Nocturnal x Midsumma

Overview

After throwing a series of after-hours pop-up shindigs in 2018, Melbourne Museum is partying until late once again — and for its first soiree of the new year, the venue is teaming up with the Midsumma Festival.

Once again welcoming you into a venue that's usually only when daylight is blazing, Nocturnal x Midsumma will serve up a summery showcase of queer and pan-African culture. Expect talks, performances and plenty of music, all from 7pm on Friday, February 1.

On the lineup are four diverse artists, including South African performer Nakhane, who's heading to Australia for the very first time. He's joined by Sydney-based vocalist Okenyo, who you might know from Elefant Traks, plus cabaret show The Cocoa Butter Club, which is all about people of colour and first peoples performers. And then there's Candy Bowers, who has curated an evening of spoken word poetry and storytelling — with seven folks on the bill, all responding to the museum's Mandela My Life exhibition.

Attendees will also find pop-up bars ready to quench your thirst, and staff delivering chats and presentations throughout the building.

Tickets range from $20 for members, $25 if you nab an early bird special and $35 otherwise.