Midsumma Festival

05/06/2026

Applications are now open for the 2027 Homophonic! Pride Prize.

Presented as part of Midsumma Festival, the Homophonic! Pride Prize celebrates the artistry, innovation and achievement of LGBTQIA+ composers from across Australia.

This prestigious award offers a unique opportunity for Australian composers to create a new work for acclaimed composer-performer and percussionist Niki Johnson, whose boundary-pushing practice spans contemporary classical music, performance art and sculptural percussion. Working with extraordinary materials including glass, stone, water, wood and mycelium, Niki has performed and been commissioned by leading cultural institutions including the Sydney Powerhouse Museum and Art Gallery of New South Wales.

The winning composer will premiere their new work at Homophonic! during Midsumma Festival 2027

The 2027 Homophonic! theme is JOY, inviting composers to explore, challenge and celebrate this powerful concept through new music.

If you're an LGBTQIA+ composer based in Australia, we encourage you to submit an Expression of Interest and join a growing legacy of q***r excellence in contemporary classical music.

Applications are now open. Find out more and apply via the link in bio or visit midsumma.org.au/composer-award
Homophonic

04/06/2026

Watch the complete video via the link below of this Capturing Courage PRIDE Series by Karen Bryant 👇

What does courage look like?

For Jessi Ryan, it looks like showing up authentically, creating boldly, and preserving the stories that shape our communities.

A writer, dancer, performer, visual artist and dedicated community archivist, Jessi’s work sits at the intersection of personal vulnerability and collective memory. Through their creative practice, they honour, celebrate and safeguard q***r stories for future generations.

In this episode of Capturing Courage, Jessi shares reflections on identity, creativity and the power of community. Their story is a moving reminder that courage isn’t always loud; sometimes it’s found in soft strength, quiet resilience and the determination to be visible.

Watch the complete conversation via the link below of this Capturing Courage PRIDE Series with Karen Bryant and discover how Jessi continues to amplify q***r voices with care, intention and creativity.

midsumma.org.au/cc-jessiryan

🌈 .binary.finery

31/05/2026

✨ 🟠 MATCHED DONATION MONDAYS 🟠 ✨

Every Monday in June, your donation to Midsumma will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $500 🧡

Thanks to the generosity of our amazing Midsumma Patrons, David Marantelli and Carol Nichols, your support can go twice as far in championing LGBTQIA+ artists, communities and events.

If you’ve been thinking about donating, today’s the perfect day to make an impact.

Donate now via the link in bio or midsumma.org.au/donate

31/05/2026

18 - 28 June Season - Celebrating 60 years, this production of Sweet Charity .melb follows the New York City adventures of the ever-endearing Charity Hope Valentine… but not quite how you remember it.

Following their sold-out inaugural season of Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens, Heirlume Productions is teaming up with to present the iconic Fosse musical Sweet Charity.

In a world suspended between the Lavender Scare and the Stonewall Riots, Heirlume’s Sweet Charity reimagines this classic through a new lens; infusing its beloved characters and legendary score (‘Big Spender’, ‘The Rhythm of Life’, ‘If My Friends Could See Me Now’ … the list goes on!) with a q***r love story and a tale of self-acceptance.

18 - 28 June, Chapel Off Chapel
❤ chapeloffchapel.com.au/sweet-charity

Book by Neil Simon
Music by Cy Coleman
Lyrics by Dorothy Fields

Based on an original screenplay by Federico Fellini, Tullio Pinelli & Ennio Flaiano
Produced for the Broadway stage by Fryer, Carr & Harris
Conceived, staged and choreographed by Bob Fosse
Sweet Charity is presented by permission of ORiGiN Theatrical on behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC, A Concord Theatricals Company

Presented by Heirlume Productions .productions & Forest Collective

Supported by

30/05/2026

Pride Month is almost here… are your rainbows ready? 🌈✨

Whether you’re decking out the office or stocking up for Midsumma next year, now’s the time to get a steal of a deal!

Midsumma’s Closet Sale is still on, with 50% OFF all Pride merch until 30 June (or until it disappears 👀).

🏳️‍🌈💖
👉 LINK IN BIO

29/05/2026

On Saturday 4 July, MR BIG hosts a special Community Night centred for Trans and Gender Diverse audiences, friends, family, and allies. 👉 $10 off any ticket throughout the season premiere at fortyfivedownstairs using the promo code DADDY10

Following the performance, join the cast and creative team for a facilitated artist conversation with Transgender Victoria, creating space for reflection, recognition, connection, and community.

Theatre that opens conversations long after curtain call 💜

MR BIG aka Tatay, A Transwoman and That Tiring Tune!
Wednesday 24 June – Sunday 5 July 2026

mrbig.tayotayocollective.au




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Image credits: Original photography by: Cameron Grant () Graphics and Design by: Jordan Hanrahan-Carnay ( )

27/05/2026

🍾 The cork’s officially popped… and the party’s not over yet. EXTRA DATES just added for Blanc de Blanc Encore at Spiegel Haus Melbourne ✨

Step into a world of circus, cabaret, burlesque and champagne-fuelled chaos, with jaw-dropping acrobatics, dazzling aerials, outrageous comedy and all the glamorous late-night energy you could want 🥂

Strictly adults only. Very seductive. Very unhinged. Very worth it.


🎟️ Book now: spiegelhausmelb.com/events/blanc-de-blanc-encore

27/05/2026

Cinema Nova - Carlton - 5 June, 6:30pm 🎥
A fun night of curated q***r short films from around the world. Enjoy a selection of funny and fabulous short films that you won't get to see anywhere else on the big screen.

Bring your friends and save with the two-ticket combo offer. The films include the hilarious 'Clam Diving for Beginners', Australian short 'Billie and Jessie', the American trans-warewolf film called 'Spookable', Australian short le***an film 'Bathers' and many more.

One night only - so don't miss it! These events tend to sell out, so get your tickets now to avoid disappointment, as there won't be a second screening.

A 100 min curated selection of world-class LGBTQIA+ short films from around the world.

26/05/2026

Behind every performance is an artist taking a risk. Your donation helps them create, develop and share their work with the world. Help make q***r art happen → donate here midsumma.org.au/donate2art

📸 Homophonic! Pride Award, photo by Darren Gill (Osaka Studio)

$2+ donations are tax-deductible

25/05/2026

Join Our Team - Position Vacant: Festival Administration Coordinator 💫

Join one of Australia’s leading LGBTQIA+ arts and cultural organisations! Midsumma is seeking a highly organised and community-minded Festival Administration Coordinator to support the smooth day-to-day operations of the Midsumma office and assist with key Festival logistics, including Pride March coordination. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced creative environment, enjoys working across multiple projects, loves chatting with people, and is passionate about supporting LGBTQIA+ communities and arts culture.

2-Year Fixed-Term Contract
Full-time | Melbourne CBD
$68,000 – $74,000 + super
Start: July 2026

You’ll work closely with artists, community groups, partners, volunteers and Festival staff across administration, stakeholder communications, event logistics, CRM systems, and office coordination.

Applications close: COB Tuesday 23rd June. Head to the Midsumma website: midsumma.org.au/jobs (or link in bio) for full position description, key criteria, and to submit your application.