Event Dates
From: Awaiting dates
To: Awaiting dates
Midsumma Carnival Melbourne 2026
Midsumma, Melbourne’s premier gay arts and cultural organization, hosts Carnival
Midsumma Carnival Melbourne 2026
Midsumma, Melbourne’s premier gay arts and cultural organization, hosts Carnival, the main event of the Midsumma Festival held each year on a Sunday at the height of Summer.
- Stay close to the Carnival celebrations at the “Fabulous” rated Dorsett Melbourne. Within walking distance of the CBD, we love the hotel’s stylish designer rooms, excellent fitness centre and tasty breakfast options. It’s the perfect choice for a stress-free Carnival stay.
The Event
- Next Edition: Awaiting dates, typically Sunday in early January.
- Carnival is an iconic outdoor celebration kicking off the Midsumma Festival, a 22-day Summer celebration.
- It is the most significant event in Melbourne’s annual gay calendar, attracting over 120,000 visitors.
- Visitors can enjoy a full-day outdoor extravaganza taking over Alexandra Gardens.
- The Carnival celebration runs from 10 am to 9.30 pm and is free to enter.
- Carnival promises an endless list of things to see, do, eat, and drink.
- Stay at the “Fabulous” rated Voco Melbourne Centra, a “Travel Proud” certified hotel. Modern, Tech-friendly designer rooms, delicious breakfasts and an epic rooftop pool make this hotel one of our top choices in the city. And its location is just steps from the city’s best attractions.
The Stages
- Carnival plays host to four different stages: Main, Picnic, Sports and Family. (Open from midday to 9 pm).
- Enjoy shows by singers, drag artists, DJs, performers, and even an opportunity to show off your own talents at the Lip Sync Limelight competition (at 5 pm)
- Events continue into the evening with the dance party at the Main and Picnic Stages, with a huge line-up on each stage, including a handful of major headliners.
The Stalls and Bars
- Home to 210 stalls including pop-up bars, two large food zones, free giveaways, and multiple queer-friendly community groups.
- There are two main stall blocks: Stalls Village in the Picnic Precinct, and the Sports Precinct at the St Kilda Rd end of the park.
- Midsumma Carnival has licensed bars where you can purchase your drinks and a VIP Bar for special guests located at the Main Stage, Stall Village and Picnic Stage.
The Midsumma Carnival Dog Show
- The iconic Midsumma Carnival Dog Show will return at 3 pm.
- It is held on the Picnic Precinct Stage at Alexandra Gardens.
The Venue
- Alexandra Gardens is located beside the Yarra River in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD.
- The Gardens are a short walk from Flinders Street Station.
- Take a train to Flinders Street Station or any tram along Swanston Street or Flinders Street.
- Check out the top hotels closest to Alexander Gardens in the CBD.
Recommended Hotels in Melbourne
Here are the hotels we recommend that have good reviews and keep you close to all the action ,
Recommended Hotels
Where to stay close to all the gay bars
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
Where we stay!
The Crown Metropol Hotel in Southbank
is stylish and close to all the bars and club
Official Website
For further information and advice on
Midsumma Carnival visit Instagram
Gay Map of Melbourne
Melbourne’s gay bars & clubs are located in St Kilda and South Yarra south of the city or in Collingwood, Richmond and Fitzroy north of the city and one in Yarraville.
Melbourne Marriott Hotel, Exhibition Street, Melbourne, City of Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia
Located in the heart of Melbourne CBD, the Melbourne Marriott Hotel features a swimming pool, sauna and fitness centre. Guests can also relax at the restaurant, cafe or bar. All rooms are spacious and non-smoking, offering cable TV, a minibar and a desk with high-speed internet access. The Melbourne Marriott Hotel is conveniently located only minutes from Her Majesty's Theatre, Federation Square
8 Whiteman St, Southbank VIC 3006, Australia
Rising above ’s vibrant Southbank precinct, offers with of the city or Port Phillip Bay. Each room features original artworks and marble bathrooms.
Each room includes a large plasma-screen TV with laptop video-on-demand system, an iPod docking station, and a separate dressing room. The city and bay views are framed by floor-to-ceiling windows.
51, Little Bourke Street, Melbourne, City of Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia
Situated in Melbourne and with Princess Theatre reachable within 300 metres, Lancemore Crossley St. Melbourne features express check-in and check-out, non-smoking rooms, a fitness centre, free WiFi throughout the property and a bar. Boasting family rooms, this property also provides guests with a terrace. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk, room service and organising tours for guests.
19, Little Bourke Street, Melbourne, City of Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia
Located in the heart of Melbourne's restaurant and theatre district on Little Bourke Street, Ovolo Laneways offers original artworks, luxurious bathrooms, quality furnishings and free high-speed wireless internet. Situated in the CBD, Ovolo Laneways is a 3-minute walk from Parliament and a 5-minute walk from Treasury Gardens
91 Johnston St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia
All air-conditioned apartments feature a fully equipped kitchen, a dining setting and a private bathroom with a shower and bathrobes. Each have a lounge area with a sofa and a flat-screen TV. Free WiFi
9 Finlay Pl, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia
Situated in the Carlton district of Melbourne Every unit has a private bathroom and shower, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and a dishwasher. A microwave and fridge are also available, as well as a kettle.
