Midsumma Westside is back again, with plenty of events happening across Melbourne’s western suburbs between 18 January until 8 February. Georgia Tacey dives into all the events happening over the festival, including a chat with First Nations drag artist Cerulean, who is co-hosting Blak & Fabulous in Footscray.
Over 22 jam-packed days, Midsumma Westside will take over Melbourne’s western suburbs in one of the biggest celebrations of the LGBTQIA+ community in Victoria.
With 25 events across the west, expect to find performances that move you, exhibitions that inspire and conversations that matter, all falling under this year’s theme of ‘Time and Place’; exploring the past, current and futures of the community, including First Nations voices.
Venues like Pride of Our Footscray are set to host a variety of events, with one of their most popular highlighting an important section of the community.
Blak & Fabulous will bring an intimate evening of performance and discussion featuring drag and variety performers who will share both their talents and stories, in this showcase celebrating LGBTQIA+ First Nations performers.
Cohosted by First Nations (Meriam/Erub Kebi and Torres Strait Islander) drag artist Cerulean and Kija drag artist and singer 2JOOCEE, a variety of performers will take the stage for a night celebrating culture and community.
Cerulean, a resident performer at Pride of Our Footscray, said they have been involved with the showcase for a number of years, and was excited to host the event for the second time.
Cerulean said this event will not only be a teaching moment, but also a space for the community to celebrate black joy in the queer community, alongside plenty of drag and performance.
“This is a really cute event where we get to discuss being queer and First Nations within Melbourne.
“I feel like there aren’t many (queer) First Nations events around, so it’s really cool to see that Pride of Our Footscray is supporting that.
“I’ve done it for the last few years and every year it’s been amazing. It’s been sold out as well, so make sure to get tickets.”
Cerulean has been heavily involved with Midsumma, performing at some of the biggest events like street party in Melbourne.
“I love the community. I feel like Midsumma is a great time for the queer community to come out together.”
The Melbourne-based artist said Tarsh Jago, a proud Palawa woman and stand-up comedian and Tharawal and Yorta Yorta artist and dancer Jyden Brailey will also take to the stage for Blak & Fabulous, with more First Nations artists to be announced.
“This is a really cool opportunity to be able to hear First Nations voices within this space and also to see up and coming First Nations drag artists as well,” Cerulean said.
“We’ve got a new generation of drag artists that are coming through that we hope to see on the night at Blak & Fabulous, so make sure to come down and support them.”
Blak & Fabulous will be coming to Pride of Our Footscray Community Bar from 7pm on Saturday 31 January.
Blak & Fabulous is an 18-plus event, with tickets ranging from $19 to $25.
Find a full list of events at: midsumma.org.au/whats-on/events/queer-westside-studios-session/
Your guide to Midsumma Westside
Stand Out Exhibition, 18 January to 8 February, Altona Meadows Skatepark, Altona Meadows
Presented by Hobsons Bay artist Tara Mathews, this exhibition brings bright colours and their distinctive style, in a display dedicated to queer women and gender-diverse individuals who feel like they don’t fit in.
2099: Messages to Our Queer Future, 20 January to 4 February, Louis Joel Gallery, Altona
This exhibition invites artists, creatives and makers of all ages to create a love letter, in any medium, to the future of queer community, exploring the hopes of queer liberation in the future and showcases a time capsule of the unique intricacies of queer culture today, curated by The Artist Known as Foot.
Stories for All Seasons, 20 January to 21 January, 100 Story Building, Footscray
Open for LGBTQIA+ teens aged 12 to 17, these creative writing workshops offer fun writing exercises, creative activities and guidance from experienced facilitators. Participants will develop confidence, explore identity and connect with like-minded peers.
Queer Comedy Gala, 7pm on Thursday 22 January, Pride of Our Footscray Community Bar, Footscray
The gala features a stacked line-up of seven LGBTQIA+ comedians ready to make you laugh, hosted by the iconic MC Dolly Diamond and Reuben Kaye.
All Star Pride Drag Bingo, 7pm on Friday 23 January, Pride of Our Footscray Community Bar, Footscray
Join four fabulous drag hosts for an evening of fun bingo games, camp drag shows, comedy, cocktails, prizes and much more. Balls drop 7.30pm sharp, so please ensure you arrive with plenty of time before the show starts.
Pride Pool Party, 10am on Saturday 24 January, Sunshine Leisure Centre, Sunshine
Celebrate Brimbank’s vibrant LGBTQIA+ community with a fun day out in Sunshine, featuring activities, inflatable slides for the little ones, live music, catering and much more in this inclusive event.
Save the Bears!, 6.30pm, Wednesday 28 January, Pride of Our Footscray Community Bar, Footscray
‘Save the Bears!’ is the pilot episode of a new animated show Summontown by Jimmy Twin, inspired by fantasy role-playing games and 1980s sitcoms. Come and have a drink while viewing the pilot episode, followed by a Q&A. A small exhibition of concept artwork and select artworks by Twin will also be on display.
Queer Westside Studios Session, 5pm, Thursday 5 February, Newport Community Hub, Newport
Open for LGBTQIA+ youth aged between 15 and 24 years, this special Midsumma Edition of Westside Open Studios is a chance to create, connect and chill in a fun and supportive space. Youth can hop on the mic, jam with others, perform for peers or just catch a set.
The Self Possessed, 5 February to 7 February, Bluestone Church Arts Space, Footscray
The Self Possessed is a showcase of performance and vocal repertoire from over three centuries, featuring works written by Handel, Gluck, Scarlatti, Gilbert and Sullivan, Noel Coward, and Billie Eilish.
Snuff Salooon, 6 February to 7 February, Footscray Drill Hall, Footscray
Step into the shadowy heart of Snuf Puppets’ workshop turned salooon, where spectacle descends into fun chaos. The first half of the night unleashes chaos: queer performance art, live music, puppet shows that shouldn’t be left unsupervised. Loud DJ music takes over and the whole room transforms—giant puppets loom over the dance floor, live drawings flicker overhead like transmissions from another dimension. Sprawl on huge beanbags, let the Saloonatic cocktails flow, and become one with the spectacle.
