Sydney did what it does best – turned the volume up, took over the streets, and celebrated every shade of the rainbow!
The 47th annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade transformed Oxford Street, Flinders Street, and Anzac Parade into a dazzling display of community, resilience, and unapologetic self-expression.
We were thrilled to get an invite to watch the parade from Taylor Square Takeover – a reserved viewing area for the parade at the iconic Taylor Square on Oxford Street. The ticketed event has warm up DJs and drag queens, bars, food, toilets and if you want to see the parade but don’t want to battle the crowds – this is the way to go!
With an estimated 200,000 spectators cheering from the sidelines, more than 10,000 marchers across 180 floats took to the streets, serving up sequins, solidarity, and serious energy in a powerful display of LGBTQIA+ pride and progress. Under this year’s theme, FREE TO BE, the Parade was both a celebration of self-expression and a reminder that while much has been achieved, the fight for equality continues.
Leading the Parade, Dykes on Bikes roared down Oxford Street, setting the stage for a night of pride and protest. They were followed by the First Nations and 78ers floats, honouring the movement’s history and ongoing fight for equality, alongside a vibrant mix of creative and satirical floats that brought powerful messages and spectacular visuals to life.
As the last shimmering float made its way to the end of the Parade route, thousands of revellers kept the Mardi Gras spirit alive at The Party, which transformed multiple venues in Moore Park into an electrifying celebration until 6am.
We were lucky to score an invite to this iconic party, which over the years has seen the likes of Cher, George Michael and both Minogue sisters tear the roof off the place with incredible post-parade performances.
The year featured an incredible line-up of artists, including international headliners Honey Dijon, Romy, and HAYLA. But the ultimate show-stopping moment came when sensational DJ and producer LELAND surprised the crowd by bringing out Aussie pop icon Troye Sivan, sending the energy through the roof in a moment that will go down in Mardi Gras history.
The dates are set for the biggest LGBTQIA+ celebration down under to return next year – with the 48th Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras making its glittering returns 13 February – 1 March 2026.
To keep up to date with Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras events, dates and tickets log on to www.mardigras.org.au
