Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras

By Benjamen Judd

The biggest celebration of gender and sexual diversity in the Southern Hemisphere is now underway in Sydney as the annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras takes over the city. Providing locals and visitors with a month of fantastic queer activities, the event culminates with the internationally famous Mardi Gras Parade up Oxford Street on March 7.

Film, theatre, art exhibitions, academic talks and of course the parties – so many parties – the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is non stop. With something happening in nearly every bar, venue, cinema and hotpot, you’ll be hard pressed not to get caught up in all the glorious gaiety of it all.

There are, however, always several key events to keep an eye out for and they are Fair Day at Victoria Park and, of course, the Parade itself.

On Sunday, February 22, the big family picnic that is Fair Day will take over Victoria Park on City Road (just near Sydney University) for a day of music, beverages, dogs and fun activity goodness like dog modeling and dog shows. Basically, there’s lots of dogs (that’s our favourite part). More down at heel than the parade but a lot more chilled, Fair Day has become a favourite in the community for its relaxed vibe.

The Big Finale, The Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade, will take place on Saturday night, March 7, where it will snake up the length of Oxford and Bourke Flinders Street before finishing in Moore Park. Officially starting at 7.45pm, the best viewing spots are generally taken well before then so we suggest either setting up camp early or even trying for one of the private viewing spots – The Diamond Club and the Parade Sideshow.

For those with the will (and potentially Monday off work) the official Mardi Gras After Party kicks off at 10pm and keeps on kicking until 8am on Sunday. Tickets are available online and we really recommend wearing comfortable shoes…there will be a lot of dancing.

The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras will take place across Sydney throughout the month of February, finishing on March 7. For information on events, timetables and ticketing, head to the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras website.