The events joining the festivities and making their grand return include the annual flag raising at Sydney Town Hall, the all-day community spectacular Fair Day, the Mardi Gras Party, the Laneway recovery party, Paradiso Pool Party, comedy gala ‘Laugh Out Proud’, ballroom extravaganza ‘Sissy Ball’, retro soiree Kaftana Party, Mardi Gras Film Festival and Queer Art After Hours.
These events join the previously-announced Parade, for the 2022 programme – which has just been confirmed to be airing on ABC for 2022 and the next three years. This also means ABC will broadcast WorldPride events in 2023.
“We’re so excited to bring back some of our most cherished events in 2022,” Mardi Gras CEO Albert Kruger says. “Our festival has always served as a platform for self-expression through art and culture, and after two challenging years of limited contact, 2022 is an opportunity for us to not only unite, connect and be entertained; but also celebrate the diversity and creativity of our wonderful communities and share our pride to the world.”
The 2022 Mardi Gras theme is ‘United We Shine’.
Check out more information about the newly added events below.
Progress Pride Flag Raising
The Progress Pride flag will rise at Sydney Town Hall to mark the beginning of festival season, as leading community members come together as the international symbol of LGBTQIA+ pride shines from one of Sydney’s most iconic buildings.
Fair Day
All the events and activations the community knows and loves will be back in Fair Day, 2022. Bask in the sunshine with a picnic, wander through the community stalls with your pooch in tow, or kick off your heels and dance the afternoon away as Fair Day turns into night.
Kaftana Pool Party
This iconic party will be transformed into the ultimate retro summer daydream, for a poolside afternoon of extravagant fabulousness. Sit back, sip on a Pink Lady, and celebrate.
Laugh Out Proud
This queer comedy event of the year is a one-night-only showcase of fan favourites, funny faithfuls, and rising stars in the Australian queer comedy scene. The 2022 event follows sold-out iterations in 2020 and 2021.
Laneway
Sissy Ball
Join the fierce icons and rising stars of the Australian ballroom scene and soak up the essence of queer culture, art and expression. It’s a celebration of identity, fluidity and finesse, featuring house battles, live music, DJs, phenomenal performing artists and a VIP viewing gallery.
Paradiso Pool Party
The Ivy pool will turn into the epitome of Mediterranean sun-kissed glam for the final day of summer . Cocktails flow and DJs, live vocalists and musicians will turn day into night.
Party
Step into a party playground of sensual celebrations and joy, as the largest LGBTQIA+ part in the Southern Hemisphere celebrates its 40th edition at Hordern Pavilion. This year, it goes back to its roots with dance floors, chill-out spaces and quirky corners to explore. . . Plus, local and international DJs, pop-up shows and performance artists.
Queer Art After Hours
Laneway
Bring your Mardi Gras weekend to a close with a camp curbside tradition. Spread across both levels of The Beresford and spilling out on to Hill Street, Laneway is a great way to farewell Mardi Gras 2022.
Queer Screen Mardi Gras Film Festival
The 29th Queer Screen Mardi Gras Film Festival will bring the latest and best LGBTQIA+ films to cinemas screen across Sydney and on-demand nationally.
Queer Art After Hours
Art Gallery Of NSW will come to life for this exhibition inspired by the 2022 Mardi Gras theme ‘United We Shine’. Discover the godly, the glamorous and the groundbreaking at this explosion of innovative performance art, installations, music and gallery tours.
