Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras

As 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. In 2022, the Mardi Gras will run from 18 February to 6 March. Above all, it’s a festival about equality, love, and diversity; so, it’s the perfect opportunity to show your love for Sydney and NSW.

Mardi Gras Parade

In 2022, the Mardi Gras parade will be hosted again at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Moore Park on Saturday, 5 March from 6pm. Uniting over 6,500 marchers across 160 and more glittering floats, the star-studded line-up of special guests is not something you’re going to want to miss!   

Tickets can be purchased to watch the parade in all its glory. The Mardi Gras parade can also be viewed from the comfort of your home on ABC iview, and ABC’s main channel.

The theme this year will be ‘united we shine’ which signifies that if people stand together, we shine brighter and represents the fight for equality within trans and gender diverse communities.

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade

Mardi Gras events

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

The Queer Screen Mardi Gras Film Festival will be taking place between 17 February and 3 March in 2022. There will also be films available watching across cinemas or for online streaming at home. See what’s on here.

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras events

Other key events include:

• Fair Day: Sunday, 20 February, 10am to 9pm (free)

Join the funfair at Fair Day held at Victoria Park. This day brings festival vibes with themed spaces, stalls, dance, music, food and fun for everyone.

• Kaftana Pool Party: Wednesday, 23 February, 4pm to 11pm (ticketed) 

Dust off your chunky costume jewellery and join Kaftana Pool Party at the iconic ivy pool bar and listen to a smorgasbord of special guests, DJs and live performances.

• Laugh Out Proud: Friday, 25 February, 7:30pm to 9.15pm (ticketed) 

Shining bright from Enmore Theatre, the one-night-only showcase will bring you a melting pot of fan favourites, funny faithfuls, and rising stars of the Australian queer comedy scene.

• Sissy Ball: Saturday, 26 February, 6pm to 11pm (ticketed) 

Join the illustrious world of queer ball culture. Held at the opulent Sydney Town Hall, this ballroom will showcase music, DJs and phenomenal performing artists.

• Paradiso Pool Party: Monday, 28 February, 2pm to 11pm (ticketed) 

This pool party held in the heart of the city at ivy pool bar will get your heart pumping. With two featured dance spaces, a scorching DJ line-up plus Ibiza-style vocals and performances, this is one hot wrap up to summer you won’t want to miss.

• Queer Art After Hours: Wednesday, 2 March, 5pm (free) 

Held at the Art Gallery of NSW, sip on champagne while you witness the wonders of colourful artistry of innovative performance art, installations, collection stories, music and gallery tours.

• Parade: Saturday, 5 March, 6pm (ticketed) 

The annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade will be held at Sydney Cricket Ground, showcasing over 6,500 marchers and 160 and more glittering floats with a star-studded line up of special guests. Watch the 78ers, Dykes on Bikes, First Nations and more come together for a spectacular Mardi Gras’ night-of-nights.

• Laneway: Sunday, 6 March, 2pm to 11pm (ticketed) 

This street festival has a line-up of stellar performers and multiple dancefloors to get you in the groove to party and have fun in the laneways of Sydney.

For a comprehensive list of all events, visit the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 2022 Festival Program.

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade