Welcome to our Sydney Mardi Gras guide, where we’ve given you the the low down on all the best events, parties and performances that will pepper Sydney’s streets with pride from February 14 to March 2, 2025.
This year’s Sydney Mardi Gras events are anchored by the theme of “Free To Be,” which plays on the idea that we aren’t not all free until we are all free to be ourselves. In other words, no one is free while other are oppressed.
The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival is one of the most exciting times to be in the city, with culture and pride bringing life, love and community to the streets. Dozens of Mardi Gras festivities stretch from Friday, February 14 to Sunday, March 2 with the main event, the iconic Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade pencilled in for Saturday, March 1.
Hundreds of thousands of members from the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies flood Sydney’s streets and venues with unrelenting love and acceptance, as they have every year since this tradition was built back in 1978. This has evolved into one of the world’s biggest celebrations of pride and inclusion, building up an eclectic program that includes everything from trivia nights, bottomless brunches and DJ sets to massive raves and the fabulous parade.
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade
The most recognisable symbol of the Sydney Mardi Gras is the world-renowned Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade, which takes place on Saturday, March 1. The parade route runs from the start of Oxford St, bending onto Flinders St and then onto Anzac Parade for a grand finish in Moore Park.
You can either rock up and squeeze into the crowd for a spot along the route, or upgrade your Mardi Gras experience with ticketed viewing areas at Taylor Square and further down Flinders St, granting you access to private bars, entertainment, food and the all-important private bathrooms. Plus, you’ll have prime views of the parade as it flows down to Moore Park with 200 floats all representing this year’s theme, Free To Be, with perennial highlights including Dykes on Bikes, LGBTQIA+SB and ’78ers.
Plan ahead with Sydney Travel Guide’s round-up of the best viewing areas and the parade route.
Where to go Dancing During Mardi Gras in Sydney
Sydney’s most prominent gay clubs are always sweating with excitement during the Sydney Mardi Gras. There’s going to a gay club any weekend of the year, and then there’s going to one during Mardi Gras. Take note of the following venues and head along to see what they’re really capable of.
- Universal, Darlinghurst
- Kinselas, Darlinghurst
- Arq, Darlinghurst
- The Columbian Hotel, Darlinghurst
- The Imperial, Erskinville
- The Bearded Tit, Redfern
- Mirage KX, Potts Point
The best Mardi Gras parties and events in Sydney for 2025
1. Queer Screen’s 32nd Mardi Gras Film Festival
Set for the first week of the Sydney Mardi Gras festival, Sydney’s signature queer film festival returns with just under 150 of the world’s finest LGBTQI+ films spread across Event Cinemas George Street and Hurstville, Dendy Cinemas Newtown and Ritz Cinemas Randwick.
Highlights for this year include Layla, Amrou Al-Kadhi’s directorial debut following a non-binary, Palestinian drag queen who loses themselves in a tense relationship; I’m Your Venus, billed as a cathartic ode to Paris Is Burning icon Venus Xtravaganza; and Young Hearts, which centres around 14-year-old Elias who falls for his new neighbour Alexander in a coming-of-age love story.
Where: Event Cinemas George Street, Event Cinemas Hurstville, Dendy Cinemas Newtown, Ritz Cinemas
When: Friday, February 14 – Thursday, February 27
Price: From $10
2. Titanique: Mardi Gras Performance
The Grand Electric’s smash hit Titanique will be popping up during Sydney Mardi Gras for an exclusive performance on the first Saturday of the festival.
If you’ve been living under a rock, just know that it’s the hottest (and funniest) musical in Sydney right now, taking a revisionist approach to history as it tracks the budding love story between Jack, Rose and… Celine Dion.
The remix to one of cinema’s greatest love stories welcomes guests onboard the Ship of Dreams to one night only for this exclusive Mardi Gras performance.
Where: The Grand Electric; 199 Cleveland St, Surry Hills NSW 2016
When: Saturday, February 15
Price: $80
3. Mardi Gras at the Library
While we know you’re here for the Sydney Mardi Gras parade and all the Mardi Gras after parties, it pays to draw your attention to those smaller events designed to uncover, educate and inspire.
Mardi Gras at the Library is the perfect embodiment of that, dusting off the archives and telling the stories that have shaped Sydney’s queer community.
