The 2025 theme is ‘FREE TO BE’.

This theme will carry throughout the 2025 festivities. In 2025, Mardi Gras celebrates 47 years as it continues to stand strong as a pillar of strength and unity, and a monument for creativity and self-expression within LGBTQIA+ communities, in Sydney and across the globe.

In 2025, the festival promises to bring unforgettable moments, radiant performances and vibrant events, which honour the past, celebrate the present, and inspire a future of inclusivity and acceptance.

As usual, the 17-day celebration culminates in the world-famous Sydney Mardi Gras Parade, on 1 March. Community groups will gather on Oxford Street, Flinders Street, and Anzac Parade for the march with their float concepts drawing on the 2025 theme.

Image © Jordan Munns

“Free To Be is a manifesto of what our community has desired and fought for dozens of decades, and the reason why we will continue to be here, fighting, celebrating and being fiercely visible for the generations to come,” Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras CEO Gil Beckwith says.

“Our theme is about making a statement to embrace and rejoice in our unique individuality as well as our collective identity. It is about the bravery to rise for each other in the darkest of times and protect the progress we’ve made, using it as a springboard toward the progress we deserve.”

The full calendar of events and activities will drop later this year. . . But there are already a number of ways to get involved. Applications to march in the 2025 Parade are now open. . . And applications to host a stall at the 2025 Fair Day are also open, as are applications to volunteer at the festival and to host your event in Mardi Gras+.

Check out info on how to get involved.

Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras 2025 is on from 14 February-5 March.