Midsumma Pride March

Parade, pride and party come together once a year in Melbourne's iconic march celebrating solidarity in gender and sexuality diversity. A chance to tie up your bootlaces or throw on your heels, and join the spectacular act of unity that is Midsumma Pride March. Whether you join the fanfare by foot or by wheel, with workmates or with family, with friends or with lovers, as ally or as queer, Midsumma Pride March is for you.

Join over 53,000 people to celebrate Midsumma Pride March! Bring your friends, family, and loved ones to celebrate our diversity together in this day-long event as we strut down Fitzroy Street with ferocity, uniqueness, and diversity with the ones we love.

Grab your friends, family, and loved ones to flaunt your pride at Midsumma Pride March this year! Whether you join the parade by foot or wheel, with workmates or with family, with friends or with loved ones, as an ally or as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, Midsumma Pride March is the place to celebrate all gender expressions, sexualities, experiences, and personalities with colours, sparkle and style.

March with ferocity, uniqueness, and pride down Fitzroy Street in a kilometre-long parade route to Catani Gardens. The march begins with the roaring motors of the Dykes on Bikes as per tradition. The march itself is led by the Boon Wurrung Elders, Rainbow Aboriginal Float and LGBTQIA+ youth.

You’ll be greeted at the end of the march with free entertainment, and festivities, including DJs and live performances by the iconic St Kilda beachside.

We march because we are fierce, fabulous, loved, diverse and proud. Join the Midsumma Pride March to march with those who can, and in solidarity for those who cannot.

Alternative: Download the Marshalling Area Map in PDF format (2.3 MB)

Marching Route

• The Route: From the Ian Johnson oval, marchers proceed down Fitzroy St and end in Catani Gardens, St Kilda - see above map.
• End of March: Marchers will turn right into Acland St then enter Catani Gardens via the pedestrian crossing. Vehicles will turn right onto Beaconsfield Parade at the pedestrian crossing.

Traffic Road Closures

The Traffic Road Closure maps show access routes during the road closures:

• Supplier Access to Catani Gardens (via Cowdery St, PDF 2.78 MB)
• Drop-off area for Participants (PDF 2.79 MB)
• Motorbike entry route (PDF, 2.77 MB)

Tram Routes Map

The red lines indicate where trams will be running throughout the event, even while Fitzroy Street is closed for the March. Open larger Tram Access Map >> (Google map)

Bus Routes

See Summary of Affected Bus Routes (PDF 1.04 MB) or for route maps, see Affected Bus Services (PDF 872 KB). 

Cycling Routes

See map of CYCLING routes during Midsumma Pride March >> (Google map)

Midsumma Pride March is a big event with road closures, limited parking and changes in public transport.

Parking

Due to the congestion caused by Midsumma Pride March, and the size of the event, there will be less parking than what is normally available in the precinct. Midsumma highly recommends taking public transport, or cycling to the event.

Another option could be to park some distance away and catch a tram (e.g. park near MSAC and catch the 96 tram to St Kilda Station). If you are unable to catch public transport, surrounding options for parking include:

• Palais Theatre Parking - Jacka Boulevard, St Kilda (via Carlisle/Acland Street only)
• Luna Park - 23 Shakespeare Grove, St Kilda (via Carlisle/Acland Street only)
• Acland Court - 158 Acland Street, St Kilda

Road Closures

There will be extensive road closures throughout the area.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Because the Pride March start has been moved forward by 30 minutes, Jacka Boulevard will close at 10am and should re-open at approximately 2pm (rather than closing at 10:30am and re-opening at 2:30pm as per advertised signage).

• Beaconsfield Parade, Marine Parade and Jacka Boulevard will be closed between Glenhuntly Rd and Kerferd Rd between 10am and 2pm approximately.
• Fitzroy Street and adjoining side streets will be closed to traffic between 8am and 4.30pm approximately.

Public Transport Options

Tram

Trams will not be traveling down Fitzroy Street between 10.30am and 2.30pm, but can still be used to get you close to the March (see tram routes map).

• Route 96 to Stop 132 (St Kilda Station). There will be special 96a trams shuttling between Spencer St and St Kilda Station.
• Route 12 (Victoria Gardens to St Kilda via Spencer St) to Stop 143 (Park Street/Fitzroy Street) will be running as normal.
• Routes 3, 5, 16, 64 or 67 along St Kilda Rd to Stop 30 (St Kilda Junction).

