State Library Victoria unveils spectacular Midsumma 2025 line-up

State Library Victoria will come alive for Midsumma 2025 with a bold and vibrant program celebrating queer culture, creativity and community from 19 January to 6 February 2025.

Partnering with the iconic Midsumma Festival, the Library will transform into a hub of LGBTQIA+ storytelling, performance and connection, featuring everything from whimsical children’s shows to late-night celebrations steeped in Melbourne’s rich, queer history.

State Library Victoria CEO, Paul Duldig, said: ‘Midsumma is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the creativity, resilience and stories of Melbourne’s LGBTQIA+ community. At the Library, we are committed to creating a space where everyone feels welcome and valued, and this program is a wonderful reflection of that ethos. It honours the rich history of queer culture while inviting new voices and fresh perspectives to be part of the conversation.’

Midsumma Festival Chief Executive, Karen Bryant, said: ‘Events like these are vital in creating spaces where everyone can feel seen, heard and celebrated. The Library is more than just a building – it’s a place where our diverse communities can come together to share stories, express themselves and explore new ideas. We are proud to partner with State Library Victoria to bring these important events to life and continue supporting our LGBTQIA+ community through art, culture and knowledge.’

For younger audiences and families, Hugo’s Rainbow Show promises to be a magical, musical adventure. Hosted by acclaimed drag king Hugo Grrrl, this whimsical performance introduces children to the science of weather in a way that’s equal parts educational and dazzling. Featuring original songs, custom storybooks and fabulous costumes, the show celebrates friendship, diversity and the power of imagination.

For those seeking enchantment, The Story Keepers will bring forgotten queer fairytales to life with boundless creativity and humour. This immersive, interactive performance is a reminder of the enduring power of stories to challenge, inspire and connect audiences of all ages.

On Thursday 6 February, the Library comes alive after hours with Library Up Late x Midsumma, a joyous exploration of Melbourne’s queer culture through the decades. Inspired by the exhibition Melbourne Out Loud: Life through the lens of Rennie Ellis, the evening will feature live music, DJs and performances curated by the inimitable MzRizk. Attendees can revel in the energy of queer artistry while exploring Ellis’s vivid photographs that document Melbourne’s LGBTQIA+ history from the 1970s to 1990s.

The Melbourne Out Loud: Midsumma Edition exhibition, opening on 19 January, extends this narrative further, bringing Rennie Ellis’s iconic photography into conversation with the present. Curated in collaboration with Angela Bailey, Vice President of the Australian Queer Archives, the exhibition vividly captures moments of liberation, celebration and resilience within Melbourne’s queer community.

Adding to the line-up, the Library’s beloved Storytime sessions take on a vibrant twist with appearances by LGBTQIA+ storytellers. These special sessions will see guests like dancer-choreographer Govind Pillai and drag artist Cerulean sharing tales and songs, fostering inclusion and joy among young readers and their families.

As a place where stories are collected, preserved and shared, State Library Victoria is honoured to support and celebrate the Midsumma Festival. This program embodies the Library’s mission to be a welcoming space for all, championing diversity and inclusion while fostering a deeper understanding of the communities that shape Victoria’s rich cultural fabric.

Tickets for Midsumma events at State Library Victoria are available now.

For further details and bookings, visit What's On.