Mardi Gras Sydney 2024: Your Guide to a Fun & Fabulous Festival

Holding onto its title as one of the city’s most iconic (and fabulous) festivals, Sydney Mardi Gras will treat festival goers to a huge celebration of LGBTQIA+ culture over two rather colourful weeks this February and March. There is a myriad of events on the festival calendar, including comedy, music, theatre performances, exhibitions, and parties on either side of the famously flamboyant Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday 2nd March. 

As always, among the singing, dancing, and discussing, the festival has a theme. This year’s theme is ‘Our Future'. While the full list of events is available through the official website, here’s just a taste of what’s to come at Mardi Gras Sydney 2024.

Mardi Gras Pre-Game at The Pullman Sydney Hyde Park

We all know the pre-game is just as important as the main event and this year ahead of the 2024 Mardi Gras Parade, the Pullman Hotel in Sydney will be putting on the pres to end all pres! 

Pullman Sydney Hyde Park is located just minutes from all the action taking place on Oxford Street, and with a lineup of activities including free-flowing drinks, roaming bites and DJs, it is the perfect place to get hyped up before the parade takes centre stage. Even better is the fact that you can watch all the action from one of the best locations in town with pass-outs so you can come and go as you please!

5pm to 9pm, $229 per person

Saturday 2nd March 

36 College Street, Sydney

Hawkes Mardi Cha 

Combining almost all of our favourite things in one event, Hawkes Beer & Leisure Centre are hosting the ultimate foodie-focused Mardi Gras celebration. The extra fabulous spin on Hawkes beloved yum cha sessions, the feast will be made even more spectacular by host Jackie Daniel and friends. Depending on which session you opt for, we expect amped up energy on the Sat, preparing for a wild night, and low-key recovery vibes on Sunday with $12 bloody Marys serving as the all-important hair of the dog. 

Saturday 2nd March and Sunday 3rd March, 11am to 4pm 

8-12 Sydney Street, Marrickville 

Oxtravaganza

Oxford Street’s annual Oxtravaganza is pulling out all the stops with celebrations and activations over the full two weeks of the Sydney Mardi Gras schedule. This celebration of Oxford Street will see 100+ local businesses coming together to offer special retail promotions, live music, viewing parties, exclusive performances, outdoor entertainment, and art walks alongside food and drink deals. 

Friday 16th February to Sunday March 3rd 

Oxford Streets and surrounds

Glam Up With a Complimentary Styling Appointment at Dyson Demo Store 

Ensure you're feeling your best self this Mardi Gras without spending a dime. Dyson Demo Store on George Street is offering free styling sessions (rrp $60) throughout the festival period. All you have to do is book in advance via this link and voila, snazzy hair is all yours. 

Friday 16th February to Friday 3rd March

285 George Street, Brookfield Place, Sydney 

Briefs: Dirty Laundry 

The Brief Boys have touched down in Sydney and it's time to score yourself tickets to the best show in town. They will be performing their newest show, Dirty Laundry, that will bring spins, tumbles, acrobatics, twists and boylesque to the stage. There will be drag, there will be dance and there will be comedy. 

From $40 

Tuesday 20th February to Friday 15th March 

Sydney Spiegeltent, Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park 

Douse Yourself in Glitter at Forrester's Free Pop-Up Glitter Stations

Staying sparkly is thirsty work so be sure to pop by Forrester's as often as you need to rehydrate and re-glitter. 

Saturday 24th February, 2pm to 5pm, and Saturday 2nd March, 5pm to 7pm 

366 Riley Street, Sydney 

Disco Sessions at Chin Chin 

If your favourite way to celebrate is via food then Chin Chin's Mardi Gras: Disco Sessions will be right up your alley. The celebrations involve a bottomless lunch, a cocktail special (supporting LGBTQIA+ youth) and DJ tunes. The perfect way to ease into the festive season! 

$109 per person 

Saturday February 17th to Saturday 3rd March 

69 Commonwealth Street, Sydney 

Brix Distillery x Kiama Blowhole Cabaret Show 

Name a better combo than rum, cabaret and endless drinks. We'll wait. This Mardi Gras, Sydney's only dedicated rum distillery is getting in the spirit with something a little special.  Kick off your night with 2 hours of free-flowing bottomless Brix Spritz and a charcuterie platter before a cabaret show hosted by Drag Queen Kiama Blowhole. You'll also have the chance to score some sparkly limited edition cocktail specials throughout the night. Kick the weekend off the right way! 

$99 per person, tickets available here 

Friday 1st March, 6pm to 10pm 

350 Bourke Street, Surry Hills

2024 Mardi Gras Parade

Like the rainbow community it represents, the 46th Mardi Gras Parade will be as colourful a carnival as ever. This world-renowned extravaganza is the ultimate celebration of beauty, self-expression, strength, and solidarity. With 200+ floats and over 12,000 marchers setting the scene for a fun, festive and downright fabulous evening, keep an eye out for fan favourites Dykes on Bikes, First Nations and 78ers.

Watch this year’s theme 'Our Future' come to life from the free viewing areas along the entirely revamped route heading from Hyde Park to Moore Park.

6:00pm to 11:00pm

Saturday 2nd March 

Oxford Street and surrounds

Mardi Gras Bingo Brunch at Above 319 

Cap off your Mardi Gras weekend with a good ol' bingo sesh. Above 319 rooftop bar will be hosting the perfect day-after event involving free-flowing bottomless Aperol spritz, an Italian-style shared menu, woodfired pizzas and bingo (with prizes!), all with a bright pink and orange backdrop. Just gorj. 

$99 per person 

Sunday 3rd March, 12pm to 2pm 

Level 14, 319 - 325 Sussex Street, Sydney 

Spend Parade Morning Gearing Up with Bar Morris' Drag Bingo and Caviar Bumps 

Before things get raucous, keep things classy with Bar Morris' ritzy interiors and Italian bites. Drag royalty Dakota Fann'ee will be taking you through 10 rounds of bingo with sides of sangria, snacks, rainbow semifreddo and caviar bumps with frozen vodka. 

$25 per person 

Saturday 2nd March, 12pm to 2pm 

412 Pitt Street, Sydney 

Life Drawing 

In celebration of diversity and inclusivity, head to Darlinghurst Life Drawing for a few hours of creativity surrounded by rainbow flags, tunes and glitter. Whether you're an artist in the making or simply like to scribble, you'll be welcomed with open arms here.

From $65 

From Friday 16th February 

205 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst 

Mardi Gras Paradiso Pool Party

To sip the day away, round up your friends and make your way to the KiKi Ivy Pool Party at the luxurious Ivy Pool Bar. Decked out with palm trees, cabanas, scantily glad festival goers and local DJs, this is the perfect way to celebrate all things summer and Mardi Gras. 

From $60 per person

Monday 4th March, 12pm to 8pm

Ivy Pool Club, 320 George Street, Sydney

Mardi Gras Sydney will be held from Friday 16th February to Sunday 3rd March in various locations. For more details (and parade outfit inspiration), visit the website here or take a look at the Instagram page here.

Now that you've got your calendar full, it's time to sort your Pride lewks! check out our new season fashion round-up, then take a look at our edit of the best Australian jewellry brands that should be on your radar.