Across 20 days, the city will pulse with queer energy through a dynamic programme of theatre, music, parties, talks, and community events. . . Culminating in the iconic Parade, where Oxford Street will once again transform into the beating heart of LGBTQIA+ pride and visibility.
“‘ECSTATICA’ is about euphoria as resistance,” Jesse Matheson, CEO of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras says. “The idea that our joy is powerful, political, and unstoppable. This year’s Festival celebrates connection in all its forms: from streets to screens, from protest to party, and from one another to the world. It’s a celebration of who we are, what we’ve built, and the future we’re creating together.”
The 2026 event features more than 80 events, opening with the Progress Pride Flag Raising at Sydney Town Hall. That same evening, Ultra Violet will take over City Recital Hall for an electrifying evening created by long-time collaborators Sveta Gilerman and Jess Hill. It’s a glowing, femme-charged celebration of LGBTQIA+ women and their allies.
Meanwhile at National Art School, the trans and gender-diverse community takes centre stage with ‘Black Cherry’, a night of heat, heart and artistry.
'Black Cherry' - Image © Giuseppe Santamaria
Fair Day at Victoria Park will burst back to life – where you can expect the First Nations Circle opening ceremony, the chaos of Drag King Games, the sparkle of the Queer Fashion Runway, Doggywood pooch parade, picnic rugs and Karaoke Cave: Disco Divas. . . All unfolding under the summer sun.
Other returning events include Kaftana Pool Party at Ivy Pool, ‘Laugh Out Proud’ uniting sharp, sassy comics, and Paradiso Pool Party at Ivy Pool.
Plus, Queer Screen’s 33rd Mardi Gras Film Festival is back, running across multiple Sydney venues and presenting outstanding LGBTQIA+ cinema from around the world. . . And Queer Art After Hours returns to the Art Gallery Of New South Wales.
There are a selection of new Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras events to enjoy in 2026 as well.
‘Perfect Arrangement’ is a sharp, witty play by Topher Payne, revisiting the Lavender Scare – the 1950s campaign where the US government targeted and persecuted gay and lesbian employees under the guise of national security.
Then, ‘The Normal Heart’ presented by Sydney Theatre Company marks the return of Larry Kramer’s groundbreaking play about love, loss and activism during the AIDS crisis, to the stage.
Kaftana Pool Party - Image © Ash Penin
‘Black Cherry’ turns the clock back, as the trans and gender-diverse community takes over the Cell Block Theatre at the National Art School, for a night of heat, music, and redemption. And, a brand-new dining spectacular, Mardi Gala, transforms Merivale’s Ivy Ballrooms into a feast for every sense.
Once again, the iconic Parade will fill Oxford Street, starring thousands of marchers and floats, uniting in a dazzling procession of pride, visibility, and solidarity. The Party returns, reimagined, with more love, rhythm and energy than one can handle.
The Mardi Gras+ programme celebrates queer creativity across arts, culture, sports and community, with an open access programme bringing together LGBTQIA+ artists, collectives and venues from across Sydney.
Plus, the festival’s evolution into a year-round platform continues with the new Mardi Gras App, a free digital home for event listings, safety tools, and queer-owned business discovery.
“We’re excited see Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras launch another wonderful season of celebration and community,” Rainbow Precinct President Shane Warren says. “It’s a moment to come together as businesses, neighbours and friends to honour all that’s been achieved over the years. Now more than ever, as we witness hard-won rights under threat in some of our neighbouring countries, we’re reminded of the importance of visibility, unity and pride.”
Check out the full programme.
Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras 2026 is on from 13 February-1 March.
