Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras issues details and tickets for 2026

One of the biggest queer gatherings in the world is the annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras in Australia. Organisers recently released a wealth of information about the 2026 festival. They also now selling tickets for key events.

More than just a parade and after-party, Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras has grown since its birth in 1978 to now include over a fortnight of activities. This year’s Mardi Gras runs from 13 February to 1 March 2026, and the theme is ‘ECSTATICA’.

“ECSTATICA is about euphoria as resistance,” explained Jesse Matheson, CEO of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, in a press statement.

“The idea that our joy is powerful, political, and unstoppable. This year’s Festival celebrates connection in all its forms: from streets to screens, from protest to party, and from one another to the world. It’s a celebration of who we are, what we’ve built, and the future we’re creating together.”

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Over two weeks, expect 80 different gatherings, including exhibitions, parties, cabaret and other performances. Things kick off with Ultra Violet at the City Recital Hall, a femme-charged celebration of queer women and their allies.

On Valentine’s Night (2/14/26), the trans community is celebrated at the historic Cell Block Theatre with an event entitled Black Cherry. Audiences will be invited to “to rewrite their story in a celebration of strength, expression and freedom.”

Fair Day and Perfect Arrangements

The annual Fair Day returns to Victoria Park on Sunday 15 February, with stage performances, picnics, Doggywood pooch parade, a Queer Fashion runway and other fun in the sun (remember – February is peak summertime in Australia).

Other highlights will include a Kaftana Pool Party at the Ivy Pool on Wednesday, 18 February, and the ‘Laugh Out Loud’ evening of queer comedy at the Enmore Theatre on Friday, 20 February.

Queer Screen’s 33rd Mardi Gras Film Festival runs from 12–26 February and takes over movie theaters around the city. Besides premieres, expect panel discussions and networking events.

Theatre lovers can also choose from a number of productions. These include a revival of Larry Kramer’s award-winning AIDS drama, The Normal Heart. It heads to the Drama Theatre in the iconic Sydney Opera House (9 February – 21 March).

A new play, Perfect Arrangement, runs from February 3 at New Theatre, Newtown. Written by Topher Payne, it revisits the so-called Lavender Scare that took place in the 1950s in the US, when the government targeted and persecuted gay and lesbian employees.

Parade and afterparty

The festival’s biggest event is obviously the actual parade, which will take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026.

“Every year, the Parade reminds us that visibility is joy in motion,” Matheson said. “It’s about showing up for ourselves and each other, and doing it with glitter in our veins.”

The parade is followed by the big Mardi Gras party at SGLMG. Headline performers have not yet been announced, but it’s usually someone iconic. Past stars to appear include Sam Smith, Kylie Minogue and Adam Lambert.

The festival comes to a close with the ‘Laneway’ street party on March 1. It takes over The Beresford and Hill Street.

Tickets for individual events are now available at www.mardigras.org.au. Alternatively, download the official Mardi Gras app for up-to-date notifications.

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