from 12noon
• St Kilda Pride Afterparty at the Espy - Hotel Esplanade: from 12noon
• Sunday Sizzle: Pride March Rooftop Party - Victorian Pride Centre: 12noon-6pm.

Registrations for the 2027 Midsumma Pride March have not yet opened

Registrations for the march typically open each year between September and November. To be notified when registrations open for the 2027 Midsumma Pride March, you can subscribe to our e-news or follow us on our social media channels (links at the bottom of this page).

If you’d like to confirm whether your organisation is registered for the upcoming march, please email [email protected]. 

Please note that due to the extensive planning required, we’re unable to accept registrations on the day of the event. However, everyone is warmly invited to come along, enjoy the parade, and join in with the Midsumma Festival contingent at the very end of the parade.