Mardi Gras is the most colourful event on Sydney’s cultural calendar, and it's back from 14 February to 2 March, 2025 with rainbow hues, bottomless brunches, all-night dance parties and, of course, the iconic Sydney Mardi Gras parade.
This year's Sydney Mardi Gras events centre around the theme Free To Be, celebrating the history and work towards LGBTQIA+ equality while recognising that we are 'only free when we are all free to be'.
From bottomless brunch to drag bingo, trivia, DJ sets and more, these are the Urban List's picks for the best things to do for Mardi Gras Sydney 2025.
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- Sydney Mardi Gras 2025 Parties And Events
- Sydney Mardi Gras 2025 Food Specials And Events
- Sydney Mardi Gras 2025 Art And Performance
Sydney Mardi Gras 2025 Parties And Events
Mardi Gras Parade
Oxford Street | Saturday 1 March, from 6.45pm
Image credit: Destination NSW | Alexandra Adoncello
Sydney’s biggest celebration of the year, the Mardi Gras Parade will storm down Oxford Street for the 47th year in a row. Spanning Flinders Street and Anzac Parade, snag a spot to see 200 floats representing this year’s theme, Free To Be, led by the iconic Dykes on Bikes, LGBTQIA+SB and '78ers.
You can snag a spot for free—or upgrade your experience to a ticketed viewing area at Taylor Square or various locations on Flinders Street, where you’ll have access to bars, entertainment, food trucks, amenities and more while avoiding the crowds along the main parade.
THE DETAILS
Cost: Free, or ticketed access from $69pp
Tickets: Online
Ultra Violet
National Art School, Darlinghurst | Saturday 22 February 3pm–11.30pm
Image Credit: Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras | Supplied
Party at the biggest women- and femme-friendly event this Mardi Gras at Ultra Violet. They’re putting on DJ sets, bands and performers across indoor and outdoor stages to get you ready to party through the night, with music ranging from techno, house, dance, pop, punk and funk.
If you’re looking to keep the party going all weekend, join the Forrest(HER)s recovery session at Forrester's in Surry Hills from 12pm on 23 February, where you can enjoy more DJ sets, drag performances and cocktails by Four Pillars.
THE DETAILS
Cost: From $89
Tickets: Online
Drag Bingo
Darlo Bar, 306 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst | Wednesday 19 and 26 February, from 7pm
Get into the competitive spirit with host Charisma Belle at Darlo Bar’s Drag Bingo. Throw your hat into the ring to win venue vouchers while knocking back a cheeky beer or two, but be sure to book a spot in advance so you don’t miss out on your chance to win.
THE DETAILS
Cost: Free
Book: Online
Mardi Gras Fair Day
Victoria Park, Broadway | Sunday 16 February, 10am–9pm
Image credit: Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras | Supplied
Following an unfortunate *checks notes* bark incident last year, Fair Day is back for a free, fun-filled day out welcoming more than 70,000 visitors. Highlights include the First Nations Circle, live performances including Royston Noell, the cast of Titanique, and a special Sissy Ball showcase.
There'll also be the return of the Drag King Games, Doggywood pageant and tunes from DJs like James Alexandr, The Fabulous Wonder Mama, Joelby and Alex Dugan, plus plenty of food and drink pop-ups and the sixth year of the Absolut X Dancefloor.
The Details
Cost: Free
Fair Day Party
The Bank, 324 King Street, Newtown | Sunday 16 February, 4pm-11.45pm
Party on down from Victoria Park to King Street for the Bank’s Fair Day afterparty. At the Public Bar, celebrate with DJs Adam Sillivan and Loundlodge providing the soundtrack and drag queens Karna Ford and Victoria Mami bringing the entertainment.
At Waywards, hosted by Gabe Woods, the lineup includes DJ sets from Rob Jennings, Jon Pants, Luke Ryan, Hamo and more alongside performances by Jackie Daniels, El Beauty and Count Fuckula.
THE DETAILS
Cost: Free
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Fair Day Afterparty
The Abercrombie, 100 Broadway, Chippendale | Sunday 16 February, 4pm-2am
Join Heaps Gay and GiRLTHING for Abercrombie’s multi-level Fair Day after party. Stroll down the road from Fair Day and party along to DJ sets from 4pm. With appearances from artists including Aunty Johnny, Fried Pork Chop, Rocky Stallone and Tendercore, it’s the ultimate way to finish a day of Mardi Gras celebrations.
