The city’s most fabulous annual celebration, the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival, has just dropped its massive 2026 program – and there’s a lot to look forward to. Come February, we’ll have an extraordinary celebration of LGBTQIA+ pride, culture, community – and great, big, ridiculous parties to dive into.
‘Ecstatica’ is this year’s theme – evoking a world where joy becomes movement and celebration becomes power.
“Ecstatica is about euphoria as resistance,” says Jesse Matheson, CEO of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. “The idea that our joy is powerful, political and unstoppable. This year’s festival celebrates connection in all its forms: from streets to screens, from protest to party, and from one another to the world. It’s a celebration of who we are, what we’ve built, and the future we’re creating together.”
“Sydney truly comes alive during Mardi Gras,” says Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore AO. “Our city sparkles with diversity, inclusion and love proudly on show. The City of Sydney is proud to support this globally significant celebration that brings our streets and our communities together. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to Oxford Street to celebrate a festival that stands for joy, equality and belonging.”
What is the date of Sydney Mardi Gras in 2026?
The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival returns from February 13 to March 1, 2026. The jewel in the Mardi Gras crown, the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade, will once again take to Oxford Street in spectacular fashion on Saturday, February 28, now in its 48th year. Expect thousands of marchers and floats, as well as accessible viewing areas on Flinders Street – making the Parade a celebration for everyone. Wanna be near the action? At Taylor Square, Glitter Club will offer an ace vantage point to experience the Parade up close.
What can you expect for Sydney Mardi Gras 2026?
The 2026 festival program features more than 80 events across 20 jam-packed, glittery days. There are many highlights, but special mention to the opening Progress Pride Flag Raising at Sydney Town Hall on Friday, February 13. That same evening, Ultra Violet takes over City Recital Hall for an electrifying event by long-time collaborators Sveta Gilerman and Jess Hill.
At the National Art School, the trans and gender-diverse community takes centre stage with Black Cherry – expect a night of heat, heart and artistry.
Kaftana Pool Party returns to the Ivy Pool on Wednesday, February 18, bringing cocktails, kaftans and retro beats. Laugh Out Proud, presented by the Sydney Comedy Festival, fills the Enmore Theatre on Friday, February 20, while Queer Screen’s 33rd Mardi Gras Film Festival runs from February 12-26 across multiple Sydney venues, showcasing outstanding LGBTQIA+ cinema from around the world.
Queer Art After Hours returns to the Art Gallery of New South Wales on February 25, spotlighting diverse queer artists and storytellers. On Saturday, February 28, The Party is coming back bigger than ever – keep an eye out for more details. Plus, everybody’s favourite post-Parade kick-on, Laneway, is back on Sunday, March 1, at The Beresford and Hill Street.
Wanna keep up with all the fun? There’s a brand-new Mardi Gras app – your digital go-to for events, safety tools and queer-owned business discovery. Find out more here.
Is Mardi Gras Fair Day coming back in 2026?
You bet. On Sunday, February 15, the epic outdoor party will take over Victoria Park with hundreds of food, retail and community stalls. Expect a First Nations Circle opening ceremony, the chaos of Drag King Games, the sparkle of the Queer Fashion Runway, plus the Doggywood pooch parade, picnic rugs and Karaoke Cave: Disco Divas – all under the summer sun.
Tickets go on pre-sale to members on Monday, November 3, 2025, at 10am, and on general sale Wednesday, November 5, at 10am – see more here, or check out the new app.
Bring it on!
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