Heading to Mardi Gras? Here’s what not to miss

Posted on 11 February, 2025

A Kylie-themed ride, a brand-new dance party and a jaw-dropping line-up of over 150 artists – the 2025 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is one for the history books.

And for anyone hitting the road to Sydney to strut their stuff down Oxford Street, we’ve rounded up all the amazing events happening.

Promising a celebration of pride, music, and joy, from Friday 14 February until Sunday 2 March, the Sydney Mardi Gras will be bringing the good vibes with an eye-wateringly large event lineup – from its signature events to some brand-new inclusions.

As one of the largest LGBTQI+ events in the world (and the largest Pride event in Oceania), it’s not all rainbows and floats – Mardi Gras is also a commemoration of LGBTQIA+ identity. Challenging injustice and elevating diverse voices, this year the theme is ‘Free to be…’ celebrating the LGBTQI+ community and the pure joy that comes from freedom.

So, whether you want to go voguing at Sissy Ball, make the most of Fair Day, or kick on at Laneway, grab your glitter, and start planning.

The Mardi Gras Party

Credit: @jordankmunns

Eight hours of world-class DJs, jaw-dropping performances, and the electric spirit of the longest running queer dance party in the country? This sounds like our kind of event.

The Mardi Gras Party will be lighting up Sydney across six amazing spaces, and we’re warning you now: the first and second-release tickets are already sold out. And with iconic headliners Honey Dijon (US), Romy (UK) at Hordern Pavilion, LELAND [+ Friends] (the creative genius behind RuPaul’s Drag Race’s biggest anthems) at the Forecourt and more, it’s not hard to see why.

You better work to grab tickets.

Fair Day

Credit: Markham-Lane.

Yep, Fair Day is back with a bang for 2025! This free community event offers a rich tapestry of activities that range from the dynamic First Nations Circle to the beloved Doggywood pageant, the Karaoke Cave: Dolly Disco with Hannah Conda and more.

Think: Royston Noell, Sumner, Melissa Tkautz, the cast of hit musical Titanique, LION, as well as a special Sissy Ball showcase. And cap it off on the Main Stage DJ Nate promises to keep the energy high as the sun sets!

Another thing to keep an eye out for? The ABSOLUT X DANCEFLOOR will come alive as Absolut X celebrates its sixth consecutive year of proud partnership by honouring the diverse communities that define the past, present, and future of queer nightlife with sets from Feisty, James Alexandr, L.O.U (VIC), and Joelby.

Club Gras

Jennifer Loveless. Supplied.

This addition to Mardi Gras is ideal for those looking to kick on from Queer Art After Hours, start the Parade weekend early or seeking some midweek mayhem. Club Gras is a brand-new party presented by Absolut X and you won’t want to miss this.

Taking over ivy on George Street for one day only (Wednesday 26 February), this is a tribute to the roots of queer dance culture. Featuring BASHKKA, CCL, Jennifer Loveless, and Fried Pork Chop as well as DJ sets and drag shows, tickets are on sale now from $29 plus booking fee.

Laugh Out Proud

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Featuring an all-star cast of Australia and New Zealand’s hottest queer chuckle chasers, this show is worth hitting the road for.

Promising a gut-busting, side-splitting, laugh-till-you-snort kind of night this comedy extravaganza boasts talent like comedy powerhouse Alok, Alex Ward, Bronwyn Kuss, Chris Parker, Jordan Raskopoulos, Tarsh Jago, Tom Ballard, Tom Elphick, and Yasmin Kassim. It should be wild, wicked, and wonderfully hilarious!

Get tickets here.

Sissy Ball

Credit: Ken Leanfore.

Get set to strut, sweat, and slay as the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest vogue ball takes over with a show-stopping line-up that’s nothing short of legendary.

Serving fierceness, fabulousness, and all the feels, the ballroom will be set ablaze with electrifying beats from Seven Angels, and Neesha Alexander along with iconic commentary from Snookie Juicy West and the incomparable Jamaica Moana.

Get your tens, tens, tens across the board ready, because it will be pure fire. Get tickets here.

LANEWAY

Supplied.

When the sun rises, and the glitter settles, the word on the street is Laneway is where you’ll want to be. This legendary after-after party with transforms Hill Street into a vibrant playground of beats, bodies, and unapologetic celebration that will finish the festival with a bang.

Need we say more? Get tickets here.

And more…

Dust yourself off and re-apply your eyeliner because this is just the beginning. Add in Hot Trans Summer, Ultra Violet, the Paradiso Pool Party, and the Blak & Deadly: The First Nations Gala Concert, browse the full festival line-up at mardigras.org.au.

 Feature image: Markham Lane.