Ecstatica Takes Over 2026 As Mardi Gras Drops Its Full Festival Plan
The 2026 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras program is here. Get your calendar ready, because the festival is set to take over the city from February 13 to March 1, 2026. The theme for the 48th festival is Ecstatica, a concept centred on joy as a source of power.
As SGLMG CEO Jesse Matheson explained, “Ecstatica is about euphoria as resistance… The idea that our joy is powerful, political, and unstoppable.” It all leads up to the 48th Annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday 28 February.
The festival favourites return.
The festival officially opens with the Progress Pride Flag Raising at Sydney Town Hall on 13 February. That same night, Ultra Violet, a celebration for LGBTQIA+ women, takes over the City Recital Hall.
The iconic outdoor gathering, Fair Day, returns to Victoria Park on Sunday, 15 February. Of course, the much-loved pool parties are back. The Kaftana Pool Party is on Wednesday, 18 February, followed by the Paradiso Pool Party on Sunday, 22 February, both at the Ivy Pool.
Art, theatre, and new events.
The program includes over 80 events. Queer Screen’s 33rd Mardi Gras Film Festival runs from 12 to 26 February. For theatre lovers, there are two notable plays. The Normal Heart, Larry Kramer’s powerful play about the AIDS crisis, returns to the Sydney Opera House. Perfect Arrangement at the New Theatre explores the 1950s Lavender Scare. A new event, Mardi Gala, is a dining and couture spectacular at the Ivy Ballrooms on 24 February.
The parade and the party.
The 48th Annual Parade will, as always, fill Oxford Street with glitter and solidarity on 28 February. Afterward, The Party is back for the official post-parade celebration. The festival’s classic closing event, Laneway, will transform The Beresford and Hill Street into the perfect street party celebration on Sunday, 1 March.
Ready to plan your festival.
This sounds like a lot to track, right? To manage the schedule, a new Mardi Gras App is available. It lists events, safety tools, and queer-owned businesses. Tickets for the main events go on pre-sale for members on Monday, 3 November 2025. General sales start Wednesday, 5 November 2025.
We say book early. The big nights move fast. Secure your spot and plan the weekend you want.
Book Your Mardi Gras Tickets Here
