Mardi Gras Parade
Special events

Colourful, outrageous and inspiring, Sydney Mardi Gras Parade is an unmissable night-time demonstration of LGBTQI pride and you are invited to be a part of it.

This is a free event.

  • When

    3 March

    7.45pm-10pm

  • Where

    Oxford and Flinders Streets
    Taylor Square,
    Darlinghurst, New South Wales

    View map

    Wheel Chair Access

  • Cost

    Free

In 1978 it started as a celebration that was met with police batons and prosecutions. More than three decades later, it has evolved into a riot of vibrant energy, outrageous floats, lavish costumes, stunning designs and wild dancing. 

Join us on March 3rd, from 7.45pm for one of Sydney’s most loved celebrations. As more than 9000 people make their way down Oxford and Flinders Streets in a rainbow extravaganza of LGBTQI pride, hundreds of thousands of spectactors line the Darlinghurst streets to watch the glittering procession of exotic costumes and political slogans. 

Grab a spot on the sidelines or watch the parade from the balcony of an Oxford St bar. Cheer as Dykes on Bikes rev their engines at the front of the parade. Copy the dance moves of the Asian marching boys. See gay and lesbian police officers march alongside student pride groups, and Jewish and Arabic gays and lesbians. Mix with queer lifesavers from Bondi Beach!

Need information about getting to the Parade and the best spots to watch? Click here for information about the Parade route.

Want to be in the thick of things by volunteering on the night? There are plenty of fun roles to choose from and you'll be rewarded for your time. Click here for information about Volunteering.


Don't want to battle the crowds? We've got TWO amazing options for premium Parade Viewing.

This year, the Mardi Gras Parade viewing area will be transformed into a fresh, funky and wonderfully kitsch holiday caravan park known as Club Tropicana. For the first time ever, there will be a raised viewing platform on Taylor Square forecourt to take advantage of Parade route’s most desired vantage point. This will ensure sweeping views of all the action of the Parade making it an unforgettable experience. 

In the Mardi Gras Parade viewing area, everyone will feel like one of the glitterati. Guests can rub shoulders with VIP’s and dance to tunes from our fantastic DJ’s while being awed by this once-in-a-lifetime Parade viewing experience and relax away from the crowds. 

The easy access to bars and food purchase as well as toilet facilities help ensure you have everything you need and won’t have to leave the unique experience of Club Tropicana. This super-sized take on the traditional Parade viewing area is a tropical party oasis and the coolest way to take in all the spectacle, glitz and glamour of Sydney Mardi Gras Parade 2012.  

Click here to buy tickets and get all your Club Tropicana information.


If you want to watch the world famous Parade in unprecedented style and comfort, GLAMSTAND is for you.

Party the parade away in a beautiful setting, complete with fine foods, glamorous bars and all the amenities you need for a fun and comfortable experience.

Glamstand is so much more than just Parade. Australia's first lady of house, the internationally celebrated Kate Monroe, is your host and DJ. Kate leads a fantastic pre-Parade entertainment line-up exclusive to Glamstand.

Located in leafy Centennial Parklands, on the corner of Moore Park Road and Anzac Parade, Glamstand is simply the most fabulous way to enjoy Sydney Mardi Gras Parade.

Click here to buy tickets and get all your GLAMSTAND information.

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