Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras is here for Pride Month 2026, with a bunch of fundraising events. Dust off your hottest ski outfit at ‘APRES GRAS’, flex your knowledge in ‘Mardi Gras Trivia Night’, or dance the night away at ‘Winter Violet’.
Who said you had to stay home this winter?!
“Pride Month is one of the most important times in our calendar," Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras CEO, Jesse Matheson says. “June is not only a global celebration of LGBTQIA+SB pride – it also marks the anniversary of the first Mardi Gras in on 24 June 1978. With the 50th anniversary fast approaching, ‘APRÈS GRAS’, ‘Mardi Gras Anniversary Trivia’ and ‘Winter Violet’ are a chance for our community to come together, celebrate queer joy and help power the future of Mardi Gras. This is your invitation to show up, turn up the heat and be part of what comes next. Ecstatica was just the beginning!”
The ‘APRÈS GRAS’ winter Mardi Gras fundraiser is an afternoon to evening party which equal parts cosy and wild. . . The Trivia Night is packed with Mardi Gras history, bonus questions, drag performances and prizes for top history buffs. Then, ‘Winter Violet’ stars Ladyhawke presenting a DJ set, in a night of three stages at one iconic venue.
The Mardi Gras+ Pride Month programme will also celebrate LGBTQIA+ arts, culture, parties, sport and community. All applications will be assessed on community relevance, and alignment with the Mardi Gras Ethical Charter.
“We set out this year to create more ways for our communities to connect with Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras beyond the festival season – reaching new audiences, celebrating queer culture year-round, and creating spaces where people feel seen, connected and proud,” Co-Chairs of Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras, Kathy Pavlich and Mits Delisle say.
“Pride Month, and the anniversary of the first Mardi Gras on 24 June 1978, is the perfect moment to continue building that vision as we look ahead to our historic 50th anniversary in 2028. From parties and performances to trivia and community events, these moments are about celebrating our history, backing our communities, and building the future of Mardi Gras together.”
Mardi Gras+ applications are now open.
