Is Mardi Gras giving you choice paralysis? We can help
So much to do and so little time. Mardi Gras can be very overwhelming, so we’ve selected a range of events that are diverse, a mix of free and paid, and include family-friendly and adult-only to give you a good cross-section of highlights.
Queer Contemporary
Wed, Feb 12
Following its impressive Sydney Mardi Gras program in 2024, National Art School is proud to announce the return of Queer Contemporary, an exciting visual arts program celebrating the resilience and creativity of the LGBTQI+ community. The National Art School is located in the beautiful heritage-listed sandstone building that was once Darlinghurst Gaol, and is one of Australia’s oldest and most respected art institutes.
Progress Pride Flag Raising
Fri, Feb 14
Come and share a special love this Valentine’s Day. Stand with the community and watch as the Progress Pride Flag climbs the flag pole atop the iconic Sydney Town Hall. This traditional ceremony signals the beginning of the Mardi Gras festival.
Darlo Big Drag Brunch
Sat, Feb 15
Bubbles for breakfast? Wine not?! Come to any one of a selected range of venues in Darlinghurst on any weekend during the Mardi Gras festival and enjoy a hearty bottomless brunch with boisterous entertainment on the side. Hosted by local drag legends, Darlo Big Drag Brunch has become a firm favourite of the Mardi Gras program. Dozens of bars, cafes and restaurants to choose from; enjoy a rooftop view or sunny courtyard; sip a mimosa and join in the lively sing-along.

Fair Day
Sat, Feb 16
Fair Day is like a mini Mardi Gras festival in itself. A magical, colourful, family-and-fur-baby-friendly all-day carnival that is one of the most beloved events in the entire Sydney LGBTQI+ calendar. It was sadly cancelled last year (bloody asbestos!) so there’s a lot of excitement about its return this year. Held in Victoria Park, the event features over 200 stalls including retail, food, and booths for various community organisations. There are bars, chill-out areas and dancefloors, the ever popular Doggywood show arena, kid’s rides, and much more. Plus a huge centre stage where the stars come out until the stars come out.
Hot Trans Summer
Thurs, Feb 20
What’s hotter than a glass-walled floating venue playing fruity tunes while gliding across the harbour? Nothing! Get naughty-cal aboard the spectacular Glass Island cruising vessel, with out-door lounging area and rooftop dance-floor. Featuring an all trans and gender diverse line up, curated by and for the trans and gender diverse community
Laugh Out Proud
Fri, Feb 21
This consistently sold-out event has launched the career of many a comic artist. Come and enjoy smart, sassy humour at nobody’s expense. Featuring award-winning comedians and future stars. Take time out from the overly serious real world and have a few soul-nourishing laughs.

Family Zone at OxtravaganzaSat, Feb 22
Just one block away from Oxford Street, we have created a space where you can come and chill out with the family. There is shade, grass and plenty of space for the kids to enjoy. With a whole day of family fun, two Drag Storytime sessions in between face painting, art activities, balloons, colouring-in games and goodie bags for the kids. There’s fun and games all day from 10am.
Ultra Violet
Sat, Feb 22
After two sensational seasons, Ultra Violet has become the hottest ticket among LGBTQIA+ women’s parties. Created in 2023 by Sydney DJ legends Sveta Gilerman and Jess Hill, this day to night event is spread across four stages and features international, interstate and local DJs, bands and performers. Indoor and outdoor venues within the historical walls of National Art School. Sweat it out to house, dance, pop, punk and funk.

Paradiso Pool Party
Mon, Feb 24
Strip off and jump in. It’s the party with a Love Boat aesthetic. Cocktails by the pool, lots of fun games, great music, cheeky outfits and deliciously cool water for when things get too hot. Ivy Pool becomes a queer oasis for one day-into-night gloriously entertaining event. DJs, drag queens, performers and more.

Sissy Ball
Fri, Feb 28
It’s the biggest vogue ball in the southern hemisphere and, girl, you do not want to miss it. Now being presided over by Kianna Edisane “Oricci”, the Australian mother of the International House of Nina Oricci and the trailblazing mother of the Naarm Kiki Scene, Sissy Ball attracts vogue families from houses across the country. This is one electric, thrilling, head-spinning night of hands and duck-walking that is guaranteed to sell out.
Mardi Gras Party
Sat, March 1
Set yourself free at the biggest overnight LGBTQIA+ party in Australasia. The Mardi Gras Party has been the beating heart of the Festival for over 40 years. International, interstate and local artists, DJs and performers will keep you going for 8 hours, headlined by international icon Honey Dijon and Romy.
Mardi Gras Parade
Sat, March 1
The 47th annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade will take over Oxford Street, Flinders Street and Anzac Parade on Saturday 1 March 2025. Set your true self free as the Mardi Gras magic makes its way down the heritage-listed Parade route for one of the largest LGBTQIA+ night time parades in the world.
Laneway
Sun, March 2
The street party to send off the Festival returns in 2025 featuring Kito and Lady Shaka, taking over The Beresford and Hill Street on Sunday 2 March. As the only official Festival closing party, Laneway was born from a few milk crates on Hill Street to become the ultimate way to wrap up your Sydney Mardi Gras celebrations.
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