In this constantly changing environment and with recent updates to restrictions on gatherings and dancefloors, it has become clear that we will be unable to stage a range of events you might typically see during the Mardi Gras Festival.

Therefore, we are saddened to announce that this Mardi Gras season we’ve had to make the difficult decision to not proceed with the following events: The Party, Laneway, Pool Party, Kaftan Party, Sissy Ball, Family Fun Day and Queer Art After Hours.   

While we had looked towards the New Year with hope that we could stage these events in a safe format, the reality is that hosting any dance party events would pose too much risk to the health and safety of our community if they were to go ahead. We had workshopped many different event plans to find a way to make these events work, but with the current health orders we felt it best to hit the pause button for this year and bring them back when we know it’s safe to do so.  

Events taking place in the Mardi Gras Festival this year include our comedy gala Laugh Out Proud as well as Queer Thinking, My Trans Story and My Drag Story where incredible speakers across the LGBTQI+ community will discuss, share and debate a range of topics.

And of course, our spectacular 43^rd Annual Parade will be taking place on Saturday 6 March and televised live across the country on SBS. We encourage you to gather your friends, hold your own covid-safe celebrations at home and tune into the broadcast.

In wanting to provide greater opportunities for our communities to come together all year round, we’re also working on plans to hold events later in the year. It’s all hush hush right now but stay tuned in the coming months for the announcement!

When it’s safe to do so we will come together again to dance and to party – we will rise.