Sydney Mardi Gras/WorldPride 2023

It's time to SASHAY your way into the biggest pride celebration Australia has ever seen!

Ready to let your hair down?

Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras have always been a fabulous occasion, but this year, it gets even more special with the arrival of WorldPride to the Southern Hemisphere for the first time ever! 2023's festivities are set to be biggest, loudest and proudest yet, so dust off your brightest, most sequin-covered outfit and get ready to join in the fun!

Credit Jeffrey Feng/Destination NSW

Events

Here's our top picks for this year but there is SO MUCH MORE! For all the 'tea' check out the full festival guide.

Mardi Gras Fair Day - Sun 19 Feb

One of the major highlights of Mardi Gras each year, this long-standing event is an important date for the community and returns in full force after a couple of years of pandemic-affected editions. The spirit of this family-friendly occasion is inclusiveness, and sees hundreds of stalls take over Victoria Park in the City for an all-day celebration of LGBTQIA+ communities.

Live and Proud: Sydney WorldPride Opening Concert - Fri 24 Feb

With a slew of iconic Aussie acts headlining, one of the real big ticket events of WorldPride 2023 is its Opening Concert. See Kylie Minogue, Charli XCX, Jessica Mauboy and more in this barnstorming kick off to WorldPride proper, hosted by Casey Donovan and Courtney Act. 

Sydney Mardi Gras Parade - Sat 25 Feb

It's Australia’s biggest LGBTQIA+ event of the year and the parade is set to draw the attention of hundreds of thousands worldwide and once again! The Sydney Mardi Gras Parade was relocated to the Sydney Cricket Ground for COVID-safe reasons, but at last returns this year to its recognisable Oxford Street home, where it has been held since 1978.

Sydney Worldpride Human Rights Conference - Wed 1 Mar- Fri 3 Mar

Combining keynotes, panels, workshops and performances, this momentous meeting of the minds will be the largest queer human rights conference ever held in this part of the world. 

Laugh Out Proud - Fri 3 Mar

After a three sold-out years on the bounce, this fabulous line-up of queer stand-up talent returns March 3rd – and guess what? Its 2023 edition has now already sold out again. Boo!

Pride March - Sun 5 Mar

In what promises to be a historical day, 50,000+ people will march in unity across the Sydney Harbour Bridge in a colourful display of equality and solidarity for all LGBTQIA+ people. This is actually a ticketed event, so click the link above and enter the ballot for a chance be there on the day. 

Closing Concert: Rainbow Republic - Sun 5 Mar

After the magic of the Pride March, WorldPride 2023 will draw to a close with an epic seven-hour concert featuring artists from around the globe. This one promises to be a truly incredible send-off, and not to be missed.

More massive events:

WorldPride 2023 promises to be an absolute blockbuster of an occasion! Be sure to check out its embarrassment of other great events. Here's some of our highlights: Blak and Deadly: First Nations Gala Concert, Mardi Gras Sissy Ball, Mardi Gras Laneway, Bondi Beach Party, Domain Dance Party.

When the day is done

Even if you don’t plan on getting much sleep throughout the celebrations, YHA has the place to rest your weary body, with a range of co-living and private ensuite rooms depending on how sociable you still feel. Plus, we've got hot showers, amazing rooftops and excellent prices. 

Close to to all events, YHA Sydney Central also offers a rooftop pool for bevvies, BBQ's and an unbeatable view of the city.

Not in Sydney? Check out our wrap up of all the biggest LGBTQIA+ events and festivals across Australia! 

Also check out: The most LGBTQIA+ friendly cities in Australia