The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is Australia's largest LGBTQIA+ celebration. Running from 13 February to 3 March 2026, this annual festival includes more than 100 community events, dance parties, and theatre and music performances.

The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras runs from 13 February to 3 March 2026.

Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras 2026

Q: What are the best events of Mardi Gras?

With over 100 events, Mardi Gras has a diverse program. In 2026, popular events include: the Mardi Gras Parade Fair Day Mardi Gras Debate Ultra Violet dance party Laugh Out Proud Queer Art After Hours Mardi Gala Ball Laneway

Q: When is the Mardi Gras Parade?

The Mardi Gras Parade will take place on 28 February 2026. Join hundreds of thousands of people from Hyde Park to Moore Park as over 200 floats and 12,000 marchers bring the Mardi Gras Parade to life.

Q: Is it free to attend the Mardi Gras Parade?

There are lots of free viewing areas all along Oxford Street to view the parade from, as well as premium viewing spaces and accessible viewing ticketed areas to view the spectacle from Hyde Park to Moore Park.

Mardi Gras Parade

When: 28 February 2026

In 2026, the Mardi Gras Parade returns to Oxford Street, Flinders Street and Moore Park Parade, centred around the theme ‘ECSTATICA’. 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 Glitter Club, a premium viewing space with live entertainment, private amenities, food and drink, and free accessible viewing ticketed areas.

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:

Mardi Gras Film Festival

When: 12-26 February 2026

Be inspired by outstanding LGBTQIA+ cinema from around the world as the 33rd Mardi Gras Film Festival lights up screens across Sydney. Alongside film premieres, audiences can enjoy panel discussions and networking events.

Progress Pride Flag Raising

When: 13 February 2026

The countdown’s over – the Festival begins with one beautiful, powerful moment as the Progress Pride Flag rises high above Sydney Town Hall. Join us in the heart of the city as community leaders, allies and chosen family come together to mark the start of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 2026. Feel the cheer, the colour and the collective heartbeat of a community that’s proud to take up space – together.

Ultra Violet

When: 13 February 2026

Dance at Ultra Violet as sapphic legends take over City Recital Hall’s iconic auditorium and grand foyer, transforming it into a lush dreamscape celebrating the creative power of women and gender-diverse artists. This night features DJ Gemma, Yolanda Frost, Jacqui Cunningham and many more.

Black Cherrry

When: 14 February 2026

A trans-diverse celebration of redemption, transformation and rebirth. Curated by Mother Kianna Louboutin Oricci, Black Cherry is an immersive exhibition and celebration of BIPOC trans talent: a fusion of performance art, live music and a party championed by local trans Dj’s and artists.

Oxford Street Fair, Sydney WorldPride 2023, Sydney

Oxford Street Fair, Darlinghurst

Fair Day

When: 15 February 2026

Returning to Victoria Park, Fair Day will bring together every corner of the LGBTQIA+ community in a rainbow extravaganza. Enjoy a camp canine pageant, disco diva karaoke, drag king games and a queer fashion runway, as well as food, retail and community stalls.

Mardi Gras Debate

When: 19 February 2026

Debating whether heterosexuality is a cult, two teams will interrogate societal status quo at the State Library of NSW during the Mardi Gras Debate. This year’s debaters will be Dylin Hardcastle, Jess Hill, Benjamin Law, Maeve Marsden, Jess McGuire and Daniel Nour, adjudicated by Yumi Stynes.

Laugh Out Proud

When: 20 February 2026

Get ready to giggle with comedians and queer legends as they take to the stage at Enmore Theatre for Laugh Out Proud. Get your tickets quick – this comedy night has sold out for the last six years.

Mardi Gala Ball

When: 24 February 2026

Dress to impress and feast at Mardi Gala Ball, a brand-new event at the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct that is sure to be fabulous. A table will stretch across the city, inviting everyone to take a seat and share in the joy of being together, while raising funds for future festivals.

Couples take photo at Oxford Street Fair at Sydney WorldPride 2023, Sydney

Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras, Darlinghurst

Queer Art After Hours

When: 25 February 2026

The Art Gallery of NSW will keep its doors open late for Queer Art After Hours with DJ sets, installations and performance art at a night celebrating LGBTQIA+ culture.

Sissy Ball

When: 27 February 2026

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: 28 February 2026

Let loose at the biggest overnight LGBTQIA+ party in Australasia. The Mardi Gras Party has been the beating heart of the festival for over 40 years, bringing together more than thousands on the biggest night of Sydney’s party calendar.

Laneway

When: 1 March 2026

The Beresford and Hill Street transform into one glorious, glitter-slicked playground as Laneway pumps out a cocktail of house, disco and pure chaos to thousands of joyous dancers. In 2026, this famous street party will feature Nadine Coyle, DJ Paul Heron, Amanda Louise and many more.