THE DETAILS
Cost: Free before 4pm, from $20 afterwards
Tickets: Online
Drag Trivia
Taphouse, 122 Flinders Street, Darlinghurst | Tuesday 18 and 25 February, from 7.30pm
Taphouse is glitter-fying their weekly trivia night for Mardi Gras. Hosted by Kalin Klein, you can put your knowledge to the test to compete for bar tab prizes and get your mid-week fix of Mardi Gras fun.
THE DETAILS
Cost: Free
Book: Online
Casa De Colores Mardi Gras Party
The Butler, 123 Victoria Street, Potts Point | Thursday 20 February, 7pm-10pm
Image Credit: The Butler | Supplied
The Butler is collaborating with House of Karma to bring you the Casa De Colores Mardi Gras Party. Devour delicious Mexican canapes like kingfish ceviche with dragon fruit pico de gallo and a smoked hot dog with salsa roja accompanied by a Four Pillars cocktail on arrival and a three-hour beverage package.
Beautify yourself at pop-up glam stations and dance the night away with DJ sets by Dutch Kiss and Stephen Byrne while being entertained by drag queens Dominique Topp and Vybe (RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under). They’re also offering the chance to win two free nights at the Karma Hotel in Bali and two VIP Parade viewing tickets for the Mardi Gras parade.
THE DETAILS
Cost: $99pp
Tickets: Online
Mardi Gras Dog Show
The Beresford, 354 Bourke Street, Surry Hills | Sunday 23 February, from 11am
Image credit: The Beresford | Website
Dress up your number-one bestie in their fanciest 'fit for the return of this beloved annual event on the Mardi Gras calendar. The Bero's Mardi Gras Dog Show will be hosted by Justin Hill from Hayu's Loud and Proud and have a pooch parade, loads of treats, and prizes for the best-dressed babes.
BrewDog Drag Bingo
Bay 1 Locomotive Workshops South, Eveleigh | Thursday 27 February, from 8pm
Dabbers at the ready—fabulous prizes are up for grabs at BrewDog’s Drag Bingo hosted by drag queens. The entire venue will be converted into a bingo haven, so get ready to yell Bingo! while sipping on some of their famous brews.
THE DETAILS
Cost: Free
Book: Online
Gays Gone Fishin’
Vic on the Park, 2 Addison Road, Marrickville | Saturday 1 March, from 2pm
Celebrate Mardi Gras Parade day in the Inner West at this fishing-themed party set to swim all night long. Gays Gone Fishin' will be hosted by Aunty Jonny, with special performances from Big Wett, The Inner West Voices, The Queer Baits, DJ Hot Rod, Jason De Cox, Ruby Teys, Fishing Dad, Hot Wet Boys and Gogo Bum Hole, plus loads of fun and games you can get hands-on with.
The details
Cost: Free
Sydney Mardi Gras 2025 Food Specials And Events
Rainbow Bagel Boxes
Brooklyn Boy Bagels, 19 Carrington Road, Marrickville and 1/80 Reservoir Street, Surry Hills
Image credit: Brooklyn Boy Bagels | Supplied
Known for their New York-style boiled bagels, Brooklyn Boy Bagels is marking Mardi Gras with a colourful selection of treats, including rainbow bagels or red heart bagels ($6), sprinkle-flecked unicorn cream cheese ($10.50), plus sweet rainbow snickerdoodle cookies ($7).
If you’re feeding a crowd there’s a Love Is Love Pride Pack ($65) with two of each bagels, cookies and cream cheese, the Mardi Gras Pride Pack (four rainbow bagels, four cookies and cream cheese for $65) and the Rainbow Party Pack with 10 rainbow bagels, five cookies and cream cheese ($115), and $1 from every box goes to LGBTQIA+ organisation ACON.
The Mardi Gras bagel boxes are available until Sunday 2 March—you can order online for pick-up in their Marrickville or Surry Hills locations, or buy in store.
