All The Best Things To Do At This Year’s Sydney Mardi Gras
You guys, Gay Christmas – better known as the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras – is just around the corner and we’re so excited (we just can’t hide it). Now in its 41st year, the Sydney Mardi Gras is one of the world’s biggest and best celebrations of LGBTIQ history and culture.
[related_articles]63476,34864,62658[/related_articles]With this year’s festivities officially kicking off on Friday, February 15 and running through until Sunday, March 3, it’s now time to begin stocking up on glitter paint, start searching for a show-stopping outfit and – most importantly – figure out which shows and events you’re keen to check out.
Don’t be a drag! Get out and explore the festivities at our top five picks at this year’s Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
#1 Sydney Mardi Gras Parade
If there’s one event you simply can’t miss at Mardi Gras, it’s hands down the parade.
It’s a sight like no other – a busting extravaganza that brings Sydney to a total standstill with the spotlight shining directly on LGBTIQ lives, culture communities and creativity.
Spectacular floats, thousands of participants and a smorgasbord of glittering colour will sashay from Moore Park to Hyde Park showcasing the glitz and glamour of the queer community.
People get in bloody early to snag seats, so we recommend doing the same if you want to get close to the action.
The parade will make you feel all the feelings while you simultaneously bop to a Britney Spears track – something everyone should experience at least once in their life.
When? Saturday, March 2 from 7pm to 11pm
Where? Oxford and Flinders Streets, Sydney
How much? Free
#2 The White Party ft. Aquaria
If you went to Sydney Mardi Gras but didn’t go to a drag show, did you really go to Mardi Gras?
The White Party is the place to be the night before the parade. Besides it being an enormous dance party to kick off the weekend at Australia’s biggest club on the harbour, Aquaria of RuPaul’s Drag Race fame and winner of season 10 will be performing a feature-length show for you to snap your fingers at.
[related_articles]63841,58198[/related_articles]Plus, there will be a killer line-up of local queens for you to support. Start your weekend right and get to Aquaria’s show.
When? Friday, March 1 at 10pm
Where? Home The Venue, Darling Harbour
How much? Tickets start at $55 and can be purchased here.
#3 Bar Kylie
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Now in its fourth year in association with Sydney Mardi Gras, Bar Kylie has become a national icon in the Australian Gay scene, touring the country with its special brand of camp and leaving a trail of glitter everywhere it goes.
Featuring the most Kylie Minogue-obsessed of all DJ’s, Argonaut and specially produced Mardi Gras exclusive performances by Melbourne icon Millie Minogue, Bar Kylie is not to be missed.
Get your gold hot pants ready, this will be one dance party you can’t get out of your head.
When? Thursday, February 28 at 9pm
Where? Slide on Oxford Street, Surry Hills
How much? Free.
#4 Laneway
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Feeling a little dusty from the festival? Don’t pop the Beroccas just yet, and cancel that greasy McDonalds you just ordered on Uber Eats, the party’s not over!
Just head to Laneway, the ultimate recovery event to close the Mardi Gras weekend.
It’s got everything, the hottest DJs, surprise live performances and a good mix of indoor and outdoor spaces to get your dance on. Plus, this year Sneaky Sound System is headlining this year, so you know it’ll be a good time.
When? Sunday, March 3 at 2pm to 11pm (the day after the parade)
Where? The Beresford Hotel, Surry Hills
How much? Tickets start at $78 and can be purchased here.
There you have it, girls, guys, gays and everything in between! Have the best Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, stay safe, and see you on the dance floor.
[qantas_widget code=SYD]Check out Qantas flights to Sydney to begin your next adventure.[/qantas_widget](Lead image: Peter Hershey)
