Midsumma Festival 2022

Overview

Expect plenty of sunshine and good vibes when iconic LGBTQIA+ arts and cultural celebration Midsumma Festival returns this month for its biggest edition yet. It's set to deliver an enormous program of 195 events, descending on venues across the state from Sunday, January 23–Sunday, February 13 — with live music, performances, exhibitions, theatre, cabaret, parties, forums and more, all championing queer arts and culture.

It all kicks off with 11-hour-long al fresco party Midsumma Carnival at Alexandra Gardens on January 23, while the full-day Melbourne Pride fiesta will wrap things up on February 13. In between, you'll catch a diverse array of happenings and events, headlined by Midsumma Presents — a specially curated program championing the unheard voices of this era's queer intersectional communities.

Midsumma's major project for 2022, AND/OR, is dedicated to showcasing disability-led works, inviting audiences to experience a range of new perspectives through its own broad-ranging program of compelling plays, panels and exhibitions.

Also on the bill, you'll find First Nations drag showcases, rollicking queer day parties, a glittery gala celebrating the iconic David Bowie, and an interactive fashion show dedicated to the art of upcycling. Elsewhere, catch thought-provoking theatre shows, side-splitting stand-up and a whole swag of drag, plus exhibitions, markets, illuminating talks and parties galore.

Dean Arcuri

Images: Dean Arcuri and Midsumma.