Chin Chin Disco Sessions
69 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills | Weekends 15 February-2 March
The Chin Chin experience is getting an upgrade this Mardi Gras with their most famous dishes (including crispy duck pancakes and a special Mardi Gras Magnum) served up with a side of drag queen performances from 1pm to 3pm on weekends. The dazzling entertainment is accompanied by a Tommy’s Margarita on arrival and unlimited craft beer, wine and cocktails.
THE DETAILS
What you get: Shared menu, Tommy's margarita, two-hour bottomless craft beer, wine and cocktails and drag performances
Cost: $109pp
Book: Online
Mardi Gras Bottomless Drag Lunch
Arms Length, 7 Kellett Street, Potts Point | Saturday 1 March, from 12pm
Nestled in a converted terrace house, Arms Length is getting into the Mardi Gras spirit with bottomless brunch and drag entertainment. Indulge in a menu featuring grilled pork chop with yuzu mustard greens and a tuna tartare with mandarin ponzu. If you want to turn up the heat on celebrations, you can upgrade your tap beers and house wines to include cocktails for $25.
THE DETAILS
What you get: Curated lunch menu, two-hour bottomless tap beers and house wines and a drag queen performance.
Cost: $110pp ($25 cocktail upgrade)
Book: Online
Karaoke Drag Brunch
Luc-San, Pennys Lane, Potts Point | Sunday 23 February, from 12.30pm
Drag Queen Hollywould of RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under fame is hosting the ultimate drag karaoke brunch at Luc-San. Get warmed up with their Mardi Gras-themed cocktail on arrival alongside a drinks package before singing your heart out while feasting on tempura oysters with wasabi dressing or dengaku eggplant with miso corn.
THE DETAILS
What you get: Mardi Gras-themed cocktail on arrival, French-Japanese food, 90-minute bottomless drinks
Cost: From $120pp
Book: Online
The Ms.G’s Spot Drag Brunch
Ms G's, 155 Victoria Street, Potts Point | Saturday 22 February, from 11.30am
Image credit: Ms.G's | Supplied
With an Absolut cocktail on arrival, indulge in cheeseburger spring rolls, kingfish sashimi and more, and DJ sets from CHRS NDRSN along with drag performances by Coco Jumbo, Kalin Klein, Dammit Janey and Fairah Nuff are sure to keep you entertained. Tickets include donations to the Bobby Goldsmith foundation and ACON, an organisation working towards ending HIV and supporting people living with it.
THE DETAILS
What you get: Absolut cocktail on arrival, shared menu, three-hour drink package
Cost: $125pp
Book: Online
Darlo’s Big Drag Brunch
Taphouse, 122 Flinders Street, Darlinghurst | Saturday 22 February, 12pm-3pm
Image credit: Taphouse | Supplied
There’s no shortage of entertaining brunches this Mardi Gras with Taphouse’s Big Drag Brunch joining in on the fun. Hosted by Dominique Topp and Jackie Daniels, you’ll be welcomed by a drink by Four Pillars on arrival before settling in for the 2.5-hour drinks package. The food also promises to be delectable, with black pepper Wagyu beef and egg noodles with mushroom XO as some standout items.
THE DETAILS
What you get: Four Pillars cocktail, shared Chinese banquet, drag performances and a 2.5-hours drinks package
Cost: $99pp
Book: Online
The Butler Long Lunch and Bottomless Brunch
123 Victoria Street, Potts Point | Wednesdays–Sundays between Friday 14 February and Sunday 2 March, 12pm-3pm
Enjoy the flavours of Mexico and South America at The Butler with their bottomless brunch. With bottomless bubbles, wine and beer comes tuna tartare with blood orange, seared scallops with yellow mole and lamb barbacoa with habanero salsa. If you want to keep the party going, head over to Juanita’s bar where you can enjoy drinks, dessert and stunning views over Potts Point. Round up a crowd for this one—they’re doing bookings for a minimum of four people.
THE DETAILS
What you get: Mexican and South American menu and two-hour bottomless drinks
Cost: $125pp
Book: Online
The Beresford Mardi Gras Anthems Drag Brunch
354 Bourke Street, Surry Hills | Saturday 1 March, From 11am
Party to iconic hits on Parade Day at The Beresford with their Mardi Gras Anthems and Drag Brunch. Hosted by Minnie Cooper, Charisma Belle and Carmen Geddit, you’ll be served an Absolut cocktail on arrival and a curated three-course menu to get you in the mood to sing banger after banger.
