Sydney Mardi Gras

Enjoy a rainbow wonderland at Sydney’s sensational spectacle!

Mardi Gras in Sydney is no ordinary carnival! Regarded as the biggest event on the calendar for the LGBTQ Sydney community. The city transforms into a riot of colour, with outrageous costumes, incredible music, and mesmerising flocks of people! Listed one of the world’s largest LGBTQ pride festivals in not just Australia, but the world. This year the festival kicks off on Friday the 14th of February and runs until the Sunday 1st of March, giving you plenty of time to join in on the fun!

History of the Sydney Mardi Gras

Sydney’s Mardi Gras started way back in 1978 when a group of protestors formed together to celebrate the International Gay Celebrations. Unfortunately, this resulted in police violence and arrests, but it created a defining night for the pride community, leading to a number of protests to follow in the months after. Eventually, in 1979, the Parliament of New South Wales repealed the NSW Summary Offences Act legislation that had allowed the arrests to be made, which made Sydney’s very first Mardi Gras a major civil rights milestone for Australia. After this, the parade began a yearly sensation, with post-parade parties, media coverage, and performances. In the late 1990s, the Mardi Gras continued to grow and became an internationally visited event, becoming a complete festival welcoming both the LGBTQI and mainstream communities!

What you can see here?

• The Parade

  The parade offers up a colourful collision of creativity and culture! As 200 exciting groups and floats slowly march down Sydney’s Oxford Street. It is sure to dazzle and delight you, with glitzed up costumes, entertaining performances, and plenty of glamour. So, head to Oxford Street or Flinders Street early to get a good viewing place on the 29th of February at 6 pm and experience this creative playground under the stars!

• Film Festival

  It has almost been 30 years since Queer Screen and Mardi Gras have joined together to form this epic experience during this festival of fun. There are plenty of queer films available during the festivities, with popular movies such as ‘Tell it to the Bees,’ ‘Spiral’, and ‘Lizzie’, with even a couple playing multiple times throughout the couple weeks. Folk can buy combo tickets, for either just the film, the film and party, or Flexi passes for the entire festival, making it easier for any kind of guest!

• Family Fun Day

  Sydney’s Luna Park is transformed for the Mardi Gras, offering a rainbow wonderland for the entire family! For the third consecutive year, Mardi Gras transforms Sydney’s world-famous Luna Park into a rainbow wonderland for LGBTQI+ families and friends. Boasting unlimited rides, fun DJs, and several epic performances. All ages are welcome for this experience, with plenty of family-fun activities on offer!

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