Midsumma Carnival anchors the opening weekend every year, launching the three-week Festival with a full-park takeover. In 2026 we’re back from 11am till late on Sunday 18 January in Alexandra Gardens, beside the Yarra River on the edge of Melbourne’s CBD.
Celebrating local and international talent, Carnival packs the day with things to watch, try, taste and share. It’s the iconic open-air party that sets the tone for the next 22 days—big, bright and proudly LGBTQIA+.
Stroll the riverside lawns and catch a rolling program across four stages—Main, Picnic, Sports and Family—featuring a huge array of queer artists and performers. Entry is free, and this much-loved day typically welcomes around 120,000 people.
Explore 200+ stalls from community groups and businesses, sip at pop-up bars, graze through two large food zones, and snap up free giveaways. Bring your pup for our crowd-favourite dog parade, with prizes for the most fabulous four-legged looks.
Need a breather or a place to play? Carnival includes safe, welcoming spaces for everyone throughout the day, with sports activities, a dedicated youth area, and a relaxed family zone.
Pack a blanket and make it a picnic. Settle into the grassy meadows near the stages and soak up singers, drag superstars, DJs and specialty acts, or jump in yourself at our Lip Sync Limelight and steal the spotlight.
As the sun dips, Carnival shifts gears for an evening dance party spanning the Main and Picnic stages. Join thousands moving as one to a massive program, capped by major headliners to launch Midsumma Festival with a bang.
For more information click here