THE DETAILS
What you get: Absolut cocktail on arrival and a three-course menu
Cost: $79pp
Book: Online
The Rook Mardi Gras Big Gay Brunch
Level 7/56-58 York Street, Sydney | Saturday 1 March, 2pm-4pm
Image credit: The Rook | Supplied
Take in views of Sydney’s skyline while being entertained by host Bettie Blackheart as you prepare for the Mardi Gras party to commence. They’re putting on bottomless brunch (including cocktails) with a DIY mimosa bar and a six-course sharing menu.
THE DETAILS
What you get: Drag queen performance, six-course sharing menu, two-hour bottomless cocktails and a DIY mimosa station
Cost: $79pp
Book: Online
Sydney Mardi Gras 2025 Culture, Art And Performance
Festival First Light
Bondi Beach | Friday 14 February, from 6am
At the crack of dawn on Bondi Beach a Welcome to Country followed by a smoking ceremony will take place to signal the start of this year’s Sydney Mardi Gras celebrations. With performances to follow, this free event celebrates the beginning of Mardi Gras festivities and the queer history of one of the world’s oldest living cultures.
THE DETAILS
Cost: Free
Sissy Ball
Sydney Town Hall, Sydney CBD | Friday 28 February, 6.30pm-11.30pm
Image Credit: Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras | Facebook
Sissy Ball, Sydney’s annual celebration of voguing, is returning for its seventh year. Started in 2018, this year’s ball, curated by Kianna Oricci, is a place where you can see people showcase their best voguing skills and the history of the community behind the art form.
THE DETAILS
Cost: From $69
Tickets: Online
Queer Art After Hours
Art Gallery Of NSW | Wednesday 26 February, 5pm–10pm
Image credit: Art Gallery of NSW | Supplied
The Art Gallery of NSW’s After Hours is a favourite on the annual Mardi Gras calendar. This year's event, curated by DJ and artist Ayebatonye Abrakasa to centres Bla(c)k artists, has installations and performances, DJ sets and soundscapes, roving talks, workshops, and bars and food stalls across the gallery's indoor and outdoor areas.
You can immerse yourself in drag and draw sessions, participate in a sensuality or meditation workshop, get hands-on with collaging, or wander around the gallery's permanent collection with queer artists highlighted by Queering the Collection labels—you just need to reserve a ticket online. If you'd like to check out the gallery's current exhibition, Cao Fei: My City is Yours, two-for-one tickets are on offer.
THE DETAILS
Cost: Free, with booking.
Bookings: Online
Mardi Gras Mic Drop
The Winery, 285A Crown Street, Surry Hills | Friday 28 February, from 6.30pm
This two-hour comedy set is guaranteed to send you home in stitches. Hosted by Jacqui St Hyde, comedians Keira Billie and Bettie Blackheart will go head-to-head with Tom Elphic and Chris Demos in 20-minute sets to get the most laughs. Tickets include a drink on arrival and a rapturous night of entertainment.
THE DETAILS
Cost: $15
Tickets: Online
Blak And Deadly: The First Nations Gala Concert
City Recital Hall, Sydney CBD | Thursday 27 February, from 7pm
Image credit: Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras | Supplied
Hosted by Faboriginal’s Steven Oliver, enjoy the best of First Nations performances with appearances from ARIA-winning artist Emily Wurramara, Daniel Mateo and Felicia Foxx. Party the night away with DJ sets and special performances from 7pm and Ra Ra Kick Ons from 9.30pm.
THE DETAILS
Cost: From $109
Tickets: Online
Mardi Gras Film Festival
Various Locations | Thursday 13-Thursday 27 February
Featuring 150 LGBTQIA+ films, the Mardi Gras Film Festival will feature movies with names like Alan Cumming, Whoopi Goldberg, Liza Minnelli and more. The Film Festival offers a chance to get up and personal with the creators, with filmmaker Q&As and panel talks at the State Library of NSW. Don’t worry if you can’t make it in person—the films will also be on demand until Monday 10 March.
THE DETAILS
Where: Event Cinemas George St and Hurstville, Dendy Newtown, The Ritz in Randwick and The Rocks Laneway Cinema
Cost: From $12
Tickets: Online
Keep the party going with
Main image credit: The Beresford | Supplied
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