The Victorian Government is backing LGBTIQA+ communities across regional Victoria this summer with Fifteen LGBTIQA+ events kicking off across Victoria as part of Victoria’s Pride celebrations.
Minister for Equality Steve Dimopoulos joined Midsumma Festival CEO and Creative Director Karen Bryant in announcing the full program of the statewide celebration of LGBTIQA+ communities.
The program culminates with the Victoria’s Pride Street Party, an iconic free festival in Fitzroy’s Smith Street and Gertrude Street precinct, on Sunday 7 February 2027.
“We are determined to make sure Victoria’s Pride reaches all corners of the state, creating opportunities for LGBTIQA+ artists, communities and allies to celebrate pride close to home,” said Minister for Equality Steve Dimopoulos.
“This program supports local communities to bring joyful and inclusive ideas to life, while making sure regional rainbow communities are seen, heard and celebrated.”
Now in its fifth year, the Street Party has fast become a Melbourne summertime institution. Delivered by leading LGBTIQA+ arts and culture provider Midsumma in partnership with the Victorian Government, Victoria’s Pride Regional Activation Program supports a diverse calendar of rural and regional events.
Regional celebrations include a poetry and songwriting workshop in Beechworth and a gala evening celebrating LGBTIQA+ history in the Wimmera.
Mornington Peninsula will host QUEERmas, a celebration of community, connection and chosen family at a time of year when relationships with biological family can be challenging.
In Bendigo, Worldbuilders will be supported to pair professional cosplay artists with young LGBTIQA+ people to build costumes, props and augmented-reality creatures.
The Government recently invested two more years of funding for Victoria’s Pride in the 2026-27 State Budget to ensure Victoria’s Pride remains a staple of the state’s events calendar until February 2028.
“This year’s Regional Activation Program showcase the creativity and diversity of LGBTIQA+ arts and culture all across Victoria, with communities bringing ideas and stories to life in the places they call home,” said Midsumma Festival CEO and Creative Director Karen Bryant.
“We’re deeply proud to support these local celebrations and the artists and communities behind them.”
Midsumma Festival 2027 runs from 17 January to 7 February, with Midsumma Carnival on 17 January, Midsumma Pride March on 31 January and Victoria’s Pride Street Party bringing the Festival to a close on 7 February. Midsumma Festival 2027 full program announced 24 November 2026. For more information, visit: www.midsumma.org.au for details.
Image: Victoria’s Pride Events – courtesy of Midsumma