Midsumma and Mardi Gras programs ensure a queer summer ahead

Asexual comedy, drag kings, lesbian drama, trans theatre and in-your-face gay cabaret feature in the programs of Sydney and Melbourne’s LGBTQIA+ cultural festivals in 2025.
Samuel Gaskin in the 2025 Midsumma Festival production 'HONŌUR'. The New Zealand born musician poses dramatically, hands raised and face painted, against a colourful backdrop.

With the official start of the Australian summer on 1 December, seasonal festivals will soon be on everyone’s mind. Leading the charge are the queer cultural festivals of Sydney and Melbourne, both of which have now launched their full programs.

Running from 19 January to 9 February 2025, Midsumma Festival features a diverse range of events including theatre, music, visual arts, cabaret, comedy, public forums and more, celebrating the Festival theme, Collective Identity(s).

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Richard Watts OAM is ArtsHub's National Performing Arts Editor; he also presents the weekly program SmartArts on Three Triple R FM. Richard is a life member of the Melbourne Queer Film Festival, a Melbourne Fringe Festival Living Legend, and was awarded the Sidney Myer Performing Arts Awards' Facilitator's Prize in 2020. In 2021 he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Green Room Awards Association. Most recently, Richard received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in June 2024. Follow him on Twitter: @richardthewatts