Are you looking for vibrant, fun events this summer?
Marking our fourth year participating in the Midsumma Festival, the festivities are heading down to the Peninsula for a selection of Pride Arts and Cultural events!
So what's on?
'To build a home' art installation
Artist Isabella Capezio will complete a storywall, exploring queer families. The large-scale collage includes figures overlaid and overlapping on textured surfaces by blending and splicing failed photographic prints, photographs, clippings from old textbooks and test strips. 'To build a home' is a document that weaves together found materials with candid moments of hurt, love and connection.
- Where: 2 Queens St, (external Shire wall) Mornington
- When: Artwork begins on 18 January – 8 February
Proudly funded by Mornington Peninsula Shire.
'To build a home' artist workshop
Join Isabella Capezio for an experimental collage and zine making workshop! Open to all ages and abilities, no prior experience required.
- Where: Mornington Library
- When: Saturday 31 January, 10am-12 pm at Mornington Library
- Price: Free
- Booking: mornpen.vic.gov.au/midsumma2026
Proudly funded by Mornington Peninsula Shire.
'To build a home' artist talk
Hear from the 'To build a home' artist, Isabella Capezio present and discuss her public art commission, including their inspirations, artistic processes and thematic concerns and engagements.
- Where: Mornington Library
- When: Saturday 24 January, 11.00am
- Price: Free
- Booking: mornpen.vic.gov.au/midsumma2026
Proudly funded by Mornington Peninsula Shire.
'Out Loud on the Ninch'
Out Loud on the Ninch is a sunset event at the Peninsula Community Theatre, bringing together live queer performers and musicians alongside stalls offering resources and connections for the local queer community. At the heart of the evening is the photographic exhibition You & I, a bold project celebrating queer pride across generations.
- Where: Peninsula Community Theatre, 91 Wilsons Rd, Mornington
- When: Saturday 7 February 2026, 4pm
- Price: $30 adults, $10 concession
- Booking: mornpen.vic.gov.au/midsumma2026
Presented by Victoria's Pride | Victorian Government and Midsumma Festival, produced by Flinders Fringe and supported by Mornington Peninsula Shire.
Midsumma Carnival
We'll also be heading to the Midsumma Carnival! This free event features local and international artists, performers, stalls of local services and organisations, food zones and various interactive and safe spaces.
Mornington Peninsula Shire staff will be representing at the Midsumma Carnival, connecting with community and promoting our programs and services.
- Where: Alexandra Gardens, beside the Yarra River in Melbourne's CBD
- When: 11.00am - 5.00pm
What is Midsumma?
Midsumma is Australia's premier queer arts and cultural organisation, bringing together a diverse mix of LGBTQIA+ artists, performers, communities and audiences.
The primary event, Midsumma Festival, usually runs over 22 days in Melbourne's summer from 18 January to 8 February.
Why are we doing it?
We strive to create an environment where diversity is celebrated, and everyone feels safe, valued, and respected.
Our commitment extends to promoting awareness, education, and understanding of LGBTIQA+ issues throughout the Mornington Peninsula community.
Quotes attributable to Mayor Councillor Anthony Marsh:
"Our fourth year of participation in the Midsumma Festival reflects the Shire's ongoing commitment to creating a community where everyone feels safe, valued and respected.
These events help bring our We All Belong Strategy to life, and I encourage the community to take part."
