The electric atmosphere at yesterday’s Midsumma Festival 2025 Media Launch set the stage for what promises to be one of Victoria’s most transformative cultural celebrations. As the afternoon unfolded at the launch event, Chief Executive Karen Bryant’s powerful message resonated through the room: “Now is the time for bravery.”

COLLECTIVE IDENTITY(S) Come In Together

In an era where digital connections often overshadow human interaction, Midsumma Festival 2025 emerges as a vital platform for authentic connection and collective expression. Running from January 19 to February 9, this year’s festival theme, “COLLECTIVE IDENTITY(S),” invites communities to “come in together” rather than calling out, fostering a revolutionary approach to unity in diversity.

“What we’re witnessing is more than just growth in numbers,” Bryant emphasized during her compelling address. “With over 300k people participating last year, Midsumma has evolved into one of Victoria’s largest attended festivals. But our true measure of success lies in our ability to create spaces where every voice matters – First Nation, disability, senior, and language-diverse communities all finding their place in our collective narrative.”

MidSumma Festival Main Events

In 2025, Midsumma Festival will run from Sunday 19 January to Sunday 9 February.

2025 Major Events
Sunday 19 January 2025: Midsumma Carnival
Sunday 2 February 2025: Midsumma Pride March
Sunday 9 February 2025: Victoria’s Pride Street Party

The festival kicks off with the iconic Midsumma Carnival at Alexandra Gardens on January 19, transforming the heart of Melbourne into a vibrant celebration of queer culture. From 11 AM to 9 PM, the free event features an impressive lineup including Adam Noviello, Hera Björk, and Jimi The Kween, alongside multiple stages of entertainment and community activities.

Special Feature: Midsumma x Yayoi Kusama

A particularly exciting addition to this year’s festival is the collaboration between Midsumma and the National Gallery of Victoria, featuring Yayoi Kusama’s immersive installations. This unique partnership creates a mesmerizing intersection of queer artistry and Kusama’s revolutionary vision. The special Friday Nights event transforms the gallery spaces into a celebration of infinite possibilities, where Kusama’s signature polka dots and mirror rooms become a backdrop for exploring identity and connection. This collaboration exemplifies the festival’s commitment to breaking down barriers between different forms of artistic expression while creating inclusive spaces for celebration and reflection.

MidSumma 2025 Program Highlights

The artistic depth of Midsumma Festival 2025 particularly shines through its carefully curated performance program. At Friday’s Media Launch, the electric atmosphere was palpable as I met several talented artists whose works promise to push boundaries and challenge perspectives.

A standout highlight is Tony and Olivier Award nominee Samuel Barnett in “Feeling Afraid as if Something Terrible is Going to Happen” at Arts Centre Melbourne. Fresh from earning critical acclaim at Edinburgh Fringe, this dark comedy about vulnerability, intimacy, and truth comes from the award-winning producers of “Fleabag” and “Baby Reindeer.” Barnett’s magnetic stage presence and the show’s razor-sharp writing make this Australian premiere a must-see event.

At fortyfivedownstairs, Bayley Turner brings “Thirty-Six” to life in a powerful exploration of identity and aging. This international collaboration, directed by Kitan Petkovski, delves deep into the complex relationship gender-diverse people have with mortality and growth. Turner’s enthusiasm during our conversation at the launch was infectious, promising a performance that will both challenge and inspire.

Lauren Bok pushes creative boundaries with “Boklesque”, a daring fusion of comedy and burlesque that challenges conventional performance boundaries. Her infectious energy at the launch hinted at a show that will both entertain and provoke thought.

In “Blacknificense”, Joti Van Carlos Gore presents a powerful celebration of identity and expression. Meeting Gore at the launch revealed their passionate commitment to creating space for diverse voices in the performing arts landscape.

Frankie Van Kan’s “A Body At Work” at Theatre Works offers an intimate theatrical exploration that pushes creative boundaries while examining personal narratives. Van Kan’s approach to storytelling brings a fresh perspective to the festival’s theme of collective identity.

The Power of Unity

Bryant’s vision for the festival extends beyond entertainment. “When we ask ‘Who is missing in the conversation?’ we’re challenging ourselves to create truly inclusive spaces,” she explained. “Art has the unique ability to hold kindly complexities and nuances that other mediums cannot. Through this festival, we celebrate our potential to overcome division by standing together.”

The festival culminates in Victoria’s Pride Street Party on February 9, transforming the Gertrude and Smith Street precinct into a dynamic celebration of queer culture and community. This free event features multiple stages of live music, DJ performances, and interactive installations, embodying the festival’s commitment to accessible, inclusive celebration.

“In 2025, Midsumma isn’t just presenting art – we’re fostering a movement,” Bryant concluded. “By calling people in together rather than calling them out, we’re creating spaces where diverse stories can be shared, heard, and celebrated. This is what true collective identity looks like.”

For complete program details and event information, visit Midsumma Festival website. Join Melbourne’s vibrant LGBTQIA+ community in this transformative celebration of art, culture, and collective identity.

Special thanks to Bronny Lane (Little Train Creative) and Helen Reizer (HRPR) for having Glamorazzi present at MidSumma Festival 2025 Media Launch.