Get us in your inbox

Search
People celebrating at the Sydney Mardi Gras Parade
Photograph: Sydney Mardi Gras/Jeffrey Feng

Sydney Mardi Gras is back with a beautiful program

Here's our rundown of the best Mardi Gras events happening around Sydney in 2024

Alannah Le Cross
Written by
Time Out editors
&
Alannah Le Cross
Advertising

The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival is back, baby. If you're anything like me, you still feel like you're recovering from the sparkly marathon of Sydney WorldPride in 2023. But it's true, the most colourful time on our city's calendar is back on our doorsteps! This year’s festival runs from February 16 to March 3.

In 2024, Sydney is keeping it in the family, with a bunch of community-centric events and venue takeovers sprinkled around town, in addition to the annual parade and the other landmark events that celebrate the resilience of LGBTQIA+ communities every year. Unfortunately, Fair Day had to be cancelled this year, but there's still loads to get around. Find your bearings with our evolving guide to the 'Gras.

On the party front, staples like Paradiso Pool PartyKaftana Pool Party, and Sissy Ball, as well as comedy showcase Laugh Out Proud and Queer Art After Hours at the Art Gallery of NSW are all back. The grand Bondi Beach Party will let loose by the sea again after a successful introduction at Sydney WorldPride with 15,000 revellers. Women-loving-women and their allies won’t want to miss the explosive comeback of Ultra Violet as a day-to-night party tailored for LGBTQIA+ women, set within the artistic walls of the National Art School.

Meanwhile, brand new event Hot Trans Summer is set to be a celebration dedicated to the trans and gender diverse communities, boasting an all-trans takeover of floating luxury venue Glass Island. Along with all the glittery parties, you can also revel in insightful talks and ideas, with the Queer Futures program featuring conversations ranging from sport to the arts, to politics and education. Tickets and further info for all events can be found at mardigras.org.au.

If you're coming from out of town, make sure to book yourself into one of the best hotels in Sydney. Need to have an ocean dip and even out that tan in between parties? Check out the best gay beaches in Sydney

RECOMMENDED: Sydney drag icon Hannah Conda spilled her Mardi Gras tips to us

Mardi Gras Program Highlights

  • Theatre
  • Musicals
  • Darling Harbour

The poptastic international smash hit musical & Juliet finally lands in Sydney this February, and to celebrate, a special Sydney Mardi Gras performance will be hosted on Friday, March 1. 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.

Find the most LGBTQIA+ friendly places in Sydney

Advertising

Make a splash

Recommended
    You may also like
    You may also like
    Advertising