Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras has just announced its line-up of festivals and events for 2025. The festival will take place from February 14 to March 2, 2025.

The festival promises an approach refocused on the true heart of Sydney Mardi Gras: unapologetic self-expression, powerful inclusiveness and joyful unity.

The theme for 2025 is FREE TO BEwhich commemorates and honors the long struggle for equality and all those who fought so hard for the security, peace and independence of the community. The theme also celebrates the individuality and collective strength of this vibrant community.

The 2025 festival will be full of exciting events, new and old, bringing together thousands of people for an event of unforgettable moments, love, resilience, togetherness and visibility.

Gil Beckwith, CEO of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, said: “Each year, Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras brings people together from all corners of the world for a celebration of community, visibility and progress. Festival 2025 embodies this spirit, reflecting the resilience, creativity and unity of our LGBTQIA+ communities. We are excited to welcome everyone to this year’s festivities and look forward to continuing to uphold the values ​​of inclusion and equality.

Sydney Mayor Clover Moore AO said: “Mardi Gras is one of my favorite times of the year. Sydney truly shines with the diversity, inclusion and love proudly on display. We are delighted to welcoming people from all over the world to our wonderful city – a place that embraces and celebrates everyone, where you are truly free to be.

The must-sees of Sydney Mardi Gras 2025

The festival features over 80 different events over a two-week period, and returning flagship events include the dazzling Sissy ballthe magnificent Kaftana Pool PartyTHE hilarious Laugh proudthe splashes Paradiso Pool Partythe emblematic Mardi Gras Festivaland everyone’s favorite kick-on, Aisle.

The icing on the Mardi Gras cake, the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Paradewill take to the streets in spectacular fashion, with three premium parade viewing areas, including the newly renovated Taylor Square Takeover, offering revelers a new and improved block party experience.

Returning from an unexpected hiatus in 2024, Fair day is back in full swing at Victoria Park, where you’ll find more than 200 food, retail and community stalls. Furthermore, Trans camp and the Karaoke Cave are set to make their Fair Day debut, adding even more fun to the festival’s opening event.

The Mardi Gras party is back and better than ever, and this coming year, the party’s headliner includes the fabulous Grammy Award-winning DJ and producer. Dijon honeyBritish musician, DJ and songwriter Romy – one third of an independent group The XX, debuted as a solo artist with his Grammy-nominated song “Strong.”

Also returning by popular demand after their 2024 debut Ultravioleta party from day to night for

LGBTQIA+ women and their loved ones; Hot trans summer, a celebration dedicated to trans and gender diverse communities, taking place in a luxurious floating venue; And First Light of the First Nations: a welcome festivalthe second rendition of the event will take place on Gadigal, Bidjigal, Birrabirragal Land at Bondi Beach, with a welcome to country, smoking ceremony and performances to kick off the festival with an inspiring and unifying moment.

Sydneysiders and guests from across the country will be able to attend countless events celebrating queer and Indigenous identities and beyond.

Exciting new events at Mardi Gras 2025

The 2025 Festival sees the return of Blak & Deadly: The First Nations gala concertwhich will be hosted in partnership with Sydney’s City Recital Hall following its debut at WorldPride in 2023. The gala concert will celebrate Blak and Queer excellence, with performances that honor First Nations culture and LGBTQIA+SB identities.

Another new feature for 2025 is Mardi Gras + Qtopiaan exciting collaboration with Sydney Mardi Gras Community Partner Qtopia Sydney, the world’s largest center for queer history and culture.

The event throughout the festival will feature a range of exhibitions, experiences and performances, including the electrifying They will be kingsa bold fusion of drag king art and contemporary performance celebrating modern masculinity from diverse queer perspectives.

Another newcomer is I want it so gaya nostalgic and comic journey through the pop culture of the 90s and 2000s, mixing cabaret and parody while re-appropriating the queer stages of millennial adolescence.

Being afraid as if something terrible was going to happen is a razor-sharp one-man show with Samuel Barnett at the Sydney Opera House. Fresh from its celebrated London season, this darkly comic hit delves into the anxieties of modern life, offering festival audiences a hilarious theatrical exploration of intimacy and ego.

Mardi Gras +

The open-access Mardi Gras+ ​​program showcases the creativity of LGBTQIA+ artists, communities and venues across Sydney. This year’s standouts include the glittering Plain pink disco featuring an international drag superstar Trixie Mattelwhere vibrant pink fashion and infectious party vibes combine for the ultimate dancefloor experience.

The always risky Kaye’s holehosted by Cabaret Icon Ruben Kayepromises a wild evening of no-holds-barred comedy, daring performances and live music that push the boundaries and celebrate queer art in its rawest form.

For a more family-friendly evening, Nightclub on the green invites all ages to join in a joyous day of music, dance and drag, creating a sense of community whilst raising funds for LGBTQIA+ charities. Stewed mutton and church of the clitoris features a hilarious and irreverent musical cabaret featuring fierce women over 50, while the tribute show An Evening without Kate Bush pays homage to the legendary singer with a witty and whimsical cabaret show that invites audiences to embrace their inner Bush.

Sports Pride Festival presented in partnership with Pride in Sport 2025 also marks the launch of the Pride in Sport Festival, an initiative that highlights LGBTQIA+ inclusion in sport across Australia. From self-defense workshops to volleyball tournaments, this new addition aims to inspire and empower LGBTQIA+ athletes of all levels.

Join the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 2025 for two weeks of festivities, laughter, love, joy, acceptance, inclusion and pride.

Mardi Gras Tickets 2025

The Sydney Mardi Gras 2025 program will go on sale at 10am AEDT on Friday 15 November.

Festival dates: February 14 – March 2, 2025

Parade date: March 1, 2025

Festival theme: FREE TO BE

Mardigras.org.au