This year’s festival theme is ‘COLLECTIVE IDENTITY(S)’.
The theme invites audiences to reflect on how we can foster true connection, across all diverse LGBTQIA+ communities and intersections.
“At Midsumma Festival 2025, we invite our communities to ‘call people in together’ rather than call them out,” Karen Bryant, Chief Executive and Creative Director of Midsumma Festival says.
“This is a celebration of diversity, creativity, and collective strength, reminding us of the power of shared stories and experiences regardless of difference. Together, we can dance with many diverse bodies, sing with many diverse voices, and hold space for us all.”
A 30-year celebration of the iconic Pride March will be held in 2025: a landmark moment in the history of LGBTQIA+ arts and culture.
Signature events in the programme include Midsumma Carnival and Victoria’s Pride – both of which returning in the 2025 event. Midsumma Carnival will present a free, all-day celebration at Alexandra Gardens. . . While Victoria’s Pride Street Party will transform Fitzroy’s Gertrude and Smith Street Precinct into a dynamic celebration of queer arts and culture.
In partnership with the Victorian State Government is the Regional Activation Program, featuring 14 new regionally-commissioned projects. They’ll bring vibrant performances, exhibitions, and storytelling to regional communities, ensuring the spirit of Midsumma resonates state-wide.
Image © Suzanne Balding
Elsewhere in the programme, highlights include Olivier Award-nominated play ‘Feeling Afraid As If Something Terrible Is Going To Happen’, ‘Thirty-Six’, ‘Truth To Power Cafe’, ‘A Body At Work’, and ‘Small Acts Of Resistance’.
The Queer Imagining programme will invite audiences to share space, food, music and ideas with intergenerational artists and creative leaders, through six dynamic projects. Highlights include sunset celebration ‘HONŌUR’, honouring queer POC elders. . . ‘An Uncertain Time’, a sensory experience for babies, and ‘Midsumma Matters’, a talks and ideas programme co-designed by young people.
It’s safe to say Melbourne is about to come alive, with the joy of Midsumma. Everywhere from Abbotsford Convent, to NGV, to the State Library, to the Immigration Museum. . . With cabaret, circus, talks, tours, awards, and more.
“We’re proud of our commitment to nurturing LGBTQIA+ artists all year round,” Karen Bryant says. “Midsumma is not just a festival – it’s a movement, and 2025 is set to be a milestone year for queer arts and cultural development unique to our region of the world.”
Check out the full programme.
Midsumma Festival 2025 (Melbourne) is on from 19 January-9 February.
