Sydney Mardi Gras 2025: Dates, events, parties, what to expect

The Sydney Mardi Gras parade and official after-party are iconic events held each year in NSW that promise to be unforgettable celebrations of love, diversity, and acceptance for the queer community.

The events are held over three weekends and form part of a Mardi Gras season in which multiple official and unofficial events are held.

The official dates for the Sydney Mardi Gras 2025 festival season will be February 14, 2025, to Sunday, March 2, 2025 The Mardi Gras season kicks off with Fair Day, which will be held on Sunday, February 16.

The parade and official after-party are confirmed to be on Saturday, March 1.

The Bondi Beach Party was added to the line-up in 2023 during Sydney WorldPride and held again in 2024 as part of Mardi Gras. However, it was confirmed in November that it would not be held in 2025. This came after a low attendance rate in 2024 and Sydney Mardi Gras facing financial difficulties.

A glittering extravaganza

The Mardi Gras parade holds a special place in the hearts of millions, both locally and globally, as one of the largest LGBTQI+ celebrations in the world. This iconic event is not just a parade; it’s a symbol of freedom, equality, and the unyielding spirit of the LGBTQI+ community. As the sun sets over the picturesque cityscape, the streets come alive with a kaleidoscope of colours, costumes, and exuberant energy.

What to expect

The Sydney Mardi Gras parade remains the centrepiece of the festival, drawing crowds from all corners of the globe. Spectators can expect to be dazzled by a mesmerising procession of floats, each more extravagant than the last, adorned with glittering decorations, flamboyant costumes, and pulsating music.

From drag performers to community groups, corporate sponsors to political activists, the parade showcases the diversity and creativity of the LGBTQI+ community in all its glory.

But the festivities extend far beyond the parade route. Throughout the festival, Sydney comes alive with myriad events catering to every taste and interest.

From themed parties to art exhibitions, film screenings to panel discussions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of queer culture, explore thought-provoking issues, and celebrate the achievements and resilience of the LGBTQI+ community.

Highlight events

While every aspect of Sydney Mardi Gras is a highlight in its own right, there are certain events that stand out on the festival calendar:

1. The parade: Undoubtedly the crown jewel of Sydney Mardi Gras, the parade brings together thousands of participants and spectators for a night of revelry and solidarity.
2. The official after-party: After the parade concludes, the party continues well into the night with electrifying performances by local and international artists, DJs spinning infectious beats, and an atmosphere of pure euphoria.
3. Queer Screen’s Mardi Gras film festival: Film enthusiasts can indulge in a curated selection of queer cinema, featuring compelling stories and diverse voices from around the world.
4. Fair Day: A hub of activity and engagement, the community Fair Day event, typically held at Victoria Park, provides an opportunity for LGBTQI+ organizations and allies to connect, educate, and celebrate in a fun and inclusive environment.
5. Queer Art After Hours: Celebrate LGBTQIA+ excellence as the Art Gallery of New South Wales transforms into the epicentre of queer culture and expression for Queer Art After Hours.
6. Ultra Violet: Ultra Violet is an LGBTQIA+ women’s event scheduled for February 22, 2025, at the National Art School in Darlinghurst. The day-to-night party will feature international, interstate, and local DJs, bands, and performers across four stages. Attendees can experience techno and house music in the Violet Hall and enjoy dance, pop, punk, and funk on the open-air Ultra Stage.
7. Blak & Deadly: The First Nations Gala Concert: This event is a celebration of First Nations and queer culture, featuring local art, music, comedy, and performance. Curated by and for First Nations people, the event will be held on February 27, 2025, at the City Recital Hall in Sydney.

Editor’s note: GSN editor Ben Grubb pays $50 annually for Mardi Gras memberships to access discounts, including at retail stores and bars, but doesn’t use the membership’s voting rights.

CORRECTION: The parade will be held on Saturday, March 1. We incorrectly wrote Saturday, March 2.

UPDATE: This article was updated on August 15, 2024, to confirm the official Sydney Mardi Gras 2025 festival dates. On November 19, 2024, further updates were made to include the confirmed date for Fair Day, clarify that the Bondi Beach Party is not part of the 2025 line-up, and highlight additional events announced for 2025, such as Blak & Deadly, Ultra Violet, and Queer Art After Hours.