The State Library of NSW will be hosting special collection viewings and behind the scenes tours throughout the entire Mardi Gras festival. There’ll even be a pop up Library Bar after dark with stories from Sydney’s best and most talented queer writers in a series of library readings.
Where: 1 Shakespeare Pl, Sydney NSW 2000
When: Friday, February 14 – Sunday, March 2
Price: Free
4. Feeling Afraid As If Something Terrible Is Going To Happen
The Sydney Opera House will be getting involved in the Sydney Mardi Gras this year by hosting this darkly comedic one-man show starring Tony and Olivier-nominated actor Samuel Barnett. The same producers who worked on stage shows for Baby Reindeer and Fleabag have lifted a story about a 36-year-old, perpetually single neurotic stand-up who finally meets Mr Right, before everything goes oh so very wrong.
As Barnett’s character grapples with his own paranoia and insecurities, audiences are taken on a journey through a dark spell that’s as funny as it is relatable.
Where: Playhouse Theatre; Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000
When: Friday, February 14 – Sunday, February 23
Price: $74.90
5. A Heap’s Gay Valentine
Reliable party starters Heaps Gay will be hosting their official Sydney Mardi Gras event on Valentine’s Day with queer performance art, workshops, live music and a lineup of DJs.
The queer art party rests hand-in-hand with the MCA’s current exhibitions, including Julie Mehretu: A Transcore of the Radical Imaginatory so you can watch the contemporary art institution spring to life with art, music and community.
Where: 140 George St, The Rocks NSW 2000
When: Friday, February 14
Price: $16 – $35
6. Oxtravaganza
All throughout the festival, Oxtravaganza runs through the bars, restaurants, galleries and retailers of Darlinghurst to bring a constant flow of energy to the many venues that line the Sydney Mardi Gras parade route.
Think art exhibitions, nude drawing classes, discounts on shopping and plenty of other ways to keep the celebrates going from February 14 straight through to March 2.
There will also be a special Family Zone set up with a mix of indoor and outdoor activities, including drag story time, face painting and art making.
Where: Darlinghurst, Sydney NSW 2010
When: Friday, February 14 – Sunday, March 2
Price: Free
7. An Evening Without Kate Bush
Keep the Mardi Gras magic going with Sarah-Louise Young’s spellbinding musical and cabaret performance.
An Evening Without Kate Bush has been drawing in all kinds of acclaim since its debut at Sydney Festival 2024, paying homage to one of the most influential voices in pop music with a joyful, unique and mind-blowing show at Bondi Pavilion.
Where: Bondi Pavillion Theatre; Queen Elizabeth Drive, Bondi Beach NSW 2026
When: Friday, February 14 and Saturday, February 15
Price: $30 – $45
8. Mardi Gras Fair Day
One of the most anticipated Sydney Mardi Gras 2025 events is the welcome return of Fair Day. the long-held tradition for Mardi Gras took a year off last year due to the discovery of asbestos in Victoria Park’s Mulch.
We’re thankful it only took a year to correct the issue because Victoria Park will once again come to life with over 70,000 people expected to welcome back the beloved Mardi Gras event. And it’s bigger than ever this year, with a wider scope of diversity from a dynamic First Nations Circle to the traditional Doggywood pageant, Karaoke Cave, Drag King Games, Dolly Disco and the inaugural Trans Camp.
Several stages will be planted around Victoria Park but the main stage will shoulder most of the big-ticket action with a variety of artists and community groups, including Melissa Tkautz, the cast of hit musical Titanique, a special Sissy Ball showcase and sets from Royston Noell, Sumner and DJ Nate.
Where: Victoria Park; Parramatta Rd, Broadway NSW 2008
When: Sunday, February 16 from 10am
Price: Free
9. Official Fair Day After Party
Absolut are hosting a debut Fair Day After Party at The Beresford to keep the vibes high on Sunday, February 16. The Merivale pub will feel like a seamless extension of the massive day with nonstop DJ sets and drag performances scheduled in.
To help sweeten the day, they’ll be $18 Absolut cocktails ($1 from every cocktail goes to ACON & Bobby Goldsmith Foundation) available as soon as doors swing open from 12pm.
