We’ll be slinging bags of Patatas Torres and free non-alc drinks when the Midsumma party kicks off on January 18.
We’ll be slinging bags of Patatas Torres and free non-alc drinks when the Midsumma party kicks off on January 18.
It’s no secret that we love Melbourne’s Midsumma Carnival here at Dan’s Daily. The yearly fest serves up more than three weeks of LGBTQIA+ events that celebrate the history and diversity of the community through performance, art and all-round good times. With a stack of drag shows, queer comedy, dance, live music and more, the whole festival is always a highlight on our calendars. As Midsumma rolls around again for 2026 (it’s here from Sunday, 18 January to Sunday, 8 February), Dan Murphy’s is proud to celebrate 11 whole years as a Gold Sponsor.
We’ll be there serving free drinks and Patatas Torres (crisps, if you will), but to really kick Midsumma into high gear, after the roaring success of last year, we’re bringing back a foodie favourite from 2024 – Dan’s Diner. It’s going to be a cute little 2.0 take, exclusive to Midsumma. So, grab your favourite carnival outfit and join us, won’t you?
Back in March 2024, Dan Murphy’s popped up with a centrepiece of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, bringing the Dan’s Diner activation to the heart of the action in Fed Square. With the help of some of the industry’s best chefs and bartenders named Dan, Dan’s Diner offered up a casual, American diner-style atmosphere, all dressed up with one-off snack plates, creative classics and a bespoke drinks menu. And now, the diner vibes are coming to Alexandra Gardens for Midsumma Carnival, which returns on 19 January.
The festival’s flagship event, Midsumma Carnival is a free entry, day-long blaze of queer community celebration, featuring four stages of live performances, 210 stalls, two massive food zones and the iconic Midsumma Carnival dog show. Among all those highlights, Dan’s Diner 2.0 is returning with a Midsumma-ready makeover that celebrates inclusivity, diversity and the togetherness that makes this festival a summer staple – alongside plenty of great bites and drinks, of course.
For Midsumma Carnival, we’ve stripped Dan’s Diner back to a casual, approachable blend of non-alc bar and snack shack. As usual, we’ll be serving up a range of summer-ready zero-alcohol cocktails (all thanks to our generous drinks partners Lyre’s, CAPI and Squealing Pig), while you’ll also find chippies from Patatas Torres (don't sleep on the bags of chips, they won't last long) and drag king Alf Alfa who’ll be standing by with cheeky one-liners, photo ‘assistance’ and handing out rainbow fans (and you just know it’ll be a bloody scorcher). Sign us up for that.
Drinks-wise, you can expect the Squealing Pig Signature Serve – it’s non-alc savvy b served over ice with grapefruit, there’s a Blood Orange Spritz (Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic Italian Spritz, Capi Blood Orange Soda with fresh orange), and the Charred Pineapple Colada (Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic Agave Blanco, CAPI Charred Pineapple Soda agave syrup and lime). Oh, and did we mention the drinks are on us? Yep, totally gratis. And don’t forget those patatas (FYI bags of potato goodness are limited).
For the potato chip fanatics, we’ve got you covered with your favourite Torres flavours. Get in early to get your hands on bags of Black Truffle, Iberian Ham, Hot Smoked Paprika, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Avocado Oil and Cured Cheese. Yum.
Looking to get among the power and pride of Midsumma this year? While Midsumma Carnival is the big opener, there are plenty of days, and ways, to get involved across the whole festival, and many are entirely free. Here are the key deets to keep in mind:
- Midsumma Festival 2026: Sunday, 18 January to Sunday, 8 February
- Midsumma Carnival (feat. Dan’s Diner 2.0): Sunday, 18 January at Alexandra Gardens
- Midsumma Pride March: Sunday, 1 February at Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
- Victoria’s Pride Street Party: Sunday, 8 February at Gertrude and Smith Streets, Collingwood/Fitzroy
