Mercure Sydney - Mardi Gras 2025

Celebrate the 2025 Sydney Mardi Gras Festival from February 14 to March 2! This year’s theme, “Free to Be,” invites the LGBTQIA+ community to come together and celebrate pride, diversity, and self-expression. Don’t miss iconic events like Fair Day (Feb 16), the dazzling Mardi Gras Parade (Mar 1), the Mardi Gras Party (Mar 1) and the spectacular Sissy Ball (Mar 2). With vibrant parties, performances, and celebrations, the Mardi Gras Festival promises an unforgettable experience.

Looking for the perfect place to stay during Mardi Gras? Mercure Sydney offers modern, comfortable accommodation in the heart of the action, just moments away from all the major events.

The 2025 Sydney Mardi Gras Festival is back from February 14 to March 2, bringing together the LGBTQIA+ community for a celebration of pride, diversity, and equality. This year’s theme, “Free to Be,” highlights individuality and self-expression. Here’s a top 10 list of the unmissable events:

Fair Day – February 16
A family-friendly community event at Victoria Park, featuring live performances, food stalls, and over 200 exhibitors.

Laugh Out Proud – February 28
 A night of LGBTQIA+ comedy, showcasing the humor and stories of the queer community.

Blak & Deadly Gala – February 28
 A First Nations Gala celebrating Indigenous LGBTQIA+ voices through music and performance.

Mardi Gras Parade – March 1
 The iconic Mardi Gras Parade along Oxford Street, with over 200 floats and dazzling performances.

Mardi Gras Party – March 1
 The largest LGBTQIA+ party in Australasia, featuring international headliners like Honey Dijon and Romy.

Ultra Violet – March 1
 A vibrant LGBTQIA+ women’s event at the National Art School, featuring performances by Bklava and WILLO.

Kaftana Pool Party – March 1
A glamorous poolside event at Ivy Pool, with performances by Aaron Manhattan and Bettie Bombshell.

Hot Trans Summer – March 1
 A nautical-themed celebration hosted by Andi Climax, featuring DJs like DJ Gay Dad.

Paradiso Pool Party – March 2
 The ultimate Mardi Gras pool party, with DJs like Krissy Jaman and DJ Leow.

Sissy Ball – March 2
 The Southern Hemisphere’s biggest vogue ball, celebrating drag culture and performance.

For more information, check out the Mardi Gras website here.