Where: 354 Bourke St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
When: Sunday, February 16 from 12pm
Price: Free
10. Drag Trivia
Head along to Taphouse for the beloved pub’s weekly trivia night, themed for two exclusive nights towards the Mardi Gras festival. Kalin Klein plays host as guest’s fight with their brains (or clandestine Googling) for generous bar tabs. The atmosphere is always electric for Mardi Gras so if you’ve got a team going, this is one of the best places to be.
Where: 122 Flinders St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
When: Tuesday February 28 + Tuesday February 25 from 7:30pm
Price: Free
11. Kaftana Pool Party
Get ready to make a big splash at one of several pool parties happening during Sydney Mardi Gras. The Kaftana Pool Party returns to ivy Pool, breezing through a Wednesday night with drag, DJs and divine performers.
Those who love some mid-week Mardi Gras mayhem can get ready for an all-star DJ lineup featuring Jacqui Cunningham, Charlie Villas, Disco Daddies, Betty Bombshell, Aaron Manhattan, Dyan Tai, Tanzer and Tash York.
Where: 320 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000
When: Wednesday, February 19 from 4pm
Price: $59 – $79
12. Drag Bingo
Darlo Bar is always a fun time during Mardi Gras. The cosy corner pub will be bringing back its colourful Darlo Bar’s Drag Bingo nights with host Charisma Belle leading the festive fun. Numerous bar vouchers will be up for grabs and reservations are recommended to avoid disappointment.
Where: 306 Liverpool St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
When: Wednesday, February 19 + Wednesday, February 26 from 7pm
Price: Free
13. Hot Trans Summer
First the first time in Sydney Mardi Gras history, the luxurious Glass Island is coming onboard to host Hot Trans Summer. The on-water party will be celebrating trans and gender-diverse talent tied together by host Andi Climax.
Performers confirmed for the event so far including Miss Katalyna, DJ Gay Dad, Aysah Buffet, Mama De Leche, KING and Bebecito.
Where: Glass Island, Sydney Harbour
When: Thursday, February 20 from 7pm
Price: $49
14. Casa De Colores Mardi Gras Party
The Butler and House of Karma will come together to turn the popular Potts Point restaurant into Casa De Colores for one night only. Touting Mexican canapes and cocktails by Four Pillars, the pop-up is offering a three-hour beverage package set up alongside pop-up glam stations with a roster of DJs and drag queens set to lift the night into a full-blown extravaganza. Head along and you might also win two free nights at the Kamra Hotel in Bali and two VIP tickets for the Mardi Gras parade on Saturday, March 1.
Where: 123 Victoria St, Potts Point NSW 2011
When: Thursday, February 20
Price: $99
15. Laugh Out Proud
Hosted by the one and only Alok, Laugh Out Proud will once again showcase Australia and New Zealand’s funniest queer comedians. This year we’re looking at some big names hitting the stage including Jordan Raskopoulos, Tom Ballad, Yasmin Kassim, Tom Elphick, Tarsh Jago, Chris Parker, Bronwyn Kuss, Alex Ward and more.
Where: Enmore Theatre; 118-132 Enmore Rd, Newtown NSW 2042
When: Friday, February 21
Price: $75
16. Marks Park Sunrise
One of the most important events on the Sydney Mardi Gras calendar has nothing to do with partying and marching through the streets. It’s got everything to do with remembrance and respect, gathering at Marks Park in Tamarama to reflect on the past and present while looking towards the future for the queer community.
The Rise Memorial has been running each year since 2021, organised by the Bronte Surf Club, ACON, Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and Waverley Council as a dedicated to the victims and survivors of homophobic and transphobic violence.
Where: Marks Lane, Tamarama NSW 2026
When: Saturday, February 22
Price: Free
17. Ultra Violent
Darlinghurst’s historic National Art School transforms into a festival of music, performance and empowerment for Ultra Violent. As one of the highlights of the Sydney Mardi Gras calendar, the dynamic former prison will completely transformed into a platform for LGBTQIA+ women and femme excellence, driven by performance rom BKLAVA, WILLO, Ayebatonye, Lisa May, Chase Zera, NYXEN, Rydeen, Charles Villas, GI Jode and Mama De Leche.
Additional performances will keep the day flowing into night with DOWNGIRL, Dizzy Days, Lainey K, Nicole Tania, Faustina Agolley, Lauren Neko and Diva Cups.
