Amid ongoing discussions around the governance of the Sydney Mardi Gras Board, one thing remains crystal clear: 2026’s Festival has more trans led events than ever before
This year, the 2026 Sydney Mardi Gras Festival turns up the volume with Hot Trans Mardi Gras – a fiery, unapologetic and joy-filled program that places trans and gender-diverse communities front and centre. For trans New Zealanders making the pilgrimage across the ditch, there has never been a busier calendar of celebrations.
As anti-trans sentiment spreads globally, Hot Trans Mardi Gras is pushing back with a program that declares: Visibility is political. Community is protective. Celebration is defiance. Trans joy is resistance.
🔥 Events You Don’t Want to Miss
Whether you’re a returning Mardi Gras veteran or a first-time traveller from Aotearoa, Hot Trans Mardi Gras is overflowing with affirming events and experiences:
🪩 Sissy Ball
🗓 27 Feb | 📍 Marrickville Town Hall
Returning by popular demand, this legendary ballroom event celebrates vogue, fashion, identity and queer expression. Tickets go on sale Monday 2 February.
🍒 Black Cherry
🗓 14 Feb | 📍 The National Art School, Darlinghurst
Brand new and uncompromising, this bold event makes its debut as one of the most anticipated on the calendar.
👑 Queens of Colour
🗓 13 Feb – 1 Mar | 📍 Grove Bar, Potts Point
A powerful performance series centring First Nations and culturally diverse drag excellence. Every ticket supports charities helping displaced LGBTQ+ people.
🛍 Sock Drawer Heroes & Friends Laneway Market
🗓 21 Feb | 📍 Petersham
A relaxed, all-ages, alcohol-free market prioritising trans stallholders and accessibility. The perfect family-friendly outing for all identities.
✨ Summer Spandex
🗓 14 Mar | 📍 FunHaus Factory, Gosford
Bringing Hot Trans Mardi Gras to the Central Coast – expect circus, drag, music and more in one glitter-fuelled night.
🎤 Drag For Good
🗓 27 Feb | 📍 Song Kitchen, Sydney
Trivia, food, drag and a cause! This fabulous fundraiser supports YWCA Australia’s work for women, girls and gender-diverse people experiencing housing insecurity.
✨ A Program With Purpose
Thanks to Mardi Gras+ support, many of the events created by and for trans and gender-diverse communities are featured in the official program free of charge, removing structural barriers and ensuring trans voices are not only heard, but spotlighted.
In recent days, the Mardi Gras Board has come under public scrutiny, with concerns raised around governance and community consultation. But despite the controversy, what’s undeniable is the strength of the 2026 program, particularly its commitment to trans inclusion and advocacy.
For more information and to book tickets mardigras.org.au
