Sydney Mardi Gras 2025: Parade, Party, Laneway And The Rumour Mill!
Sydney is buzzing with excitement as the 47th Sydney Mardi Gras Festival reaches its grand finale this weekend. With a lineup of events that promises unforgettable moments, it’s time to plan your weekend and soak up the energy of Mardi Gras. From the iconic Parade to the legendary after-party and the much-loved Laneway event, here’s everything you need to know.
Australia's largest celebration of its diverse #LGBTQIA+ communities & one of the longest running pride celebrations in the world – #SydneyMardiGras – is in full swing ahead of its parade this Saturday. I heard there will be a Taiwan float this year! 🌈
— Robert Fergusson (@AusOfficeTPE) February 26, 2025
📷: Sydney Mardi Gras FB pic.twitter.com/HGlr1yft8T
The Parade: A Night of Colour and Celebration
When: Saturday, 1 March 2025
Where: Oxford Street, Flinders Street, and Anzac Parade
Tickets: Here.
The heart of Mardi Gras is the Parade, and this year, it’s back on Oxford Street in all its glory. More than 12,000 marchers and over 200 floats will light up the streets with creativity and pride. The theme for 2025, Free To Be, celebrates progress toward LGBTQIA+ equality while reminding us that the fight continues.
“Free To Be is a manifesto of what our community has desired and fought for dozens of decades,” says Gil Beckwith, CEO of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
The Parade kicks off at 7:30 PM and runs until 10:30 PM. Whether you’re watching from free viewing areas along Oxford Street or enjoying premium spots at Hyde Park or Moore Park, this is one event you don’t want to miss.
Sydney Mardi Gras https://t.co/EBrk7hHFRH #Allseasons pic.twitter.com/f61TEfLSxU
— LydiaCLee (@LydiaCLee) February 27, 2025
Mardi Gras Party: The Night Doesn’t End Here
When: Saturday, 1 March 2025, from 10 PM
Where: Hordern Pavilion and Entertainment Quarter
Tickets: Here.
What’s a Parade without an after-party? The Mardi Gras Party is the ultimate playground for celebration. This year’s lineup includes international stars like Honey Dijon, Romy from The xx, Hayla, and Leland plus a few surprises.
.@romyromyromy is set to headline @sydneymardigras this Saturday 1st March 💖⁰⁰https://t.co/8bAVUKbn9W pic.twitter.com/KarnJkZVkb
— Young (@young_) February 27, 2025
Rumours are swirling that Kylie Minogue and Troye Sivan might make unannounced appearances. Kylie is already in town with her Tension World Tour, and Troye’s name has been linked to the event through cryptic social media clues. Could they take the stage? Only time will tell, but it’s safe to say this party will be one for the books.
Tickets are still available through official outlets for those ready to dance until dawn.
Laneway: The Perfect Farewell
When: Sunday, 2 March 2025, from 2 PM to 10 PM
Where: The Beresford and Hill Street, Surry Hills
Tickets: Here.
Laneway is where Mardi Gras says goodbye with style. What started as a small gathering on milk crates has grown into one of the hottest tickets of the festival. This year’s lineup features Kito, Lady Shaka, Inaya Day, Corey Craig, and many more bringing house, disco, and pop vibes across multiple stages.
While general admission tickets are sold out, VIP upgrades might still be available for those looking for exclusive access to bars and DJs at The Beresford’s top level. If you’re lucky enough to have a ticket in hand, get ready for a day of music and memories.
Sydney Mardi Gras isn’t just another party weekend. It’s a 47-year tradition that brings our community together in celebration and protest.
As Gil Beckwith puts it, the theme is “about the bravery to rise for each other in the darkest of times and protect the progress we’ve made, using it as a springboard toward the progress we deserve”.
From the parade to the parties, this weekend gives us space to be free, to celebrate, and to connect. What better way to spend the first weekend of March?