Bus

Bus routes 600, 606 and 922 will be affected by the event, however will be diverted to nearby temporary stops. Bus options during the Fitzroy Street closure period are:

• Route 246 (Elsternwick to Clifton Hill) to St Kilda Road/Barkly Street (running as normal)
• Route 623 (Glen Waverley to St Kilda) to Luna Park/The Esplanade via Carlisle Street (running as normal)
• Route 606 (Fishermans Bend to Elsternwick Station) will reroute via St Kilda Station during the closure period (8am to 4:30pm)
• Route 600/922/923 (Southland Shopping Centre to St Kilda via Sandringham) will run as normal but will not service the last two stops (St Kilda Station or Robe/Grey St).

See Summary of Affected Bus Routes (PDF 1.04 MB) or for route maps, see Affected Bus Services (PDF 872 KB). 

Getting there from Train Stations

• From Balaclava Station: Tram 3/3a or 16 to Stop 30 (St Kilda Junction)
• From Caulfield Station: Tram 3/3a to Stop 30 (St Kilda Junction)
• From Elsternwick Station: Tram 67 to Stop 30 (St Kilda Junction) or Route 246 bus to St Kilda Rd/Barkly St
• From Flinders Street Station: Tram 3/3a, 5, 16, 64 or 67 to Stop 30 (St Kilda Junction)
• From Southern Cross Station: Tram 96 or 12 to Fitzroy Street
• From Windsor Station: Tram 5 or 64 from Stop 32 (Dandenong Rd) to Stop 30 (St Kilda Junction), or walk (15-20 minutes).

Cycling

The Fitzroy Street cycling path will be closed during Midsumma Pride March, but the Bayside Trail will be unaffected. The best alternatives to the Fitzroy Street path are shown on the Cycling During Midsumma Pride March map. The easiest and safest route is via Cowderoy St which links the Bayside Trail (at Pier Rd) to Canterbury Rd and the Western Bike Path. Alternatively, follow Cavell, Carlisle and Barkly Streets, which link the Bayside Trail to St Kilda Rd.

Midsumma Pride March is a community celebration where our many communities, and our allies, can all come together to celebrate who we are and what we've achieved. The Accessible Viewing Area will be operating as usual. On event day, you will be able to text or call Midsumma’s accessibility hotline on 0437 557 109 for information or assistance.

Getting There

There are accessible drop-off areas for both marchers and those watching - see below for details. Note though that the accessible drop-off area for those watching is only available until 10:30am, and there will be extensive road closures in the precinct - see Midsumma Pride March - Getting There for details of the road closures. Please note: Pride March is a highly attended event and trams can become very crowded.

Accessible Viewing Area

There is an accessible viewing area located at tram stop 134 on Fitzroy Street (see Google map). A Midsumma team member will be present from 10am to 2pm at this location. No trams will be servicing that stop during the march.

The March will be audio described live from this platform through headsets available.

If you would like assistance with way-finding, please email [email protected] prior to the event or call 0437 557 109 on event day.

Accessible Drop-off Point for Marchers

• Accessible Drop-off Point for MARCHERS: Canterbury Rd near Mary St (see Google map).
• Accessible Assembly Point: beside the start of the parade route, between Fitzroy Street and Ian Johnson Oval (see map).
• If you need assistance from your drop off point, please phone or text a member of our Volunteer team on 0437 557 109.
• If you would like assistance with way-finding, please email [email protected] prior to the event or call 0437 557 109 on event day.

Accessible Drop-off point for Watchers

Accessible Drop-off Point for WATCHING (this is close to the Accessible Viewing area): Park Lane and West Beach Road until 10:30am (see Google map).

• Enter via Park Lane and turn left into West Beach Rd.
• Note that no parking is available - this is a drop-off zone only.
• If you would like assistance with way-finding, please email [email protected] prior to the event or call 0437 557 109 on event day.

Wheelchair Access within the Precinct

Fitzroy Street and Catani Gardens are wheelchair accessible.

The Ian Johnson Oval marshalling area has a significant slope and uneven ground, so an alternative accessible marshalling area is provided which is located on Lakeside Drive (beside the starting point of the parade). 
People with personal mobility devices can assemble there and join their group as the group commences marching if the terrain is not accessible on Ian Johnson Oval.

The grass will be cut low for easier wheelchair access and low-hanging tree branches removed in Ian Johnson Oval and Catani Gardens.

Pride March takes place on an open, smooth bitumen road (down Fitzroy Street in St Kilda), and this terrain is not 'controlled' by Midsumma. The march route crosses tram tracks twice.

Specific wheelchair facilities provided are:

• Accessible Viewing Area: located at tram stop 134 on Fitzroy Street, between Park Lane and Loch Street. This area will be attended by Midsumma team members from 10am to 2pm. There are a number of accessible positions along Fitzroy Street where you can experience the March if you do not want to be in a designated viewing area.
• Accessible Toilets: all toilet blocks at the Ian Johnson Oval and in Catani Gardens include accessible toilets.

Auslan Interpretation

• Catani Gardens Stage: Official proceedings and entertainment (aside from DJ sets) will be Auslan interpreted by Auslan Stage Left.

Audio Description

• The March will be audio described live from the accessible viewing platform through headsets available.
• There will be water bowls for dog guides at the free water stations, plus one at the accessible viewing area.
• If you would like assistance with way-finding, please email [email protected] prior to the event or call 0437 557 109 on event day.

Access Coordinator

Midsumma Pride March will have an Access Coordinator on site to support a team of Volunteer Access Champions who will be working specifically on supporting access for audiences and artists. If you or someone you are with requires one-on-one support navigating the Midsumma Pride March precinct, or guidance to finding and using the available provisions, our Access Coordinator can be contacted by:

• Asking one of the friendly volunteers at the entrances
• Asking at the Info Tent
• Texting or calling Midsumma’s accessibility hotline on 0437 557 109

Revving up the rally is the much-loved pre-march procession by Dykes on Bikes, Rainbow Riders Victoria and Melbourne Motorcycle Tourers followed by thousands of marchers led by Midsumma's Indigenous Pride Float.

The celebration continues after the march with post-Pride Celebrations at the end of the parade route at Catani Gardens.

The marching order shows the order in which the groups will be marching. They are assembled together into the following "waves" according to similar areas of interest or themes. Below is the anticipated march order:

Should you need further support in finding your group's wave and arrival time allocation, please call 03 9296 6600 or email [email protected].

How is the marching order decided?

1. Groups are assembled together into sections called "waves" according to similar area of interest or themes. At the time of registering you will be asked to elect a wave grouping. Midsumma will confirm the marching order online before the day. In special circumstances, we also might need to make small adjustments on the day if any new information arises.
2. Marchers with special needs or living with disability can be placed early in the march since a long wait or lengthy exposure to the elements would adversely affect their health.
3. Non-queer identifying businesses and organisations showing pride are very welcome, but they do not march ahead of queer advocacy and diverse gender and sexuality (DGS) representative groups. No non-queer identifying corporate businesses (even if they are Midsumma Festival partners) pay to be a part of the march.
4. Some placement is determined by Main Stage call times, to get artists and crew to Catani Gardens in time to perform at the post-Pride Celebrations.
5. Some contingents request a late start time and don't mind being towards the end.
6. For the benefit of those watching from the bars and restaurants along Fitzroy St, the march needs to be exciting at every stage of the march, not just at the start. The final marching contingents are just as important as the first.
7. The balance of the remaining contingents are organised based on volume of sound clashing, vehicle/pedestrian safety or significant placement history.
8. The Midsumma team always marches last.
9. Midsumma Festival spends considerable time curating the march to be as fair as possible and can only enter into conversation about line-up requests with non-profit queer organisations that may from time to time express interest in marching with particular other non-profit queer organisations.

Arising from extensive feedback from our diverse communities and discussions with a range of stakeholders, it has been decided that Midsumma will trial a new process in the 2025 Pride March. This approach involves  participants in the march not wearing formal workplace uniforms.

This new requirement is based on contemporary trauma-informed practices. Many members of our LGBTQIA+ communities, especially the most vulnerable, experience trauma in their lives, which impacts upon them today.

For instance, the sight of formal emergency service uniforms can evoke strong personal memories, often linked to moments of crisis in people’s lives. A trauma-informed approach seeks to minimise these instances.

This change will impact only a small number of groups who take part in the Pride March but could have a significant positive impact for many in our communities. 

What Does This Mean for Participants?

