After falling in love with Sidney when it hosted the rather fab World Pride 2023 we knew that the next thing ‘Down Under’ worth flying across the world, would be the annual MARDI GRAS FESTIVAL. Started by a handful of queer protestors back in 1976 when their visit to the international Gay Celebrations, the resulting police violence and arrests created a defining night in not only Sydney’s GLBTQI community but Australia’s cultural heritage.
Over the years Sydney’s Mardi Gras has become a celebration, of pride, and self-expression. By the late 1980s the crowd numbered 200,000 and by 1993 it exceeded 500.000. Today it is one of Australia’s most famous and well-loved events, bringing thousands of visitors to Sydney to join in the celebrations. It captures the imagination of Australia’s LGBTQI and mainstream communities, taking over the city for weeks on end, culminating in the world-famous Parade.
The Theme this year is OUR FUTURE and there are 100 events across 17 days in Australia’s glittering city including parties, talks, community events, sports, art and so much more. From 16 February to 3 March expect the unexpected as every part of the LGBTQIA+ communities band together to dare to dream and manifest our future.
We have already published our top picks of must-see movies of the Mardi Gras’ Film Festival (check HERE) . Now we have had the Queerguru team go through a very extensive program to select our
TOP PICKS OF OUR MUST-DO Events.
It would be criminal to go to Mardi Gras without visiting the legendary Bondi Beach especially as there will be 15,000 people for the biggest party of the 2024 Festival – the iconic shores for Bondi Beach Party – Sydney Mardi Gras edition. The sun and the sand will be home to renowned international DJs and performers as the sun sets on the picturesque global landmark.
https://www.mardigras.org.au/event/bondi-beach-party/
As long as do not have to be the model (as if!) then we are enrolling in Darlinghurst Life Drawing. It’s in a vibrant, inclusive space filled with rainbow flags, glitter, and the sound of upbeat tunes. And the classes celebrate the diversity and inclusivity of the LGBTQIA+ community! All skill levels are welcome – from a seasoned sketcher to someone who’s never picked up a pencil before. Our models bring with them a sense of joy and excitement to each class. begin 16-Feb-24.
Room 205
205 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney New South Wales 2010
DRAG GALA – TWILIGHT AT TARONGA 2024
The world’s most loveable drag-accountant KAREN FROM FINANCE is once again taking over the stunning Twilight at Taronga stage with a line-up worth cashing in your annual leave for. Set against the gorgeous backdrop of the sunset over Sydney Harbour, join some of the country’s biggest drag stars for a high-energy night of music and laughs at one of Sydney’s Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras’ biggest and best nights out.
Expect the winner of season two of Drag Race Down Under SPANKIE JACKZON, season one icons and legends ART SIMONE, JOJO ZAHO and MAXI SHIELD as well as the season two lip-sync assassin BEVERLY KILLS, Melbourne King extraordinaire ALEXANDER MCKWEEN and so many more
22nd Feb : 6 pm – 8 pm https://www.mardigras.org.au/event/drag-gala-twilight-at-taronga-2024/
HOT TRANS SUMMER
: Kudos to the Fest’s organizers for making Mardi Gras more diverse than usual. – the latest addition to the Sydney Mardi Gras calendar is a total trans takeover of luxury venue Glass Island. Curated for trans and gender diverse people, by trans and gender diverse people, and featuring an all trans and gender diverse line up – soak up the Sydney summer sun this hot trans summer!
This cisn’t an exclusive affair. Trans fam, bring your best Judy’s but they better be ready for the totally trans experience!
Feb 27th @ Glass Island https://www.mardigras.org.au/event/hot-trans-summer/
MEGA MALEBOX: If one of the reasons you are visiting Mardi Gras is to maybe meet Mr Right (or Mr Right Now) then this is the event for you. The Stonewall Hotel is the love haven for tonight’s love haven where you can not only meet like-minded individuals, AND get to put a message into the Mega Mailbox
Feb 28th from 8.30 pm https://www.mardigras.org.au/event/mega-malebox/
PARADE
: the highlight of the entire Fest happens on Saturday 2nd March as over 200 floats from every corner of our communities will fill Oxford Street There will be colour, there will be confidence, there will be charisma and there will be character. As always, our fearless protectors, Dykes on Bikes, the First Nations Community Float, and our beloved 78ers will lead the way for over 12,000 marchers as they bring to life the 2024 Festival theme Our Future…
Reminding the world that no matter our future, we’ll march on, because no future is a match for our future together.
”
POUND PARTY brings together a super friendly party with a cruisey, sexy vibe where all manner of masc-presenting people can cruise all floors of the fun ’n’ flirty Sydney Sauna. Dress Code (!) is footy shorts, speedos, jocks, leather or nothin’ at all. There are live DJs working the decks you can bet the mood will be set to ‘cruise’ all night long, no matter how much or how little you choose to wear. Grab a season VIP Season pass which includes admission to all four dates at a discounted price and you’re set for a happy ending every night.
https://www.mardigras.org.au/event/pound-party-season/
The Stonewall Hotel is also hosting QUEER KINGDOM a night of being your unapologetic self.. Expect burlesque, boys on the bartop, leather men, bears, pups, club kids and drag superstars everywhere you look! Embrace your kinks, differences and fetishes, and help us celebrate our community with Sydney’s biggest DJ’s across 3 floors of fun!
Feb 29 th from 8.30pm
https://www.mardigras.org.au/event/queer-kingdom/
REUBEN KAYE: THE KAYE HOLE The hysterically funny queer comedian, singer, and writer REUBEN KAYE is an Australian but he has carved out quite a reputation with sold-out audiences In London. The Times in the UK wrote .. YOU CAN’T TAKE YOUR EYES OFF HIM: HE’S BEAUTIFUL, HILARIOUS, KNOWING, WICKED” Reuben Kaye is evidently “The Evil Love Child Of Liza Minnelli And Jim Carrey” and this will be The Kaye Hole’s highly anticipated debut in Sydney. If you like edgy brutally- funny comedy, then go see Reuben
Metro Theatre, Sydney Feb 29th https://www.mardigras.org.au/event/reuben-kaye-the-kay-hole/
SISSY BALL : Godmother of Australian ballroom Kilia will host the biggest Vogue ball in the Southern Hemisphere: Sissy Ball at Sydney Town Hall, Vogue families born out of safety and necessity find their home on stage as thousands chant their calls for a night of drama, karma, and sensation and compete for such titles OLD WAY VS NEW WAY, Fem Queen Performance, Runway and Reak=lness
Feb 24th : 6pm – 11pm https://www.mardigras.org.au/event/sissy-ball/
Festival 2024: 16 February – 3 March
