Internationally renowned as a queer capital, cosmopolitan Sydney promises you a warm welcome, whatever your orientation or gender identity. Every March, Sydney celebrates LGBTQIA+ communities at Mardi Gras, but the city bursts with pride year-round beyond Oxford Street. Explore Darlinghurst, Enmore and Erskineville, home to many of the city’s wide range of queer venues and cultural hubs.

You’ll find LGBTQIA+ communities across Sydney, including in:

• Darlinghurst, including Oxford St
• Enmore
• Erskineville
• Redfern

Sydney’s beaches welcome all. LGBTQIA+ communities often meet at: 

• Redleaf Beach 
• Lady Bay Beach 
• Cobblers Beach
• North Bondi Beach 

This year's Lunar New Year falls on 17 February, with Sydney hosting a number of exciting events from 14 February – 1 March.

2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse. The horse is the seventh character in the Chinese zodiac, which is a symbol of confidence, ambition and strength in Chinese culture. The Fire Horse, which only occurs once every 60 years, symbolises passion, vitality and brightness.

One of Sydney’s most popular Lunar New Year celebrations is the Sydney Lunar Festival, held in the CBD. The festival features lion dancing, cultural performances, pop-up markets, lunar lanterns, a stunning fire horse installation and plenty of delicious food across a 16-day celebration running 14 February to 1 March. Other large celebrations will be held in Burwood, Cabramatta, Chatswood, Eastwood and Hurstville.

The Lunar New Year celebrations in Sydney are said to be one of the biggest outside Asia. Enjoy free events and festivals in Sydney’s Chinatown, Darling Harbour, Burwood, Cabramatta, Chatswood, Eastwood and Hurstville.