• Marchers are required to refrain from wearing formal workplace uniforms.
• Informal attire that identifies a workplace, such as t-shirts, caps, or accessories featuring logos, as well as workplace signage for marching groups is still supported.
• Youth and community sporting groups are not affected by this change, which is specific to workplace uniforms.
• We understand the importance of representing your organisation with pride, and we encourage creative outfits to showcase your workplace. 

Next Steps

We’ll gather feedback after the 2025 trial to evaluate the impact of this change on all attendees and participants.

Thank you for your understanding and collaboration in making the Pride March a safe and joyous space for everyone.

What does trauma-informed mean?

Many members of our LGBTQIA+ communities, especially the most vulnerable within our communities, experience trauma in their lives, which impact upon them today. Whilst triggers are unique to individuals, trauma-informed practice prioritise safety and wellbeing by seeking to remove, where practical, common triggers identified as barriers to diverse community engagement.

Uniforms, whether worn by emergency services, defence forces, or police are a common trigger for many members of our community.

Did you consult with other uniformed groups about this change?

Yes, Midsumma consulted with other groups ahead of putting these conditions in place. The vast majority were supportive of the trauma-informed approach.

What about any protests that occur on the day?

Midsumma supports any lawful and peaceful protests which may occur in or around our events that do not contravene our anti-discrimination policy, do not intimidate others, do not disrupt others’ participation or enjoyment of our events, and do not place anyone in attendance, including protestors themselves, at risk of physical harm.

• 11am: DJ Tavonga
• 12noon: The Beryls welcome people who have marched, and interview some marchers
• 1pm: Welcome to Country by N'Arweet Caraloyn Briggs + Official speakers
• 1.30pm: DJ Gaff E
• 2pm: Awards presented by The Beryls
• 4pm: Close

See 2025 Midsumma Pride March Artists for photos and bio's of performers and DJs.

At Ian Johnson Oval (Marshalling Area)

• Kaitri's Catering: Fresh hand-made food

At Catani Gardens (Post-Pride Celebrations)

• Bavarian Bangers: Victoria's favourite German sausages
• Healthy Slushies: Melbourne's Healthiest & BEST Tasting Mobile Slushies Truck 
• Naval’s Dutch Pancakes and Gozleme: Dutch Pancakes and yummy Turkish street food 
• Primo Street Pizza: The Original Woodfired Pizza Truck. Slinging Neapolitan-Style Pizza all over Melbourne
• Skewer 88: Delicious Charcoal Asian skewers and Asian Street Food!
• The Happy Mexican: Authentic Mexican flavours in Melbourne
• Twisted Fisherman: For All Your Seafood Catering Services in Melbourne
• Schnitty Schnitty Bang Bang (Two Fat Indians): Contemporary & delicious Indian cuisine
• Wrap roll it: Vietnamese Street Food
• Yia Yia Souvlaki 

Local traders along Fitzroy Street and Acland Street, St Kilda, will once again be celebrating with our LGBTQIA+ communities on Sunday 2 February, so make sure you pop in to say hi and maybe tuck in for a snack when the march is over.

See Midsumma Pride March - Fitzroy & Acland Street Special Offers for the special deals on offer for Midsumma Festival 2025.

If you know of a business who would like to provide an offer for the day of Midsumma Pride March, please get them to contact the Fitzroy Street Traders Association. 

• A Gay on the Lawn: Pride March Afterparty - St Kilda Sports Club: 1-9pm.
• St Kilda Pride Afterparty at the Espy - Hotel Esplanade: 12pm-12am.
• Sunday Sizzle: Pride March Rooftop Party - Victorian Pride Centre: 1-6pm.

Is food available?

Both the Ian Johnson Oval (marshalling area) and Catani Gardens (post-pride celebrations) will have food options to appeal to all. Fitzroy St and surrounds are also home to fantastic cafes and restaurants.

Can I BYO alcohol to Midsumma Pride March?

The City of Port Phillip prohibits drinking or holding an open container of alcohol along the St Kilda foreshore precinct from 1 November to 31 March inclusive. Midsumma Festival has a special licence to provide alcohol within the Midsumma-operated bar in Catani Gardens until 4pm on Sunday 4 February, but no BYO alcohol is permitted.

Can I join the end of the Pride March?

Yes, at the conclusion of the March, the General Public are invited to follow the final marchers into Catani Gardens.

When is Midsumma Pride March?

