Accessible Events
At Midsumma, we recognise our responsibility to provide genuine access to our events and services wherever possible. For this reason, we have several ways for everyone to access information about our events.
QUICK LINKS:
ALTERNATIVE FORMATS of the 2025 Program | Events Listed by ACCESSIBILITY FEATURE | Access Information for Midsumma’s MAJOR EVENTS | TICKETING Information | Midsumma PATHWAYS | DIAP: Midsumma’s Disability Inclusion and Access Plan | FEEDBACK
Click the following links to download files:
- Program Guide as PDF (PDF 46 MB)
- Text version + file size, file type - coming shortly
- Large print + file size, file type - coming shortly
- Audio guide (MP3, 27 MB) ~ Developed by Midsumma Partner - Vision Australia Radio (‘download/opens in new window’)
- Auslan video - coming shortly
Visit midsumma.org.au/guides to see all versions (from November to February each year).
View Audio Description events. Through the use of a headset or with support from describer guides, audience members can listen to a description of the visual aspects of the event during appropriate breaks in the dialogue. Not all the events listed below make use of headset technology. Some events are supported by describer guides and/or embedded self descriptions.
View Tactile Tour (touch tour) events. Tactile tours allow patrons who are blind or have low vision to have a hands-on experience of the work.
View Auslan Interpreted events. Auslan interpreter services provide equal access to arts and entertainment for people who are Deaf.
View Assistive Listening (e.g. hearing loops) events
View Relaxed Performance events. Relaxed Performances are designed to create a safe and welcoming environment for people who have particular sensory or processing needs, or anyone who would benefit from seeing a performance in a relaxed environment.
View English no Barrier events
View Wheelchair Accessible events. Wheelchair access varies from venue to venue. Midsumma relies on accurate information being provided by the more than 100 venues that are part of the Festival. We recommend contacting the venue to confirm wheelchair accessibility and enquire about accessible parking.
View Open Captioned events. Captions are displayed on a screen, enabling the audience/viewer to read what is being said.
View 100% Visual Rating events - No sound, music or dialogue (e.g. an art exhibition) so Deaf or hard of hearing audiences can engage fully with the event
View 75% Visual Rating events - Some sounds and minimal dialogue, or dialogue is subtitled so Deaf or hard of hearing audiences have a closer to full engagement with the event
View Low Visual Rating events - Sound, music or dialogue is essential to fully experience the event (e.g. a music concert or mostly non-subtitled dialogue so Deaf or hard of hearing audiences can have some but not full engagement with the event
FREE: View FREE events. Lots of our events are free! However, some still require you to secure your place by booking.
- FREE-TICKETED: You can secure your place online in the same way you would book a regular ticket. No fees apply for ticketed-free events booked via midsumma.org.au.
- FREE-NON-TICKETED: Entry to non-ticketed free events is subject to venue capacity and at the discretion of venue staff.
LIVE-STREAMED: View Live-streamed events. If you are unable to attend events in person, you can still attend live-streamed events without leaving your home!
For information about accessibility facilities at Midsumma Festival's Major Events, see their event pages:
For information about Companion Cards and other access considerations when booking tickets, please visit our ticketing information page.
Midsumma Pathways is a nationwide nine-month mentorship and career development program for Deaf, disabled and neurodiverse LGTBIQA+ artists. For more information, see Midsumma Pathways (link opens new tab).
Midsumma is proud to have launched our new Disability Inclusion and Access Plan. For more information about the plan, see DIAP: Disability Inclusion and Access Plan (link opens new tab).
If you have questions, comments or feedback about access at Midsumma, we would love to hear from you.
Written email, Auslan video or voice memo to [email protected] or call 03 9296 6600.
Midsumma is National Relay Service ready. If you are Deaf, hard of hearing or want assistance with spoken communication, contact the National Relay Service on 133 677 or via relayservice.com.au then ask for 03 9296 6600 during business hours. There is no additional charge for this service
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Sign me upMidsumma Festival 2025 Dates
Midsumma Festival runs from Sun 19 Jan to Sun 9 Feb in 2025, with Midsumma Carnival on Sun 19 Jan, Midsumma Pride March on Sun 2 Feb and Victoria's Pride on Sun 9 Feb.
Midsumma Festival Dates