Everything you need to know about this year’s Mardi Gras

“It is a time to listen deeply, learn, take action, protest and party.”

Mardi Gras is here – but we didn’t need to tell you that, the copious amounts of glitter and swathes of rainbow flags speak for themselves. For 17 glorious days, vibrant queerness and shiny short shorts turn our streets into a celebration of LGBTQIA+ communities.

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To make the most of this year’s festivities, here’s your rundown of what Mardi Gras is and how to partake in all of the action.

What is Mardi Gras?

The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade and festival has become a crowning jewel in our yearly calendar. But underneath the sparkles and glam lies a history of resistance (the first parade was held in 1978 and ended in 53 police arrests). Not-for-profit, member-based organisation Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras doesn’t only organise the Mardi Gras we know and love but is committed to year-round initiatives and events that uplift and assist LGBTQIA+ folk.

2023’s Mardi Gras is a truly unique one. Sydney Mardi Gras and WorldPride have teamed up to co-present a massive bonanza event. Dubbed ‘mega Mardi Gras,’ this year’s festival will encompass events covering art to music, dance to storytelling, and comedy to sports. It’ll be the first time WorldPride has ever been held in the Southern Hemisphere in its 23-year history.

This year’s theme is ‘Gather, Dream, Amplify’. “It is a time to listen deeply, learn, take action, protest and party,” reads WorldPride’s website. “It is dancing all night. It is ripping the wound open. It is healing. It is a huge exhale of glitter. It is non-stop laughter alongside heartbreak and injustice. It is about what is possible when we amplify ourselves and each other.”

When and where is this year’s Mardi Gras?

Between February 17 and March 5, Sydney will be transformed into a colourful hub of queer-centred fun and education. Across the city, from Campbelltown to Blacktown to Bondi Beach, Mardi Gras will play host to over 300 events. The famous parade, which is in its 45th year, will take place on Saturday, February 25 from 6pm to 11pm. There’s an expected 12,500 marchers and more than 200 floats that will be out and proud on Oxford Street.

Things to do in Sydney for WorldPride and Mardi Gras

Taking place on our shores means that Mardi Gras has a distinctly Australian flair to it (and we’re not just talking about the Australian Lifesavers With Pride float). Some of the biggest and unmissable events include its Live and Proud: Sydney WorldPride Opening Concert headlined by icons Kylie Minogue and Charli XCX. Of course, the unmissable Mardi Gras Parade will return to Sydney’s Oxford Street on February 25, kicking on at the official Mardi Gras Party. Make history and join 50,000 people for the Pride March across Sydney Harbour Bridge as they march for equality, on our shores and globally. 

The history of Mardi Gras is embedded in defiance of the status quo. That impact extends today, with events like Sydney WorldPride Human Rights Conference breaking records (it’s set to be the largest LGBTQIA+ Human Rights Conference held in the southern hemisphere). Of course, if partying is what your heart is set on, you needn’t look far. The Bondi Beach Party and New Gen Takeover: The Future is Blak will have you up on your feet. If watching is more your thing, don’t miss the Mardi Gras Sissy Ball, the home of vogueing.

It’ll all wrap up at the Closing Concert: Rainbow Republic. Seven hours of dancing, DJs and performances featuring Ava Max, Kim Petras, Muna, Keiynan Lonsdale, G Flip, Peach PRC and Alter Boy await.

Can I celebrate even if I don’t live in Sydney?

The beauty of Mardi Gras in the digital age is it’s accessible to everyone, no matter your location. There are viewing parties and pop-up events around Australia, as well as city-specific events celebrating pride like Melbourne’s Midsumma Festival and the Brisbane Queer Film Festival.

To learn more about the changing face of Mardi Gras, head here.