The Ultimate Marathon
Sydney Mardi Gras only comes but once a year so if you’re in the mood to go all the way we have just the schedule to keep you going non-stop!
Ease into the festival with our award-winning Fair Day program at Victoria Park and explore Queer vendors, live music and more while sipping on a Pinot Grigio in the sun.
Next, it’s no Sydney Mardi Gras without a pool party, so take your pick at Paradiso or Kaftana both at the renowned ivy Pool Bar, or, why not choose both? You deserve it!
Feeling nautical? We’ve checked the forecast and are happy to declare 2025 a HOT TRANS SUMMER! Luxury venue Glass Island will set sail with an all trans and gender diverse line up, curated by and for the trans and gender diverse community.
Keep the party going at the ultimate LGBTQIA+ women’s event, Ultra Violet! Spread across four stages, the day-to-night party will feature international, interstate and local DJs, bands and performers.
You of course HAVE to experience the official Mardi Gras Parade and why not do it in style at one of our many Official Viewing Areas, it’s the perfect pre-drinks before heading to Mardi Gras Party.
Thought we were done? No, this is the ultimate marathon, remember? Kick-ons are sorted at The Beresford for Laneway, as the perfect end to the epicness that was your 2025 Mardi Gras ultimate marathon.
GET YOUR TIXWeekend Warriors
Working 9-5? You don’t need to miss out! We have carefully curated the best events to keep you weekend warriors entertained.
WEEKEND ONE: 15-16 February
Kick off your Sydney Mardi Gras experience with Fair Day at Victoria Park. Bringing all pockets of the queer community together, Fair Day is a truly special experience. With market stalls, food trucks, drinks, live performances and dancing, it’s easy to see why it took out the award for Best Live Event in NSW, 2023.
WEEKEND TWO: 21-23 February
Kick off weekend two with Laugh Out Proud, queer comedy’s night-of-nights. With international and local acts, you’re guaranteed a LOL. On Saturday, head to Ultra Violet – the ultimate LGBTQIA+ women’s event that takes over the grounds of the National Art School across four stages.
WEEKEND THREE: 1-2 March
No matter how you choose to celebrate, the annual Parade is not to be missed. Oxford St transforms into a moving tapestry of stories, celebrating queer joy. Keep the party going by joining us at Mardi Gras Party, Australasia’s biggest queer dance party. Sunday kick ons are at Laneway, the official closing party.
GET YOUR TIXFam Friendly
Sydney Mardi Gras has much more to offer beyond parties, we’ve picked the best fam friendly events for your kiddos to enjoy.
Join us at First Nations First Light: A Festival Welcome for a Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony and performances to welcome festival-goers onto the unceded and sacred Gadigal, Bidjigal and Birrabirragal Lands.
Ask anyone and they will tell you that Fair Day is not to be missed! Featuring the Drag King Games, Doggywood pageant, a karaoke rave, Trans Summer Camp and much more – it’s an event for everyone.
Anyone from the ages of 12-19 won’t want to miss the Minus18 Queer Formal, this alcohol-free event, led by qualified, Queer leaders to ensure a safe and supportive environment.
Family Zone at Oxtravaganza is a whole day of family fun, two Drag Storytime sessions, face painting, art activities, balloons, colouring-in games and goodie bags for the kids.
Our 2025 Festival will also include face-to-face cultural experiences, including a Living History Walk or intimate exploration through Taronga Zoo with a Zoo Walk, presented by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.
Sideshow is our top pick for families to enjoy the Parade and boasts food trucks, and plenty of space for the little ones to run wild.
GET YOUR TIXFierce & Free
Experience the biggest events of the Festival without dropping a dime on tickets. Here’s your guide to all the free events the 2025 Festival has to offer.
First Nations First Light: A Festival Welcome will have you experience the sun peaking over the horizon on the first day of the Festival, with welcome to countries by elders of the land you stand on.
Fair Day is back to regular rainbow programming in 2025, get ready for non-stop free live entertainment, and with over 300 vendors, stalls and performances, we’re confident that you will be entertained all day, for free!
Explore Australian LGBTQIA+ culture as Queer Art After Hours turns the Art Gallery of New South Wales into the epicenter of queer artistry. Fellow community members will be bringing you a kaleidoscope of expression throughout the evening.
Our Mardi Gras+ program offers an range of free community events with everything from parties to art showcases, and community gatherings.
The iconic annual Parade is not to be missed and is truly the most immersive event that the season has to offer. Choose to stand with the roaring crowd on Oxford Street or enjoy the free ABC live-stream from the comfort of your home.
Culture Kid
Explore the cultural and educational side to Sydney Mardi Gras with a range of events designed to make you think, feel and appreciate.
First Nations First Light: A Festival Welcome will have you experience the sun peaking over the horizon on the first day of the festival, with simultaneous welcome to countries by elders of the land you stand on.
Experience a night that is both hilarious and intellectual with Laugh Out Proud. The comedy classic is back with a lineup of hilarious Queer comedians to tickle your funny bone.
It’s B(l)ak! Curated and made by and made for First Nations people, Blak & Deadly: The First Nations Gala Concert makes its return for the first time since its inception at Sydney WorldPride. You won’t want to miss this showcase of the very best in local art, music, comedy and performance.
If you haven’t experienced the legendary Sissy Ball, Australasia’s biggest vogue ball, this is THE year you need to. Our beloved vogue ball is going mainstream as vogue families form across the country battle it out at the first of it’s kind event Down Under and under the Ball’s new curator: Kianna Oricci.
GET YOUR TIXExplore Sydney Mardi Gras Events