Where: 156 Forbes Street, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
When: Saturday, February 22
Price: $89 – $129
18. Mardi Gras Dog Show
There are plenty of cute things planned for Mardi Gras this year, but none have the same oxytocin-boosting brilliance of the beloved Mardi Gras Dog Show. Always a staple for Sydney this time of year, the festive fun brings in Justin Hill from Hayu’s Loud and Proud to host a pooch parade that’ll come with best-dressed competitions and loads of treats for both you and your best buddy.
Where: 354 Bourke St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
When: Sunday, February 23 from 11am
Price: Free
19. Paradiso Pool Party
Hauswife, Krissy Jaman, DJ Leow and DJ Ney are all onboard for ivy’s epic Paradiso Pool Party. Pitched as a the ultimate sun-soaked escape, the relaxed poolside bash is set to bring those chill vibes, electrified by a cheeky performance from Camp Minister.
Where: 320 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000
When: Monday, February 24
Price: $69 – $89
20. Club Gras
Head on over to the ivy on Wednesday, February 26 as Absolut X and Queer Art After Hours trace the roots of queer dance culture with a high-energy club night.
The inaugural event is one of several helping broaden the 2025 Sydney Mardi Gras program, presenting more avenues to party with pride with a sweaty lineup of international and local talent including BASHKKA, CCL, Jennifer Loveless and Fried Pork Chop.
Where: 330 George St, Sydney NSW 2000
When: Wednesday, February 26
Price: $29
21. Queer Art After Hours
The Art Gallery of NSW’s nighttime series, After Hours, will take one some Mardi Gras magic for those who want a mid-week soiree. Installations and performances curated by the likes of Gusta Silky and Ayebatonye Abrakasa will help build up an immersive atmosphere, filled with drag-and-draw classes, mindful meditation and collaging workshops. Plus, you’ll get to wander around the exhibitions free (with pre-registration).
Where: Art Gallery Rd, Sydney NSW 2000
When: Wednesday, February 26 from 5pm
Price: Free
artgallery.nsw.gov.au
22. Blak & Deadly: The First Nation’s Gala Concert
Head on over to the City Recital Hall on the Thursday as an incredible lineup of First Nations artists come together for a celebration of culture, talent and pride.
The legendary Steven Oliver will be on hosting duties as the stage pulls in performances from ARIA-award winner Emily Wurramara, celebrated dancer Daniel Mateo, burlesque sensation Kitty Obsidian. We’ll also get performances from The Huxleys and the Supreme Dream Girls.
Where: 2 Angel Place, Sydney NSW 2000
When: Thursday, February 27
Price: From $109
23. BrewDog Drag Bingo
You’ve got a few chances to catch drag bingo during Mardi Gras this year, including this fabulous one-day-only session over at BrewDog South Eveleigh. The supersized pub and brewery will be packed with colour as the entire venue is turned into one giant bingo game, hosted by drag queens that know exactly how to turn this old-timey competition into a festival unto itself. Plus, you’ll get the pick of the litter when it comes to BrewDog’s many award-winning brews.
Where: Bay 1 Locomotive Workshops South, Eveleigh NSW 2015
When: Thursday, February 27 from 8pm
Price: Free
24. Joji’s Mardi Gras Party
Joji is without question the hottest rooftop bar in Sydney right now with its gorgeous curves sitting atop the Cartier watch boutique in the CBD. It’s become as much a place to party as it is to eat deliciously unique Japanese snacks and sip elegant cocktails well into the night. So it makes that Esca Group would want to jump onboard the occasion with their own bit of Mardi Gras magic.
High-energy music group The Illustrious Blacks will be leading the charge at this one, promising blockbuster entertainment while the bar offers custom margaritas on a bespoke menu curated by Orendain Tequila.
Where: Level 5, 388 George Street, Sydney
When: Friday, February 28
Price: $59pp
25. Sissy Ball
The biggest vogue ball in the Southern Hemisphere is back. Year-on-year this is always one of the best Sydney Mardi Gras events with style icons serving looks all night. This year performers include Seven Angels, Neesha Alexander, Snookie Juicy West and Jamaica Mona. And for the judging panel: US icons Omari and Danielle Gorgeous Gucci, Filpino legend Xyza and both Bhenji Juicy Sle and Xuella.
