The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival is back from 14 February to 2 March 2025, promising an extraordinary celebration of LGBTQIA+ pride, culture, and community! With a refocused approach, this year's festival brings us back to the heart of what Sydney Mardi Gras is all about - unapologetic self-expression, powerful inclusivity and joyous unity.

The 2025 theme, FREE TO BE, honours the decades-long fight for equality while celebrating the individuality and collective strength of our vibrant community. It's a call to embrace who we are and continue the work that remains to ensure freedom for all. The 2025 festival will be filled with unforgettable moments, where the power of love, resilience, and visibility will once again take centre stage.

Check out the program details below! Tickets are on sale Friday 15 November at 10am AEDT.

Sydney Mardi Gras Festival

Fri 14 Feb 2025 - Sun 2 Mar 2025

Various Venues Sydney, NSW

A Curated Program Tailored to All

This year's program offers over 80 events that bring together the diverse elements of Sydney's LGBTQIA+ communities. While navigating Australia's evolving live events landscape, the 2025 Festival stands as a testament to the power of creativity and resilience. With a line-up that is as rich and varied as ever, the focus is on creating meaningful experiences for all festival-goers.

Returning signature events include the dazzling Sissy Ball, the ever-popular Kaftana Pool Party, the hilarious Laugh Out Proud, the vibrant Paradiso Pool Party, the iconic Mardi Gras Party, and everybody's favourite kick-on, Laneway. Of course, the jewel in the Mardi Gras crown, the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade, will once again take to the streets in spectacular fashion, featuring three premium Parade Viewing Areas, including the newly revamped Taylor Square Takeover - promising parade-goers a totally new block party experience.

The Mardi Gras Party is set to be another unforgettable night, headlined by Grammy award winning DJ, producer and fashion icon Honey Dijon and UK musician, DJ and songwriter Romy. In an exclusive Sydney appearance, Romy will perform live, bringing her unique sound and energy to the iconic event. Expect an eight-hour explosion of music across six venues, celebrating the rich diversity of our global community through a night of pure, unadulterated joy.

Also back by popular demand after debuting in 2024 are Ultra Violet, a day-to-night party for LGBTQIA+ women and their nearest and dearest; Hot Trans Summer, a celebration dedicated to trans and gender-diverse communities, taking place on a luxurious floating venue; and First Nations First Light: A Festival Welcome, the second rendition of the event will take place on Gadigal, Bidjigal, Birrabirragal Land at Bondi Beach, featuring a Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony and performances to kick off the festival with an inspiring and unifying moment.