Another fabulous Sydney Mardi Gras runs from 14 February to 2 March 2025. Free to party, free to celebrate, free to laugh, free to be… Festival-favourites, revamped returns and new queens on the block join the line-up for Sydney Mardi Gras 2025!
With over 80 events to explore, the 2025 Festival Guide is packed with parties, community events, walks, talks and more. Spotted the guide on the streets? Collect all 8 limited edition covers!
Festival Welcome
When: 14 February 2025
To commemorate the start of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 2025, head to the shores of Bondi Beach for a Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony and performances to welcome festival-goers onto the unceded and sacred Gadigal, Bidjigal and Birrabirragal Lands.
Fair Day
When: 16 February 2025
Everyone’s favourite festival kick-off returns to Victoria Park on Sunday 16 February. The rainbow extravaganza brings together every corner of the LGBTQIA+ community, plus dapper dogs, DJs, wild dancefloors and more than 200 food, retail and community stalls.
Ultra Violet
When: 22 February 2025
Get ready for the ultimate LGBTQIA+ women’s event as the grounds of the National Art School transform into a velvet-draped techno house party for Ultra Violet. Born in 2023 under the esteemed curation of Sydney legends Sveta Gilerman and Jess Hill, Ultra Violet is entering a new era in 2025 solidifying itself as a pillar of the Sydney Mardi Gras calendar.
Laugh Out Proud
When: 21 February 2025
Take your seats at the queer comedy event of the year. This renowned comedy gala will see award-winning comedians and community favourites take the stage in the heart of Sydney’s Inner West.
Blak & Deadly: the first nations gala concert
It’s B(l)ak! Curated and made by and for First Nations people, Blak & Deadly: The First Nations Gala Concert makes its return for the first time since its inception at Sydney WorldPride. Finding a new home at City Recital Hall on Gadigal Land, the venue sits atop the Tank Stream, a site of cultural significance and the original waterway that served and provided abundance to the Gadigal People.
The gala showcases the very best in local art, music, comedy and performance. Expect an unforgettable evening celebrating Blak and queer culture for Sydney Mardi gras 2025.
Paradiso Pool Party
Paradiso Pool Party is the ultimate ticket to soak up the best of Sydney summer. Come one, come all as Mardi Gras-goers from across the globe head to the hottest city pool for the official pool party of the Sydney Mardi Gras Festival. The cabanas are calling… it’s time to welcome in Parade week with renowned DJs and performances all night long.
Sissy Ball
When: 28 February 2025
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: 1 March 2025
Let loose at the biggest overnight LGBTQIA+ party in Australasia, featuring Honey Dijon, Romy (Live) and Hayla. The Mardi Gras Party has been the beating heart of the festival for over 40 years, bringing together more than 10,000 people on the biggest night of Sydney’s party calendar.
Laneway
When: 2 March 2025
The official Mardi Gras closing party sees Hill Street and its resident dance-pub The Beresford transform into an epic street party featuring the best house, disco and pop. This event was born from a few milk crates on Hill Street to become the ultimate way to wrap up your Sydney Mardi Gras celebrations.
Mardi Gras Parade
When: 1 March 2025
In 2025, the Mardi Gras Parade returns to Oxford Street, Flinders Street and Anzac Parade, centred around the theme 'Our Future'. 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 premium viewing spaces and accessible viewing ticketed areas to view the spectacle from Hyde Park to Moore Park.
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