Where: Sydney Town Hall; 483 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000
When: Friday, February 28 from 6:30pm
Price: $69 – $109
26. Mardi Gras Mic Drop
Get ready for a two-hour comedy set in the eclectic setting of The Winery. Hosted by Jacqui St Hyde, the night will feature comedians Keira Billie and Bettie Blackheart as they square off against Tom Elphic and Chris Demos to see who can get the most laughs. Tickets cost a coffee or two (depends on your local) and include a drink on arrival.
Where: 285A Crown St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
When: Friday, February 28 from 6:30pm
Price: $15
27. Mardi Gras Party
The Hordern Pavilion once again sets the scene for the official Mardi Gras Party, this year headlined by Honey Dijon, Romy (from the XX), DAWS, DJ Paulette, Alex Taylor, and the cast of the Mardi Gras Community Show. That’s over eight hours of good vibes, once again set to make Australia’s longest-running queer dance party one of the year’s biggest blowouts.
The party spills out of the Hordern as well. HAYLA, LELAND, DJ Fat Tony, Cosmo’s Midnight, Amanda Louise and the cast of the First Nations show will take the Forecourt while the nearby Liberty Hall turns up with more underground stylings from Just Her, Baby Ruin, Bria and ballroom favourite Neesha Alexander. Head on over to Watson’s to catch Jawbreakers, Atomic Kiss and DJ Hamo.
Where: 1 Driver Ave, Moore Park NSW 2021
When: Saturday, March 1 from 10pm
Price: From $189
28. Gays’ Gone Fishin’
You knew Vic on the Park would be jumping onboard for Mardi Gras somehow. The Marrickville institution will be giving its massive, multi-faceted pub over to a fishing-themed party so you can catch performances from the likes The Queer Baits, DJ Hot Dog, Jason De Cox and Fishing Dad. Throw in a bunch of games and good times and you’ve got your pre-parade game day sorted.
Where: 2 Addison Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204
When: Saturday, March 1 from 2p
Price: Free
29. Impy Gras: Queerdo Paradiso
Get ready for one of Australia’s most iconic queer venues to once again give their absolute all for the Sydney Mardi Gras 2025. The Imperial Erskineville has been a safe space for the queer community since the 80s, and they take their reputation very seriously. This year, the venue will once again host a night of world-class drag, burlesque and music, from the Main Bar to the Basement with nonstop DJs and drag on both levels.
VIP tickets net you access to an exclusive space so you can watch the parade with bottomless house beers, wines, bubbles and pizza.
Where: 35 Erskineville Rd, Erskineville NSW 2043
When: Saturday, March 1
Price: From $30
30. Mardi Gras Laneway
The big Mardi Gras closing party sits across The Beresford and Hill Street, which has been a sell-out success for the past two years. The street party is the only official Festival closing party in Sydney so it’s always brimming with energy. 2025 will be no difference as Kito and Lady Shaka bang out a soundtrack of house, disco and pop. VIP upgrades are also available, granting access to the exclusive top level of The Beresford with bars DJs all night (plus, you won’t have to wait in an achingly long queue for the bathroom).
Where: 354 Bourke St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
When: Sunday, March 2
Price: $109
Where are the best Sydney Mardi Gras Parade events?
From Oxford Street and Flinders Street to Anzac Parade and Hyde Park, the immediate area around Darlinghurst will once again be the focal point for most of the Mardi Gras events. Pre sale tickets are already flying for most of the parties, so get in quick to avoid any disappointment. All the Mardi Gras after parties typically sell out in the week leading up to Valentine’s Day.
Why you should trust this list?
The Sydney Travel Guide takes a matter-of-fact approach to event round ups and lists such as this list of Sydney’s best Mardi Gras events. We’ve scoured the internet, worked with venue reps and taken a wide-reaching approach to put together what we feel is the most comprehensive scope of Mardi Gras events in Sydney for 2025. None of these inclusions have been paid for and we have listed them in order of date for your convenience. Keep this one in your back pocket throughout Mardi Gras as we’ll be updating this list as we become aware of more events, from Drag Bingo to the satellite parties during the world-famous Mardi Gras parade.
Read More
- Here’s your ultimate guide to planning for the Sydney Mardi Gras Parade
- Are these the best Mardi Gras brunches in Sydney?
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