At the centre of this glitter-fuelled magic is Oxtravaganza, a dazzling event weaving through Oxford Street and the Rainbow Precinct.

Back for its ninth year, Oxtravaganza is the ultimate experience, ranging two weeks from 14 February to 2 March 2025. It’s packed with around 100 events across 40 venues in Darlinghurst, Rainbow Precinct, Kings Cross and Hollywood Quarter. From drag brunches and bingo to art exhibitions, live performances, and the unmissable family zone, Oxtravaganza is a celebration, with a vibrant showcase of creativity and inclusivity.

Pulling together a festival of this scale is no small task. For Sydney's Glitter King KevinInTheCity, who’s previously worked on Oxtravaganza, Sydney WorldPride, and Pride Month as a ‘Drag Queen Wrangler’ and curator, it’s all about collaboration.

“Oxtravaganza has become such a big part of Mardi Gras,” KevinInTheCity says. “There are so many gay and queer-owned businesses in this area that don’t always get the attention they deserve. This festival gives us a chance to spotlight them and celebrate everything the precinct has to offer.”

“It’s a lot of reaching out to the different businesses, owners and bars to see who wants to be a part of these events. Coming up with new ideas, [lining] up drag queens to run around and cause havoc. It’s all worth it. Everyone gets to be highlighted, and it shows what a vibrant and fun community we have.”

Wondermama - Image © Robert Knapman

The payoff, he says, is immeasurable: “At my core, I’m really a drag human. I love showcasing drag and queer culture. I was kind of raised in the queer scene in Toronto before I moved to Sydney. So I just want to make sure that queer culture and drag stays alive.” He adds, “Each year we kind of try to do something different throughout the precinct. This year we are doing a social media takeover to get as many eyes on these businesses and on the precinct for people who may not be there in person. This way we can still show all the fun that's to be had.”

For Kevin, one of the festival’s highlights is the family zone, held on Saturday, 22 February. “It’s amazing to have family-friendly spaces during Mardi Gras. Drag isn’t always for kids, but the family zone makes sure families can be part of the celebrations in a way that’s accessible and inclusive,” he explains.

While the precinct’s streets come alive with drag queens, DJs, and performers, Oxtravaganza also spills into its galleries, clubs, and cafes. Art lovers can explore queer-themed exhibitions at the National Art School, Tap Gallery, and Stanley Street Gallery, while partygoers can hit venues like Stonewall, Burdekin, and Universal for disco-fuelled nights.

And let’s not forget the drag brunches and bingo. From bottomless mimosas at The Winery to brunch at Lumiere Café and trivia at Stonewall, there’s no shortage of reasons to raise a glass (or two).

For festival-goers looking to immerse themselves in the spirit of Mardi Gras, Kevin recommends exploring some of the precinct’s unique spots.

“For the ultimate Mardi Gras wardrobe, check out Daily Male for hot shorts and mesh singlets, Pure Lavish for extravagant costumes, or House Of Priscilla for all the beads and sparkles you could dream of,” he suggests. And if you’re looking for something a little kinkier? “You can’t go past the leather at Sax Fetish.”

But Kevin’s advice for first-time visitors is less about the outfit and more about the attitude. “The whole point of Mardi Gras is to bring people together. Come with a positive mindset, have fun and take things as they come. Mardi Gras is there to spread love, joy, and acceptance.”

Beyond the glitter and the parties, Mardi Gras carries a deeper meaning for Kevin. “For me, Mardi Gras is about being loud, proud, and visible,” he reflects. “I come from a generation where queer culture wasn’t something you saw in the media or out in the world. So, although Mardi Gras might look like feathers and fluff, it’s so much more than that.”

He continues, “If you don’t live in the city, you don’t see this every day. Mardi Gras has become such a huge event, and it spreads our message beyond our daily lives. As a drag performer and social media personality, I love to be loud, queer, bright, and unapologetically different. It’s important for people who might not see that regularly to witness it, so they know that not all queer people fit a stereotype. There are all sorts of people in this world, and Mardi Gras is our time to shine, to show off, and to be that beacon for those who come after us.”

Oxtravaganza and the Rainbow Precinct are once again offering spaces to celebrate, connect, and, above all, embrace the queer community. So grab your glitter, pull on your most extravagant outfit, and get ready to revel in the magic of Mardi Gras season.

Oxtravaganza runs from 14 February-2 March.