Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras

Australia’s largest celebration of its diverse LGBTQI communities, the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras brings a burst of colour and creativity to the city each year. Above all, it’s a festival about love, so it’s the perfect opportunity to show your love for Sydney and NSW.

In 2020, Mardi Gras runs from 14 February to 1 March and the theme is What Matters. It encourages you to share what is important, create community and fight for the issues that matter. The program boasts international artists such as Sam Smith, dazzling dance parties, mind-bending workshops and immersive theatre.

Mardi Gras Parade

The festival culminates in the spectacular Mardi Gras Parade on 29 February. This iconic procession down Oxford Street has 200 groups and floats with glittering costumes, fabulous drag queens, animated performances and pumping music. Up to 300,000 people line the street to watch the show.

Mardi Gras events

There are plenty of other events to enjoy across the city. There will be live music, food and special offers along Oxford Street for OXTRAVAGANZA on 22 and 23 February. Kids will enjoy the Family Fun Day at Luna Park on 23 February. Soak up the sunshine and DJ tunes at the Pool Party at Ivy Pool Club on 24 February.

Queer Art After Hours turns the Art Gallery of NSW into a creative wonderland on 26 February. If you like cabaret, laugh, dance and cry along to the extraordinary and empowering Hot Brown Honey from 25-28 February, or catch the legendary Yummy ensemble in their latest show, Yummy Unleashed, from 26-28 February.

Queer Screen’s 27th Mardi Gras Film Festival runs until 27 February in multiple cinemas across Sydney. Until 29 February, immerse yourself in the pioneering style of Aussie designers Jenny Kee and Linda Jackson at the Powerhouse Museum. You’ll even see how they made their Mardi Gras float.