Sydney Mardi Gras

  • Fri Feb 16 - Sun Mar 03 2024
  • Family
    All Ages
  • Various depending on event

Easily one of the biggest and most colourful festivals of the Sydney social calendar, the Mardi Gras festival we know and love will once again shine a global spotlight on LGBTQIA+SB lives, culture, communities, and creativity with a lineup of incredibly inclusive events. 

The 46th Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is set to be an incredible celebration showcasing the theme "Our Future"—underpinning the notion that it's time to imagine and demand the bright future we all deserve. 

Here are our picks of the best Sydney Mardi Gras events in 2024. 

Sydney Mardi Gras 2024

Oxtravaganza

Oxtravaganza
Oxtravaganza


Oxtravaganza is a two-week extravaganza spread across the vibrant streets of Darlinghurst. From bars and restaurants to galleries and retail stores, the whole neighbourhood will come alive with excitement for Sydney Mardi Gras! 

The Family Zone is back, promising even more fun than before!  Activities include Drag Queen Story Time, face painting, art activities, balloons, colouring games, fairy floss, and goodie bags for the little ones. Head to the East Sydney Community Centre, just a block away from Oxford Street, for both indoor and outdoor fun! Be sure to secure your free tickets early to join in on the excitement.

Book your tickets here.

Where:   East Sydney Community And Arts Centre, 34 - 40 Burton Street, Darlinghurst
When:    16 February - 3 March 2024
Cost:      FREE

Fair Day

Fair Day Mardi Gras Sydney
Sydney Mardi Gras Fair Day


Get ready for an unforgettable day at Victoria Park on Sunday 18 February, where over 70,000 people will come together for a vibrant rainbow extravaganza at Fair Day 2024! From dawn till dusk,  diverse communities unite to celebrate the vibrant spirit of LGBTQIA+SB pride.

At Fair Day this year, you'll encounter stylish pups, pulsating beats from DJs, and bustling dancefloors alongside over 200 food, retail, and community stalls. With six stages and six bars, there's no shortage of entertainment and refreshments for this unmissable event, marking the start of the 2024 Festival. 

Where:   Victoria Park, Parramatta Rd, Broadway
When:    18 February 2024
Cost:      FREE

Drag Storytime at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is teaming up with Rainbow Families to present a Drag Story Time like never before! Join one of Sydney's beloved Drag Queens for an enchanting storytelling session amidst the captivating sea creatures.

Families from Rainbow Families can enjoy exclusive $10 entry to the aquarium between 9 am and 9:30 am, where they'll have the entire aquarium to themselves to explore its wonders. Then, at 10 am, it's time for Aquarium Drag Story Time! This event offers children and young people a delightful opportunity to indulge in their love for books and reading in a welcoming, inclusive, and family-friendly setting. 

Book your tickets here.

Where:   SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, Wheat Rd, Sydney
When:    17 February 2024
Cost:      $10 entry for rainbow families

Pullman Sydney Hyde Park’s Mardi Gras Party

Mardi Gras with the stars at Pullman Sydney Hyde Park.


Pullman Sydney Hyde Park is hosting its fabulous, star-studded Pre-Game Mardi Gras Party on parade night with Maxi Shield, the iconic drag queen from RuPaul's Drag Race, at the helm, social media star, Carla from Bankstown, on the decks and a live performance from Australian singer-songwriter, Alfie Arcuri. Roaming drag queens sprinkling their sparkle all evening and an INGLOT Cosmetics glitter bar will enhance the Mardi Gras vibes.

With Oxford Street at its doorstep, you'll have front-row access to the starting point of the Mardi Gras Parade! This exclusive event is the ultimate
spot to embrace this year’s Mardi Gras festivities. 

Where:     Pullman Sydney Hyde Park, 36 College St, Darlinghurst
When:      Saturday 2 March 2024 | 5 - 9 pm
Cost:        First release $229 | Second release $259 | Third release $299

Ruby Road

Ruby Road
Ruby Road


Ruby Road is a fantastic all-ages Parade Viewing Area that offers the perfect spot to experience the magic of the Mardi Gras Parade. Whether you want to soak in the excitement of the Parade up close or prefer to relax in Moore Park with a picnic while watching the action on the relay screens, Ruby Road has something for everyone.

While you're there, indulge in delicious treats from food trucks and enjoy performances by talented entertainers as the vibrant floats make their way to Checkpoint Dorothy, marking the end of the iconic Parade route. It's bound to be an unforgettable experience for the whole crew!

Where:   Anzac Parade, Moore Park
When:    2 March 2024
Cost:      General admission from $55 + booking fee

Minus18 Queer Formal

Minus18 Queer Formal is back in Sydney for 2024! This incredible event, known as the most fabulous night for LGBTQIA+ young people, is shining bright as part of the biggest LGBTQIA+SB celebration in Australia.

Queer Formal is all about creating a magical evening for LGBTQIA+SB youth aged 12 to 19. It's a chance to meet new friends, connect with the community, dance the night away, and most importantly, be completely yourself.

At Queer Formal, you're free to wear whatever makes you feel amazing, bring whoever you want as your date, express yourself however you like, and revel in the joy of celebrating with other wonderful queer individuals.

Book your tickets here

Where:   Roundhouse, UNSW, Anzac Parade, Kensington
When:    17 February 2024
Cost:      FREE, tickets are essential

Fusion Pride Picnic Northern Beaches

Fusion Pride Picnic Northern Beaches
Fusion Pride Picnic Northern Beaches


To celebrate all things Pride on the Northern Beaches, Fusion Pride Picnic is a FREE event that's perfect for the whole family! Fusion Pride Picnic offers live music, cool crafts, face painting, picnic spots, and plenty of LGBTQIA+SB resources and vendors. It's a fantastic opportunity to celebrate and bond with your local rainbow families and community in a spirit of pride and inclusivity. Everyone is invited to join in on the fun!

Bring along your family, friends, furry pals, picnic essentials, and sun protection gear. You can also grab some yummy food and drinks from nearby cafes, kick back, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of this colourful beachside fair. 

Where:   Ted Jackson Reserve, 20 The Strand, Dee Why
When:    4 February 2024
Cost:      FREE

Rainbow Storytime at Home

Come on board with the City of Sydney for some super fun storytelling sessions designed just for preschoolers! Rainbow Storytime at Home stories are all about love, embracing who you are, and celebrating the LGBTQIA+SB community. Plus, they're perfect for little ones with hearing difficulties, thanks to interpretations by Deaf Connect.

Get ready to dive into these fantastic resources, where you can learn all about family-friendly Queer culture. 

Where:   From the comfort of your own home
When:    16 February - 3 March 2024
Cost:      FREE

Loudly Proud with Merivale

Loudly Proud with Merivale
Loudly Proud with Merivale


Merivale’s has a seriously epic calendar of events on offer this Mardi Gras that are bigger and better than ever for 2024! Loudly Proud, will be running from 17 February to 4 March with over 25 events around Sydney. 

There's a bottomless lunch at Coogee Rooftop for the Sip & Strut Drag Affair, the chance to show off your pooch at The Beresford’s Mardi Gras Dog Show, as well as brunches aplenty and a huge array of mouthwatering treats. Race you to Merivale! 

Where:   Merivale venues throughout Sydney
When:    17 February - 3 March 2024
Cost:      Various

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