It's that time of year again where we are dusting off our rhinestone cowboy hats and mesh singlets, and scouring the bathroom cupboards for wherever we last placed our pots of face glitter. Sydney's Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is upon us – having officially kicked off on Valentine's Day and culminating this Saturday 2 March for the 47th annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade.
But aside from the parade, there are plenty of events popping up around town from a variety of queer groups, brands and people who know how to party. And while there are plenty of options, the difficulty arises in figuring out exactly which parties are
1. Mince OpenAir 2025
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When: 3pm–10pm, Sunday 2 March
Where: Foy Lane, Ace Hotel Sydney
About: This is where you'll find all the creative types recovering from a big Saturday night with a few hair of the dog cocktails behind Sydney's Ace Hotel. Now in its third year, this vibrant post-parade laneway dance party is set to feature live performances by Sweet Pussy Pauline, The Illustrious Blacks, Roi Perez, Alexis De La Rosa, and the Mince angels. Who knows, maybe we'll even spot Troye Sivan in the crowd again...
Tickets: Available via Humanitix.
2. DÉJÀVU Mardi Gras Parade Afterparty
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When: 10pm Saturday 1 March until 6am Sunday Sunday 2 March
Where: Universal Superclub, 91 Oxford Street Darlinghurst
About: If you don't want to have to move more than 10 metres after the parade, pop right into Universal on Oxford Street for their DÉJÀVU party. With world-class sound systems ready to blast right through till Sunday morning, you'll hear from resident DJs and Brett Russell, Cris Pepper, Dimitri Sin and more. If you're really feeling things, you can also purchase VIP tables and bottle service.
Tickets: Available via Eventbrite.
3. Club 77: Ealing, Rydeen
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When: 10pm Saturday 1 March until 5am Sunday Sunday 2 March
Where: Universal Superclub, 91 Oxford Street Darlinghurst
About: Club 77 is one of the city's OG queer night clubs and only a stone's throw from where the parade will be taking place on Oxford Street. We'd recommend moseying down to this dive bar a little before midnight as it can get full-up after the clock strikes midnight. Add yourself to the evening's guest list for free entry before then too.
Tickets: Free on guest list before 12am, $25.00 after.
4. Heaps Gay at Manning Bar
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When: 9pm–4pm Saturday 1 March
Where: Manning House, Manning Road, University of Sydney, Camperdown
About: Taking place across four stages (as well as a brand new carpark stage), Heaps Gay's annual party at University of Sydney's Manning House will not be one to miss. This even sells out every year – so we'd suggest snagging those tickets ASAP.
Tickets: Available via Moshtix.
5. Homo House presented by Smirnoff
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When: Saturday 1 March
Where: Hotel Harry, 44 Wentworth Avenue, Surry Hills
About: Smirnoff are throwing one of the city's best parties at Hotel Harry in Surry Hills on Saturday night, hosting a suite of DJs and performers across two floors, all night. Presented in collaboration with POOF DOOF, the venue's events are completely free – although you can make a booking to secure your spot.
Tickets: Walk-ins welcome, or make a reservation.
6. Ultra Violet
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When: 3pm–11:30pm, Saturday 1 March
Where: National Art School, 156 Forbes Street, Darlinghurst
About: Once again taking over the grounds of the National Art School, Ultra Violet is quickly becoming a pillar of the Sydney Mardi Gras calendar. This women's event is safe space where techno and house fans will be well-satiated by the lineup of DJS, bands and performers on the lineup.
Tickets: Available via Moshtix.
7. Gays Gone Fishin’
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When: 2pm–late, Saturday 1 March
Where: Vic On The Park, 2 Addison Rd, Marrickville
About: For West-siders, there'll be celebrations at Vic on the Park in Marrickville, with a fishing-themed all-day event taking place. There'll be peformers, games, drinks and more – just be sure to don your finest bait and tackle themed outfit for the occasion.
Tickets: Free entry.
8. Mardi Gras Party
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When: 10pm–late, Saturday 1 March
Where: Across six venues at Hordern Pavillion, 1 Driver Ave, Moore Park
About: Last but most certainly not least is the official Mardi Gras Party, happening across six venues at Moore Park's Entertainment Quarter precinct. Headlined by the one and only Honey Dijon, along with a slew of international DJs and performers, this will be the evening's hottest ticket. Hosting 10,000 people, there'll be a tech house rave at Liberty Hall, whole-body house in the Hordern Pavilion, a pumping Forecourt and every other corner to explore.
Tickets: Available via Ticketek.
9. Cafe Del Mardi Gras
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When: 6pm–12m,, Saturday 1 March
Where:Cafe Fredas, 191-195 Oxford St, Darlinghurst
About: Fredas is one of the hottest tickets for Mardi Gras – not only for its killer location but also because it is the venue's final farewell. The beloved institution will be shuttering its doors (but not for long, it'll be popping up again soon) after Saturday's parade night, but their viewing deck, stacked performance lineup and fresh beveraginos will be the ultimate send-off. Just grab a ticket quick!
Tickets: Available via Humanitix.
