Mardi Gras Sydney 2026: 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’s a slew of exciting 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, February 28th, 2026.

As always, among the singing, dancing, and discussing, the festival has a theme. This year’s theme is ‘Ecstatica,’ which celebrates bold, joyful self-expression and community connection. While the full list of events is available through the official website, here’s a taste of what’s at the top of our list for the 2026 Sydney Mardi Gras.

Pullman’s Pride Party Is Back And Bigger Than Ever

Sydney’s most fabulous pre-parade celebration is returning to Pullman Sydney Hyde Park this Mardi Gras. From powerhouse performances by Paulini and MANÚ to dazzling drag from Coco Jumbo and MC magic by Dakota Fann’ee, Let Your Pride Shine promises four hours of high-energy entertainment, flowing drinks and front-row parade vibes. If you’re chasing the ultimate Mardi Gras night out, this is where the party starts.

Saturday 28th February 2026

5pm – 9pm

Purchase tickets here.

Opera Bar Is Serving Harbourfront Glam This Mardi Gras

Sydney’s most iconic waterfront spot is dialling up the sparkle across two huge Mardi Gras moments. On Saturday 21 February, a live voguing contest hosted by House of Silky takes over from 8:30pm, before Sunday 22 February brings a Drag Wheel of Fortune from 3:30–6:30pm and a harbourfront DJ set into the evening. Archie Rose cocktails, waterfront views and back-to-back entertainment? Lock it in.

More details here.

Sydney Opera House, Lower Concourse Level, Sydney NSW 2000

Pop Into The Inner South’s Sassiest Showdown

BrewDog South Eveleigh is bringing the chaos with Drag Queens vs Comedians; a fierce face-off packed with reads, roasts and razor-sharp punchlines. Expect big laughs, big energy and a crowd that’s ready to crown comedy royalty. If you can’t make it down on that date, the venue is hosting themed nights every Wednesday.

Bay 1 Locomotive, Workshops South, Eveleigh NSW 2015

Friday 20th February 2026

From 7pm

More details here.

Darlo’s Cult Drag Brunch Is Back On The Rooftop

Rooftop views, fierce queens and a Chinese banquet that means business, BIG DRAG BRUNCH is returning to Taphouse for two glittering sittings this Mardi Gras. With free-flowing drinks and a welcome Archie Rose Frozen Mango Daiquiri, this is how you brunch during Pride season.

Saturday February 21st
12pm – 3pm

Saturday February 28th
3pm – 5:30pm

Book your spot here.

2026 Mardi Gras Parade

Like the rainbow community it represents, the 48th 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.

Watch this year’s theme, ‘Ecstatica,’ come to life from the free viewing areas, spanning Oxford Street, Flinders Street, and Anzac Parade, from Hyde Park to Moore Park.

6:00pm to 11:00pm

Saturday February 28th, 2026

Oxford Street and surrounds

Glitter Club – Mardi Gras Parade Night Experience

Turn Taylor Square into your doorstep dancefloor with raised DJ stages, premium parade viewing platforms and live DJs all night. This ticketed event turns the heart of the Mardi Gras route into one of the year’s most talked-about parties.

Saturday February 28th

6:30pm – Late

Final release tickets for $169.99. Purchase here.

The Island: Pop Yacht Mardi Gras Special

Set sail into Mardi Gras vibes on the harbour with DJs, bubbles and sunset views. Grab a ticket and secure a VIP table or booth for drinks and party beats on the water.

Friday February 27th

6pm – 11pm

Purchase tickets here.

Queer Art After Hours Celebrates LGBTQIA+ Culture With Art, DJs And Performances

Step into a night where queer creativity takes over one of Sydney’s premier art spaces. Queer Art After Hours brings together live performances, immersive installations, DJ sets, tarot readings and Queering The Collection art tours across Naala Badu and Naala Nura — all in celebration of community, resilience and expression during Mardi Gras.

Wednesday February 25th

5pm – 10pm

Free, though bookings are required)

Find more details here.

Mardi Gras Sydney 2025 will be held from February 14 to March 2 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 MG lewks! Check out our best party dress edit, then take a look at our round-up of the best Australian jewellery brands that should be on your radar.