Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras 2025

Mardi Gras Parade

When: 1 March 2025

In 2025, the Mardi Gras Parade returns to Oxford Street, Flinders Street and Anzac Parade, centred around the theme 'Our Future'. As always, the parade will be led by the beloved Dykes on Bikes, First Nations and 78er floats.

The parade is the biggest event of the festival, featuring more than 12,000 marchers and over 200 floats captivating spectators with a spectacular display of colour, creativity and pride. There are free viewing areas all along Oxford Street, as well as premium viewing spaces and accessible viewing ticketed areas to view the spectacle from Hyde Park to Moore Park.

Celebrating the colourful collision of creativity and culture at Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 2023, Sydney

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade 2023, Sydney

More exciting events

There are plenty of other events to enjoy across the city throughout the festival, including performing arts, comedy, films and talks. Key celebrations include:

First Nations First Light: A Festival Welcome

When: 14 February 2025

To commemorate the start of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 2025, head to the shores of Bondi Beach for a Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony and performances to welcome festival-goers onto the unceded and sacred Gadigal, Bidjigal and Birrabirragal Lands.

Fair Day

When: 16 February 2025

Everyone’s favourite festival kick-off returns to Victoria Park on Sunday 16 February. The rainbow extravaganza brings together every corner of the LGBTQIA+ community, plus dapper dogs, DJs, wild dancefloors and more than 200 food, retail and community stalls.

Ultra Violet

When: 22 February 2025

Get ready for the ultimate LGBTQIA+ women’s event as the grounds of the National Art School transform into a velvet-draped techno house party for Ultra Violet. Born in 2023 under the esteemed curation of Sydney legends Sveta Gilerman and Jess Hill, Ultra Violet is entering a new era in 2025 solidifying itself as a pillar of the Sydney Mardi Gras calendar.

Laugh Out Proud

When: 21 February 2025

Take your seats at the queer comedy event of the year. This renowned comedy gala will see award-winning comedians and community favourites take the stage in the heart of Sydney’s Inner West.

Sissy Ball

When: 28 February 2025

The biggest vogue ball in the Southern Hemisphere soars to new heights as vogue families from across the country battle it out under the regency of Sissy Ball’s new curator: Kianna Oricci.

Mardi Gras Party

When: 1 March 2025

Let loose at the biggest overnight LGBTQIA+ party in Australasia, featuring Honey Dijon, Romy (Live) and Hayla. The Mardi Gras Party has been the beating heart of the festival for over 40 years, bringing together more than 10,000 people on the biggest night of Sydney’s party calendar.

Laneway

When: 2 March 2025

The official Mardi Gras closing party sees Hill Street and its resident dance-pub The Beresford transform into an epic street party featuring the best house, disco and pop. This event was born from a few milk crates on Hill Street to become the ultimate way to wrap up your Sydney Mardi Gras celebrations.