Sydney is gearing up to launch its 37th Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, an annual celebration that sees the city come alive with vibrant parties, parades and events. The upbeat and friendly festival is set to be held from 20 February - 8 March and features a wide range of attractions to appeal to a variety of audiences. If you're considering which of the many events in Sydney to attend this year, this should be high up on your list.
Victoria Park sets the scene for the family-friendly Fair Day, which sees more than 80,000 people come together to celebrate togetherness each year. Bring along a picnic and sit under the sun with thousands of your new friends, or peruse the gourmet stalls onsite and pick up something tasty. There are rides for the young and young at heart, plus plenty of live comedy, music and dance to entertain the masses. One of the biggest highlights is the DoggyWood dog show, which is bound to appeal to animal lovers.
The Fair Day is held on Sunday 22 February from 10am to 8pm.
The parade is perhaps the pinnacle of the annual Mardi Gras celebrations. It's held this year on Saturday 7 March on Oxford and Flinders Streets in Darlinghurst, and kicks off at 7:45pm. The parade brings hundreds of thousands of spectators from every corner of the globe together to celebrate and cheer on around 10,000 people walking the street. If there was ever an atmosphere of fun, frivolity and partying, this is it.
The parade emerged after a night of political protest, and has since become essential in expressing LGBTQI identity. Expect flawless and fabulous outfits, loud music and an overwhelming sense of love, acceptance and celebration.
If you want to lend a hand to the parade, join one of the 2,000 volunteers who do their bit to ensure it runs to plan.
Sydney's Mardi Gras is heading into its 37th year, and it's set to be bigger, brighter and better than ever.
There's a huge array of different festival events throughout February and March, including the Happy Mardi Gras! photographic exhibition. This runs almost all the way through February and March and showcases work from the City of Sydney Archive's C.Moore Hardy collection, culminating in an exhibition featuring two decades of glory from Mardi Gras.
Jurassic Lounge is another notable event, where audiences get an up close and personal behind-the-scenes look at Australian Museum's collections. Around 2,000 guests attend this party each year, where different acts and speakers from Mardi Gras perform to the masses.
Mantra on Kent is one attractive option for Mardi Gras holidaymakers, located less than a kilometre from the city's major tourist destinations. Wake up each morning to be greeted by sweeping views of the harbour and enjoy the 24-hour reception that allows you to come and go as you please - perfect for those late night Mardi Gras parties! There's also the onsite Cascades Restaurant to cater to your every whim, whether it's decadent dining in the restaurant itself or room service for when you want nothing more than to relax in your room with a tasty treat.
Mantra 2 Bond Street is another excellent accommodation option, offering everything from executive studio apartments through to three-bedroom penthouses. Make the most of the gymnasium and swimming pool here to keep your fitness levels up for the main event, and refuel at Memento Bar & Kitchen after a long day of partying, parading and whatever else takes your fancy during Mardi Gras.
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