Midsumma Pride March

Join over 53,000 people to celebrate Midsumma Pride March!

Whether you're supporting as an ally or as a member of our LGBTQIA+ communities, Midsumma Pride March is the place to celebrate all gender expressions and sexualities in a raucous act of queer joy.

Bring your friends and family along to experience queer community solidarity at this day-long event as we cheer on the marchers strutting down Fitzroy Street.

Spectators can grab a seat at one of the many cafes or bars along the route between Ian Johson Oval and Catani Gardens, or cheer wildly from the curb!

• 10:30am — march commences
• 1:30pm (approx.) — march finishes
• 10:30am - 3:30pm — post-march celebrations in Catani Gardens

The march begins with the roaring motors of the Dykes on Bikes, as per tradition, and is led by the Rainbow Mob and LGBTQIA+ youth contingents.

Everyone's invited to our post-march celebrations by the iconic St Kilda beachside, featuring a smorgasbord of food trucks and a lineup of fabulous DJs. 

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

Download the map of Traffic Road Closures (PDF, 8 MB)

Maps for march participants, motorbike entry, and event suppliers can be found on our participant info page. 

Tram Routes Map

The red lines indicate where trams will be running throughout the event, even while Fitzroy Street is closed for the march. Open a larger Tram Access Map >> (Google maps)

Bus Routes

See Summary of Affected Bus Routes (PDF 1.04 MB) or for route maps, see Affected Bus Services (PDF 872 KB). (Note: these bus route maps are from 2025; they will be replaced by the 2026 equivalents shortly).

Cycling Routes

See map of cycling routes during Midsumma Pride March >> (Google map)

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). 

For those heading to our accessible viewing platform, we have a specific accessible drop off point for spectators. 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 approximately 10am and 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.

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). 

Getting There from 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).

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)

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.

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

Our Accessible Viewing Area will be operating as usual — see below for details.

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. 

We have a specific Accessible Drop-off Point for spectators, chosen for its proximity to our Accessible Viewing Area. 

Accessible Drop-off Point for Spectators

The accessible drop-off point for spectators is at the intersection of Park Lane and West Beach Road (see Google Map or option 4 of Pride March Access Points).

• Enter via Park Lane and turn left into West Beach Rd.
• Note that no parking is available — this is a drop-off zone only.
• 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 Viewing Area

There is an Accessible Viewing Area located at tram stop 134 on Fitzroy Street (see Google Map or option 3 of our Pride March Access Points.

A Midsumma team member will be present from 10am to 2pm at this location. No trams will be servicing that stop during the march.

The march will be audio described live from this platform through headsets available.

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 Map 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Accessible Information for Marchers

This is our page for spectators. If you’re a marcher looking for accessibility information about the event, drop-off points, or the Ian Johnson Oval marshalling area, please check out Midsumma Pride March Participation (opens in a new tab).

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!

At 10:15am, there will be a Welcome to Country and pre-parade speeches at the Ian Johnson Oval. Then at 10:30am, the march begins!

Revving up the rally is the much-loved pre-march procession by Dykes on Bikes, Rainbow Riders Victoria and Melbourne Motorcycle Tourers, followed by thousands of marchers led by the iconic Rainbow Mob contingent.

The celebration continues after the march, with post-parade celebrations at the end of the route at Catani Gardens.

Marching groups are assembled together into "waves" according to similar areas of interest or themes. 

If you're registered to march and need further support in finding your group's wave and arrival time allocation, please call 03 9296 6600 or email [email protected].

Arising from extensive feedback from our diverse communities and discussions with a range of stakeholders, Midsumma will continue to trial the process in 2026 which involves participants in the march not wearing formal workplace uniforms.

Trauma-informed practice 

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. 

Gather in Catani Gardens at the end of Pride March, where there will be lots of food vendors, and move to the beats of:

• DJ Stevie Ellis (she/they)
• DJ Tanzer

DJ Stevie Ellis (she/they)

Emerging DJ, producer and vibe bringer Stevie Ellis blends house, disco and tech house tracks to create fresh sounds that’ll keep you moving.