Midsumma Pride March usually occurs in late January or early February. Dates for the upcoming festival are listed in Midsumma Festival Dates each year as soon as they have been locked in (which usually happens in late February or March). 

How do I register to march?

Registrations to participate in the Midsumma Pride March (which takes place annually late-January / early-February) close each year in the November prior to the event.

Due to the extensive planning that takes place in the lead-up to Pride March, we cannot accept registrations on the day to march. Subscribe to the Midsumma eNews to hear about registrations for future Pride Marches.

What accessibility services are provided at Midsumma Pride March?

Check out Midsumma Pride March Accessibility for a comprehensive description of the accessibility features provided at Midsumma Pride March.
See Access Information for details about accessibility across the festival.

Wheelchair Accessibility: Fitzroy Street and Catani Gardens are generally wheelchair accessible but the march route crosses tram tracks twice.

How do I stay cool at Midsumma Pride March?

As Midsumma Pride March is held in the middle of summer it is important to remember to Slip, Slop, Slap and stay hydrated. BYO bottle and refill at our free water stations located at both the Ian Johnson Oval (assembly area) and Catani Gardens (post-pride celebrations).

Are pets allowed?

Pets are welcome at Midsumma Pride March. As the event is held in an outdoor space in the middle of summer, we highly recommend taking the necessary precautions to ensure your pet is protected from the heat and stays hydrated. With all that in mind, the safest place from extreme heat for your pet is at home.

Can I film/ photograph/ interview people?

If you are working for a media organisation and intend to use film, photography or interviews of participants or performing artists for content, please get in touch with Midsumma's Marketing Manager, at [email protected] to request Media Accreditation.

If you are capturing memories for personal use or your personal social media posts, we ask you to please be respectful and ask permission of your subjects before doing so.

Why does the march start at 11am?

Because Midsumma Pride March occurs in summer, the possibility of extreme heat conditions on the day of the march is always present. In order to minimise the risk to the health and well-being of marchers, volunteers, staff and crowd members should extreme heat conditions prevail, we have moved the march forward to 11am.

Is Midsumma Pride March family friendly?

Midsumma Pride March is a family friendly event that appeals to individuals of all ages. Families are warmly welcome to participate in the March. However, parental or guardian discretion is advised: Pride March celebrates diverse genders and sexualities so the march does contain references to sex, and you will see the odd bare bottom.

As our pets are often considered family too, please make sure you can keep them safe, otherwise plan to leave them at home. 

Why are corporations involved in Midsumma Pride March?

Many corporations and businesses participate in Pride Marches across the world. The two most common reasons that businesses participate in Midsumma Pride March are to empower their LGBTQIA+ employees to show Pride and feel safe within their workplace, and to demonstrate to the general public that their business is queer-friendly.

Businesses will not march ahead of queer advocacy and gender-and-sexuality-diverse-representative groups. Midsumma Pride March is not sponsored by a commercial business, and no businesses pay to be part of Midsumma Pride March.

Why are there any police at Pride events?

It is a legal requirement that any major public event has policing support. Midsumma work with Victoria Police and the local Governments at each of our major events to ensure we meet these requirements.

What is Midsumma's role in organising Midsumma Pride March?

In 2015 Midsumma become the custodians of Victoria's Pride March when the body Pride March Victoria, who had organised the March since its inception, folded. As Victoria's leading festival for and by LGBTQIA+ peoples, Midsumma is proud to deliver this vital event, which takes year-long planning and significant resourcing. Midsumma is always looking for ways to improve it in response to Victoria's diverse, dynamic and ever-growing queer communities. We welcome feedback about Midsumma Pride March!

What measures are taken to protect the environment?

Midsumma Pride March is a large event - having so many people gathered in a relatively small space has the potential to seriously damage the environment. Some of the measures taken to reduce that impact include:

• Dedicated recycling bins are located at both the Ian Johnson Oval and Catani Gardens, and are regularly cleared throughout the event
• Hydration stations are provided to promote the use of refillable water bottles (and to encourage participants to keep well hydrated)
• No glass is allowed into the venue, to minimise the possibility of broken glass 
• No balloons or streamers are allowed
• Electricity is provided via mains power or bio-diesel generators
• Food traders only use biodegradable products (no single use plastic)
• Volunteers and staff members are provided with refillable water bottles to be refilled at the hydration stations