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Family-Friendly Midsumma Festival 2026
Midsumma Festival returns to Melbourne from 18 January to 8 February 2026, bringing with it a thoughtful and engaging program of family-friendly and First Nations-led events. Designed for children, young people, parents, carers and elders, this strand of the festival centres on storytelling, imagination and intergenerational connection, offering welcoming spaces where families can experience queer culture together.
Held across libraries, museums and performance spaces around Melbourne, the Midsumma Festival 2026 family program celebrates queer family life, cultural identity and creativity in ways that are accessible and meaningful for a wide range of ages.
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Program Highlights: Family-Friendly Events
Midsumma Pride March
One of the largest and most iconic Pride celebrations in Melbourne, the Midsumma Pride March invites families, allies and queer communities to come together and celebrate visibility, solidarity and joy. The free march starts at 10:30 am down Fitzroy Street, winding its way to Catani Gardens, where post-march festivities continue through the afternoon with food, DJs and a vibrant community atmosphere. It’s an open, accessible event suitable for people of all ages and identities — perfect for rainbow families wanting to share in the spirit of Pride.
Date: Sunday 1 February 2026
Time: 10.30 am
Location: Fitzroy Street & Catani Gardens, St Kilda
Active Pride Pool Party
Kick off summer pride with splash-friendly fun at the Active Pride Pool Party — a vibrant, inclusive swim and celebration event open to LGBTIQA+ people of all ages, rainbow families and allies. Held at Oakleigh Recreation Centre, this afternoon pool party features live entertainment, pool inflatables, water games, and land-based activities for kids, teens and adults alike in a welcoming community environment. Walk-in entry is welcome with standard aquatic centre admission fees.
Date: Saturday 24 January 2026
Time: 2–5 pm
Location: Oakleigh Recreation Centre
Price: $2.50 – $8.70
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Love Love Love Love Love Love
Created by Caroline Bowditch and collaborators, this gentle, playful experience is designed for young children and their carers. Families are invited to slow down, cuddle in and share a creative moment together.
This session focuses on togetherness, colour and imagination, with children actively shaping the experience. It’s well suited to families with little ones looking for a calm, inclusive and creative Midsumma activity. Age: 0 to 12 months
Date: 5 – 8 February 2026
Location: ArtPlay
Price: $15
Little BEASTIES Kids Disco
A high-energy, interactive dance party for little monsters and their families! This joyful, music-fuelled event gets kids moving with upbeat tunes, silly dance moves and fun for carers too. It’s designed for children under 12 (1+ years with a guardian) and makes a lively addition to the family-friendly Midsumma program.
Date: Saturday 31 January 2026
Time: 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Location: Fed Square – The Edge, Melbourne CBD
Price: FREE (booking required)
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Rainbow Families Extravaganza
Bring babies, toddlers and kids under 12 along for a morning of colourful fun, dancing, dress‑ups and drag story time! This playful, inclusive event creates a safe space for rainbow families of all shapes and sizes to hit the dance floor and enjoy creative activities together. Adult supervision is required.
Date: Saturday 31 January 2026
Time: 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Location: Victorian Pride Centre – Theatrette, St Kilda
Price: FREE (booking required)
Rainbow Storytime
Perfect for kids aged 3–8, Rainbow Storytime brings a splash of rainbow flair to the library’s beloved story sessions. LGBTQIA+ storytellers share favourite tales, songs and rhymes that celebrate diversity, inclusion and joy, with special guests including drag performers and community creators. Auslan interpretation is available on request.
Date: Tuesday 20 & Tuesday 27 January 2026
Time: 1:30 pm – 2 pm
Location: State Library Victoria – Create Quarter, Melbourne CBD
Price: FREE (registration required)
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Midsumma Festival 2026
18 January – 8 February 2026
More information
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We try our best to provide accurate information on kid-friendly events around Victoria but do recommend parents check details directly to confirm dates, times, prices as some details may be subject to change.
