An electric energy always fills the city on the night of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade, the colourful climax of our city’s annual LGBTQIA+ pride festival (or “Gay Christmas”, as some of us say). The streets are packed with bodies, everyone is glittering, the outfits are bold and bright, and there’s a spark of possibility in the air, like we might really be able to party our way into a beautiful utopia where people of all walks of life are safe, accepted and embraced.
The 47th Sydney Mardi Gras Parade will take over Oxford Street (in the heart of Sydney’s gay-bourhood) on Saturday, March 1, and shimmy on down to Flinders Street and Anzac Parade. (Gone are the days when the Parade was shifted to a strictly ticketed event at the SCG during the height of the Covid pandemic; it returned to its physical and spiritual home in 2023, right in time for Sydney WorldPride.)
As always, the march will be kicked off by the famous rumble of the Dykes on Bikes, making way for over 11,000 marchers and 200 floats. Around 250,000 spectators are expected to gather to watch the colourful procession, which in 2025 is united under the theme FREE TO BE – because, “we’re not free until we’re all free to be”.
Nowadays, this nationally televised event is officially one of the most popular carnivals in the entire world. But it all began as a protest in 1978, and we should never forget its radical roots (especially in today's political climate, as the rights of transgender people are threatened on home soil).
Now, having a good time on Parade night does require some planning. Traditionally, punters start packing out Oxford Street during the day, so it is best to claim a spot early. (It is also tradition to grab a milk crate to stand on, especially if you’re vertically challenged.)
It has always been free to gather on the street, however the Sydney Mardi Gras organisation also recently introduced three options for exclusive ticketed Parade Viewing Areas with their own hosts, DJs and premium views. (Remaining tickets start from $59-$149+bf; you can find info and book over here.) People with accessibility requirements can also apply for the free Accessible Parade Viewing Area (register here).
In our experience, the best way to enjoy the Parade is to be part of it, so if you can find yourself a float to join, get amongst it! (You don’t have to be queer, allies are welcome and encouraged! Dickheads can bugger off, though – any homophobia and transphobia is not the vibe.)
If you can't make it in person (or a house party is more your vibe) the ABC will be broadcasting the parade live around the nation. Also, the magic of the night isn’t just restricted to Oxford Street – there will be tons of venues around the city getting into the rainbow spirit, as well as celebrations hosted by Sydney's fave queer party collectives. The official celebrations will also continue at Mardi Gras’ official parade after-party, which is taking over Hordern Pavilion and the Entertainment Quarter.
Hot tip: travelling around the city on Parade night can be a bit difficult, and phone batteries may give out just as you’re trying to link up with your mates. Oxford and Flinders Streets will close to traffic in the afternoon, ahead of the main event from 6pm-11pm. Allow yourself plenty of time to get around – and for goodness sake, make sure your glitter is biodegradable!
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