Mardi Gras 2025 Free To Be – And Where To Be To Catch The Parade
Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras’ spectacular annual Parade hits downtown Sydney this weekend with the theme, Free To Be. On Saturday, 1 March, with over 10,000 marchers and more than 180 floats, this year’s Parade “honours the LGBTQIA+ community’s resilience, creativity, and unwavering pursuit of equality,” says SGLMG.
Now in its 47th year, the Parade will kick off along Oxford St in the traditional way, led by Dykes On Bikes, a First Nations marching group, and the original 78ers – protesters who were present at the first Mardi Gras in 1978 where police brutally attacked and arrested the marchers.
“Every step taken and every float that rolls down Oxford Street is a testament to our strength, our history, and our hopes for the future,” says Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras CEO, Gil Beckwith. “This year’s Parade will be a celebration of resilience, expression, and love in all its forms.”
Mardi Gras tells us there will be tributes to queer icons and LGBTQIA+ history, and celebrations of self-expression and community strength. So, what should we be hoping to see?
A float called Standing On The Shoulder Pads of Giants will be a tribute to queer trailblazers like Grace Jones, Freddie Mercury and Marsha P Johnson, honouring those who paved the way for today’s progress.
The Australian Men’s Netball Team, the Kelpies, will be appearing on a float called Go Australia!, inspired by the Paris Olympics. This float also features a Green And Gold breakdancing troupe performing “iconic Aussie moves” – a tribute to Raygun, perhaps?
From Fruits From Brazil Inc, comes We Can Be Heroes, a float inspired by queer superheroes and featuring larger-than-life pop-art tributes to icons like New York trans activist Marsha P Johnson and Sydney artist Peter Tully.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show will be celebrated by the Free Gay And Happy float. A theatrical tribute to the cult classic, this float transforms Oxford Street into Frank-N-Furter’s laboratory, with dancers leading the crowd in the Time Warp.
Other highlights could include Australian Library And Information Association’s Freedom To Read, with vibrant “library drag” costumes, oversized books, and bold signage, this float highlights the role of libraries in promoting inclusivity, access, and freedom of expression.
Colours Of Our Community’s Freak To Be Me will be a bold circus-themed float celebrating individuality and mental health, featuring LED-lit costumes, a stilt walker, drummers, and a vibrant rainbow showgirl ensemble.
Want the best view of the 2025 Parade? Secure your spot at one of our Premium Parade Viewing Areas, each offering a unique experience:
The Taylor Square Takeover will be a revamped Parade block party that puts you at the heart of the action. With 5 hours of live music, bars, food, and all the essential amenities, Taylor Square Takeover is a must for those looking for an electrifying night right on the Parade route. Tickets from $149 + BF.
The Sideshow gives you front-row access to the Parade from Flinders Street, with grandstand seating or standing options available. Enjoy your hosts spilling all the tea on the floats, bars, and private amenities while soaking in the magic of one of the biggest night-time parades in the world. Tickets from $69 + BF.
Club Cindy is for those who want a relaxed and festive atmosphere; your ultimate casual party space at the Moore Park end of the Parade route. Featuring bars, toilets, and food trucks, this premium viewing area gives you a laid-back but fabulous Mardi Gras experience. Tickets from $59 + BF.
For those unable to attend in person, the Parade will be broadcast live on ABC, bringing the energy and spectacle of Mardi Gras to audiences across Australia.
For The Taylor Square Takeover, The Sideshow or Club Cindy Parade viewing tickets, here.
