Some of the most fun you can have at Midsumma is the joyful Pride March in St Kilda, followed by an afternoon of partying at Catani Gardens by the sea. This year, the march will return to St Kilda on Sunday, February 4.
The march is expected to draw more than 50,000 people, so bring your friends, family and loved ones along to what's sure to be a grand event. The march will kick off at 11am as usual with participants trekking down a kilometre-long stretch of Fitzroy Street.
Whether you identify as queer or you're a queer ally, the Pride March is a wonderful act of solidarity towards LGBTQIA+ and gender diverse people all over the world who live without the respect, rights and dignity they deserve. As it wraps up, those watching are invited to jump on the tail end of the parade and follow the procession into Catani Gardens for free entertainment running until 4pm. You can expect DJs, performers and a diverse range of food options to suit all tastes.
As for the marching order, the parade will begin with the roaring engines of the Dykes on Bikes – as is tradition. The march proper is led by the Boon Wurrung Elders, Rainbow Aboriginal Float and LGBTQIA+ youth.
An accessible viewing area is available at tram stop 134 (there will be no trams running through there during the march), with marshals on site to ensure views of the parade remain clear at all times.
Keep the good times going at the Espy’s famed after-party, which sees a who’s who of Melbourne’s queer dance community take over all three rooms. There’ll be drag queens, DJs and a surprise performance on the legendary staircase. Better yet, $2 from each rainbow slushie will go to the Victoria Pride Centre.
For more information, visit the Midsumma Festival website.
