From après-ski drag realness at APRÈS GRAS to a history-packed trivia night marking the anniversary of the first Mardi Gras protest on 24 June 1978, this year’s fundraiser events are all about celebrating queer joy, connection and community. Throw in a rare DJ set from Ladyhawke, powerhouse performances from Marcia Hines and Brendan Maclean, plus dance floors running deep into the night, and suddenly winter in Sydney is looking pretty fabulous!
Whether you’re a Mardi Gras history buff, disco devotee or just looking for an excuse to wear faux fur and sequins to a queer ski lodge fantasy, these Pride Month events are shaping up to be the hottest tickets of the season.
Apres Gras - Photo by Paulo Fallone
Après-ski realness, Marcia Hines & Brendan Maclean bringing the disco inferno, Ladyhawke spinning on the decks and a very special anniversary trivia night for everyone who did their homework.
June just got upgraded. Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is here for Pride Month 2026 with a series of fundraiser events - dust off your hottest ski outfit at APRÈS GRAS, flex your knowledge in Mardi Gras Trivia Night, or dance the night away at Winter Violet. Darling, there is no excuse to stay home this winter.
"Pride Month is one of the most important times in our calendar," said the CEO of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, Jesse Matheson. “June is not only a global celebration of LGBTQIA+SB pride - it also marks the anniversary of the first Mardi Gras in on 24 June 1978. With the 50th anniversary fast approaching, APRÈS GRAS, Mardi Gras Anniversary Trivia and Winter Violet are a chance for our community to come together, celebrate queer joy and help power the future of Mardi Gras. This is your invitation to show up, turn up the heat and be part of what comes next. Ecstatica was just the beginning!”
“We set out this year to create more ways for our communities to connect with Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras beyond the festival season - reaching new audiences, celebrating queer culture year-round, and creating spaces where people feel seen, connected and proud,” said the Co-Chairs of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, Kathy Pavlich and Mits Delisle.“Pride Month, and the anniversary of the first Mardi Gras on 24 June 1978, is the perfect moment to continue building that vision as we look ahead to our historic 50th anniversary in 2028. From parties and performances to trivia and community events, these moments are about celebrating our history, backing our communities, and building the future of Mardi Gras together.
APRÈS GRAS: THE WINTER MARDI GRAS FUNDRAISER
Sun 21 June | 3pm-1am | The Beresford | $69 Member, or $59 GA
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras takes over The Beresford for Après Gras, an afternoon to evening après-ski party that is equal parts cosy and completely wild - drag shows, a best-dressed competition, raffle prizes, and Sydney's finest DJs keeping the lodge humming until 1am. Oh, and the special guests? The stars of Velvet Inferno, Marcia Hines and Brendan Maclean for a special guest performance. On the decks is Julian Hamilton (The Presets) DJ set and SUPER DISCO CLUB plus many local legends and Drag superstars.
MARDI GRAS TRIVIA NIGHT
Wed 24 June | 7pm | Paddo RSL | $28 member, or $32 GA
Think you know your Mardi Gras history? Prove it. Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras heads to the Paddo RSL - just across the road from Paddington Town Hall, home of the very first Mardi Gras Party - for a fun community trivia night. Packed with Mardi Gras history, bonus questions, drag performances, and prizes for top history buffs. This anniversary of the first Mardi Gras, gather your friends, celebrate our history, and help support the future of Mardi Gras!
Mardi Gras Trivia. Photo by Ian Lever 1997
WINTER VIOLET
Sat 13 June | 6pm till late | City Recital Hall | From $99
Mardi Gras favourite Ultra Violet returns for a special Winter edition at City Recital Hall — and she's brought Ladyhawke (DJ set). Three epic stages, one iconic venue, and a rare DJ set from a queer artist who was once told her sexuality would ruin her career. Look at her now.
MARDI GRAS+ PRIDE MONTH
YOUR PRIDE MONTH EVENTS BELONG HERE
LGBTQIA+SB creatives, organisations, venues and promoters are invited to apply to be part of the official Mardi Gras+ Pride Month 2026 program, which celebrates LGBTQIA+ arts, culture, parties, sport and community. All applications are assessed for community relevance and alignment with the Mardi Gras Ethical Charter. The Mardi Gras+ app supports discovery and planning across the full program.
Applications are open now: Mardi Gras+ Applications
