COMMUNITY AND CULTURE
C’mon culture! Ready to dive into the wondrous world of queer culture?
Here’s your top 2024 Festival events to catch for your culture and community fix.
DARLO BIG DRAG BRUNCH
What’s a Bottomless Brunch without a Drag performance or two? or 20!
On Saturday 24 February 11am onwards Darlo comes alive with the popping of corks as we host drag brunches across our beloved ‘hood. Look out for many of Sydney’s drag royalty who will be hosting events, performing sets and dropping into venues for some frivolity, fun and photo opps!
Participating venues include:
- Bar Nina
- Bei
- Beast & Co
- Beresford
- East Village Hotel
- Fortuna
- Gino’s Kitchen
- Harry’s by Giuls
- Kitanda Bevs and Bites
- Lil’ Miss Piggy
- Lumiere Cafe
- Rusty Rabbit
- The Riley
- Tongue Thai’d Eatery
- Taphouse
- The Winery
QUEER SCREEN’S 31ST MARDI GRAS FILM FESTIVAL
Queer Screen 31st Mardi Gras Film Festival will offer a rich tapestry of films that authentically represent the diverse spectrum of the LGBTQIA+ experience. From heartwarming romances to side-splitting comedies, insightful documentaries to gripping dramas, this festival promises an extraordinary cinematic journey.
In 2024, the festival will showcase a treasure trove of Australian and Sydney premieres, bringing together stories from across the globe. One of the most anticipated highlights is the adaptation of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, a poignant portrayal of the transformative journey of two Mexican American teenagers against the vibrant backdrop of the 1980s.
Megan Stalter, the comedy sensation known for her scene-stealing performances, takes the spotlight in Cora Bora, a riotous exploration of the life of a struggling musician.
All the Colours of the World Are Between Black and White, winner of the Teddy Award at Berlinale, tells a modern-day Nigerian story of profound affection between two men, while Monica stars transgender actress Trace Lysette alongside Patricia Clarkson, unravelling the delicate tale of a fractured family.
Polarized, directed by Shamim Sarif, the much loved creator of I Can’t Think Straight and The World Unseen, explores familial and cultural expectations when two women cross paths in a rural Canadian town.
Mutt follows Feña’s rollercoaster journey through a whirlwind of emotions when people who had seemingly vanished from his life reappear after his transition.
The complete festival program will be unveiled on January 10th.
For exclusive presale access, discounted tickets, and priority queuing, become a Queer Screen member.
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OXTRAVAGANZA
It’s time for Oxtravaganza! A two week celebration of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras in the bars, restaurants, galleries and retail stores across the home of the Parade – Darlinghurst. Oxtravaganza is our very own fringe-festival and it’s jam-packed with performances every night of the week from Drag Shows to Cabaret; Book Readings to sweaty Disco Nights. Art Exhibitions, Nude Drawing Classes, Design Markets and more.
Saturday 24 February is Darlo will be waking to the sound of popping corks as the Darlo Big Drag Brunch kicks off. Just off Oxford St is our dedicated Family Zone with a mix of indoor and outdoor activities including drag story time, face painting and art making. That’s not all, on Saturday 24 February local retailers invite you to Shop till You Drop, with in-store offers and performances. Darlo’s not just all about Oxford St – the areas around have plenty going on as well – with cute neighbourhoods waiting to be explored.
DIAMOND DANCE
To celebrate 60 years of Pollys Club, Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, Pollys Club and Dykes on Bikes are joining forces for Diamond Dance.
Taking over the iconic Paddington Town Hall, an instrumental venue in the history of the Festival, Diamond Dance will take you on a journey through time as all the classics from the 80s, 90s and early 00s brings together people of all ages, across the LGBTQIA+ communities to dance, dazzle and meet new friends.
Diamond Dance will also feature special performances from Pollys Club and Dykes on Bikes along with some wholesome classics, including a Best Dressed competition, raffle and a lucky door prize.
18+ Strobe Haze
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SISSY BALL
Our future is fierce
The regal and the ravenous will run wild at Sydney Town Hall for the biggest vogue ball in the Southern Hemisphere: Sissy Ball. Godmother of Australian ballroom Kilia continues her reign as Curator to as houses from across the country battle it out for their 10s.
Vogue families born out of safety and necessity find their home on stage as thousands chant their calls for a night of drama, karma and sensation. Born to bridge a bond with houses in Aotearoa, Legendary Mother of Australian Ballroom Benji Ra brought Sissy Ball to the scene in 2018 and is now recognised as a global stage for the excellence, embodiment and fantasy of the ballroom scene down under.
Buy ticketsCOMEDY & THEATRE
Take your seats! This is your guide to the best theatre and comedy events part of the 2024 Festival.
LAUGH OUT PROUD
Our future is for laughter
Off the back of four sold-out years, Laugh Out Proud is back at the Enmore Theatre in the heart of Sydney’s Inner West.
From start to skit this is a night of guaranteed laughs so don’t dilly dally on tickets to queer comedy’s night of nights where you’ll hear from some of the community’s favourite names in comedy, and meet some of our latest friends.
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& JULIET MARDI GRAS PERFORMANCE
In partnership with Michael Cassel Group in association with MTM/LeyLine and Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, the international smash hit musical & JULIET will host a special Sydney Mardi Gras performance on Friday 1 March 2024. First access will be available to Sydney Mardi Gras members, with tickets exclusively sold through Sydney Mardi Gras and available to the general public from Monday 20 November 2023.
In an evening to empower and celebrate the queer community, witness the inspiring and poignant new musical followed by an exclusive post-show Q&A. Hear from the Australian production’s cast and creative team as they discuss the LGBTQIA+ presence throughout the show and how they bring their own identities to the stage. With exclusive activations throughout the Sydney Lyric Theatre, this will be an electric evening you won’t want to miss.
Starring Lorinda May Merrypor, Rob Mills, Casey Donovan and Amy Lehpamer; Shakespeare gets remixed with some of the world’s most loved and glittering pop anthems of all time!
This ultimate feel-good musical is packed with smash hits from queer icons Britney Spears, Celine Dion, Katy Perry and Kelly Clarkson to name a few.
Sydney, do not miss “empowerment at its most joyful” (Variety) in this unmissable special Sydney Mardi Gras performance.
As part of & JULIET’s commitment to respect, equity, inclusion and belonging for all, a donation to Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras will be made on behalf of the production to further community outreach initiatives.
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