From the sensational spectacle of the Parade to poignant panel discussions, phenomenal parties and pioneering queer performers; Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras makes a triumphant return in 2020 with a program bigger and bolder than ever before.

The festivities kick off on Friday 14 February 2020 and run until Sunday 1 March 2020, featuring a fabulously diverse program of events including dazzling dance parties, top-tier theatre, music, world-class workshops and family focused fun, culminating with the iconic Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday 29 February, 2020.

The 2020 theme is WHAT MATTERS, a motif which builds on the legacy of Mardi Gras as a platform for activism and encourages the public to examine what we can do to build an even more inclusive future. In the afterglow of the marriage equality debate, it’s a time to amplify the voices of the marginalised and evaluate the battles that still need to be fought on the road toward complete equality for all.

Mardi Gras Arts Interim CEO, Grant Lowe said “This year we celebrate those at the forefront of the fight for equality. From ground-breaking queer artists to trailblazing thought leaders, Mardi Gras 2020 is an opportunity to visit the next destinations on our journey of diversity, inclusion and social justice.”

“With Sydney named as the host city for WorldPride 2023, there has never been a more pertinent time to celebrate LBGTQI+ culture and uplift every shade of the rainbow,” said Lowe.

“We are thrilled to announce the expansion of the Mardi Gras Festival Hub in 2020,” said Mardi Gras Creative Director Kat Dopper. “A hive of activity throughout the Festival, the Festival Hub will showcase 15 eclectic events including incredible local and international queer performances, inspiring discussions, side-splitting comedy, theatre, music, dance, circus, burlesque and drag all under the roof of Sydney’s Seymour Centre, plus the late-night Festival Club from Thursday to Sunday each week.”

Highlights at the Festival Hub include: neo-punk cabaret variety show Fuck Fabulous, the sassy, genre-defying smash-hit Hot Brown Honey, electrifying trans and gender-diverse performance Gender Euphoria, the outrageous drag and burlesque infused YUMMY UNLEASHED, award-winning circus extravaganza You & I from Casus Circus, the return of Koori Gras, thought-provoking workshops and community events from Queer Thinking and a night of quintessential queer bangers from LGBTQI+ artists at Homage.

In addition to this year’s supersized program of events, Australia’s pre-eminent vogue ball Sissy Ball returns, along with iconic Festival classics Fair Day, Parade, Party, and Laneway to deliver a Mardi Gras of monumental proportions.

Eager to sink your teeth into this year’s phenomenal program? Tickets are now available. Dive into the full program of events here.