They joined the Midsumma stage for the first time at last year's Carnival and have also played at the likes of Storyville, Runner Up and Carlton Club.

Some of their favourite memories and friends have been made on the dancefloor, and they're all about bringing the energy to get the dance floor pumping so your most memorable moments can begin here too.

Image: @brewcasa by Your Shot Melbourne

DJ Tanzer

Tanzer is in the business of escapism - and escape you shall.

The musician/creative director/diva is also a shimmering DJ force, injecting romance and glamour into the most exclusive parties in the world.

She’s a connoisseur of the ‘deep fried disco’ genre and a master of holding a dancefloor - transporting ecstatic crowds to another time and place.

Image Credit: Wilk

There will be food vendors at both the Ian Johnson Oval (marshalling area) and the Catani Gardens for the post-march celebrations. 

Ian Johnson Oval (Marshalling Area)

• Kaitri's Catering: homemade burgers/ schnitzel rolls and assorted smoothies/ cold drinks

Catani Gardens (Post-march Celebrations)

• Chef Calamari Food Truck: Hot food/cold drinks; calamari and fries; fish and chips; chicken tenders and fries; falafel/prawn/fish tacos
• Evaryde Gelato: Ice creams, sorbet, super loaded sundaes
• Healthy Slushies: Fruit juice slushies
• Navals Dutch pancakes and Gozleme: Dutch pancakes, soft drinks and Gozleme
• Primo Street Pizza Co: Pizza
• The Happy Kransky: German sausages (Kransky) in roll with onion, sauerkraut & cheese; roast beef & gravy rolls; veggie/vegan burgers
• Wrap roll it: Vietnamese banh mi rolls, bao buns, roti wraps, loaded fries
• Yia Yia Souvlaki: Traditional Greek style souvlaki; HSP packs with assorted condiments; grilled halloumi & chips, chips with feta

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. 

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

and if you're becoming a bit overwhelmed...

• Rainbow Recharge Hub - The Victorian Pride Centre: 10am-6pm

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 to Midsumma Pride March?

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.

Can I join the march on the day? 

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. 

However, at the conclusion of the march, the general public are invited to follow the final marchers into Catani Gardens. 

When is Midsumma Pride March?

Midsumma Pride March usually occurs in late January or early February. Dates for the upcoming festival are listed in Midsumma Festival Dates each year as soon as they've been locked in, usually in late February or March.

In 2026, the Midsumma Pride March will be on Sunday, the 1st of February.

How do I register to march?

Registrations to participate in the Midsumma Pride March close each year in the November prior to the event.

Subscribe to the Midsumma eNews to hear about registrations for future Pride Marches.

What accessibility services are provided at Midsumma Pride March?

Check out Midsumma Pride March Accessibility above for a comprehensive description of the accessibility features provided at Midsumma Pride March.

See Access Information for details about accessibility across the festival.

Wheelchair Accessibility: Fitzroy Street and Catani Gardens are generally wheelchair accessible but the march route crosses tram tracks twice.

How do I stay cool at Midsumma Pride March?

As Midsumma Pride March is held in the middle of summer it is important to remember to Slip, Slop, Slap and stay hydrated. BYO drink bottle and refill at our free water stations, located at both the Ian Johnson Oval (assembly area) and Catani Gardens (post-parade celebrations).

Rest assured Midsumma has a detailed risk management plan in place for Pride March, which includes appropriate interventions for different weather conditions. However, it's important that you incorporate these sun safety tips into your own planning: 

• Choose breathable fabrics like cotton and linen to prevent overheating 

• Wear sunscreen and reapply every few hours as needed 

• Stay out of the sun in shaded areas on the perimeter of Ian Johnson Oval 

• Pack a water bottle and keep filling up at our hydration stations 

• Bring handheld umbrellas, spray bottles or handheld fans to cool off 

• Consider leaving your pets at home 

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.

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.

Is Midsumma Pride March family friendly?

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

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