160 Argyle St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia
The air-conditioned units have a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher & an oven. A microwave & toaster are also provided, as well as a coffee machine. A living area with a flat-screen TV. Laundry facilities are available.
78 Oxford St, Collingwood VIC 3066, Australia
This air-conditioned apartment is fitted with 2 bedrooms, a living room and a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven. It also has a flat-screen TV with free streaming service. Bathroom comes with a hair dryer
Vault 13 Banana Alley Vaults, situated under the railway viaduct at the Corner of Flinders and Queensbridge streets in the CBD.
Subway Sauna is Melbourne's premiere Gay mens sauna. Operating in the heart of the CBD and fresh from a recent re-fit, Subway Sauna has earned a reputation as the cleanest and friendliest of it`s kind.
106 Wellington Street, Collingwood VIC 3066,
Australia's largest & cruisiest Gay & Bi-Sexual Sauna
113 Wellington Street Collingwood VIC 3066, Australia
Fun gay bar with drags shows and a dance floor
103 Smith Steet Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia
Sircuit is an inclusive Gay bar on Smith Street Fitzroy. The bar is free entry (except for special events listed on our website) Drag show gay party bar with something for everyone
230-232 Gertrude St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia
Open Tuesday to Sunday in Fitzroy, this 1980s New York-themed gay bar and diner is a colourful paradise filled with drag bingo, trivia, and karaoke
60 King St, Melbourne VIC 3004, Australia
ADAM is Melbourne's nudist pub for guys
The techno-heavy, sans-clothes, queer dance parties you want to be at. The big brother of the Fitzroy bar ADAM. If techno is not your thing, we also offer a complete Pop, Disco & Funk Floor with Chill Lounge
108 Smith St, Collingwood VIC 3066, Australia
Gay Bar and Restaurant with fun staff and drag shows
185 Smith St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia
Gay bar and Restaurant Cocktails, Pan-Asian eats, cabaret & drag shows in a hip space with red lamps & exposed brick.
386 Chapel St, South Yarra VIC 3141, Australia
Since 2014 POOF DOOF Gay Bar in Melbourne has served as the city's biggest Gay nightclub
103 Smith St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia
Camp gay bar with drag shows and great burgers.
60 King St, Melbourne VIC 3004, Australia
Gay Night club with events and party nights
149 Gipps Street Abbotsford VIC 3067,Australia,
In 1998 The Laird and Club 80 were granted ‘Male-only’ status by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) in deference to their history and service to the gay community.
While we still maintain this status, a few times a year we open the doors to the community for events such as Vic Leather Open Day (May), Men on Men Open Day (June) and Northside Bizarre (October).
Formerly known as "Melbourne's only bear and leather bar", The Laird has progressed over the years to become a haven, meeting place and party space for same-sex attracted CIS and Trans males.
One of the best known gay bars with something happening every night
29 Fitzroy Street St Kilda VIC 3182,
The local watering hole for many a St Kilda native and one of Melbourne’s oldest gay friendly pubs. The Iconic Prince of Wales Public Bar continues to be place of profound inspiration to local musicians & artists.
A meeting place where punters can let go of life’s responsibilities and dive into a cesspit of booze and muze. Offering some of St Kilda's most colourful & diverse entertainment.
AustraliaThe oldest gay bar in Melbourne and still one of the best.
164 Church Street Richmond VIC 3121, Australia
Friendly gay pub with a magical beer garden
Recommended Hotels in Melbourne By Booking
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Melbourne that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars
Crown Towers
5 Star, Luxury
- 5-Star, City or Bay Views
- Close to the gay district
- Floor-to-ceiling windows
- Offers spacious luxury rooms with stunning views, ideal for an opulent and immersive experience
Lancemore Crossley St
5 Star, Readers Choice
- 5-Star, Fitness Centre, Terrace
- Close to the gay district
- Non-smoking rooms, free WiFi
- Near Princess Theatre, perfect for a stylish stay with fitness facilities and a relaxing terrace
Melbourne Marriott
5 Star, Great Value
- 5-Star, Swimming Pool, Sauna
- Close to the gay district
- Spacious, high-speed internet
- In the heart of Melbourne CBD, features a pool and sauna, great for a comfortable, central stay
Ovolo Laneways
4 Star, Location
- 4-Star, Heart of Theatre District
- Close to the gay district
- Luxurious bathrooms
- Located on Little Bourke Street, offers artistic decor and easy access to Melbourne’s vibrant culture
Video Midsumma Carnival Melbourne
A taste of what to expect at Carnival in Melbourne.
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