Midsumma Carnival anchors the opening weekend of the three-week festival with a full-park takeover in Alexandra Gardens beside the Yarra River.

Celebrating local and international talent, Carnival is the iconic open-air and proudly LGBTQIA+ party that sets the tone for the following 22 days. Stroll the riverside lawns and catch a rolling program across four stages: main, picnic, sports and family. Entry is free and around 120,000 people join each year.

Explore more than 200 stalls from community groups and businesses, two food zones, pop-up bars and free giveaways. Bring your pup for the dog parade with prizes for fun looks.

Find safe spaces, sports activities, a dedicated youth area and a relaxed family zone. Pack a blanket, enjoy singers, drag stars and DJs, or jump in at Lip Sync Limelight. As the sun sets, the park shifts into an evening dance party across the main and picnic stages to launch the festival.