The 48th Annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras officially launches today, transforming Sydney into a global stage for queer celebration under the 2026 theme ECSTATICA.
This evening, the Progress Pride Flag will rise above Sydney Town Hall, marking the start of 20 days of theatre, music, protest, party and community connection across the city.
“ECSTATICA is about euphoria as resistance,” said CEO Jesse Matheson. “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.”
From 13 February to 1 March, more than 120 events will pulse through Sydney, culminating in the iconic Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday 28 February, when Oxford Street once again becomes the beating heart of LGBTQIA+ pride and visibility.
Opening Weekend Highlights
Following the flag-raising ceremony, celebrations continued with Ultra Violet at City Recital Hall, a femme-powered showcase curated by Sveta Gilerman and Jess Hill.
Across town at the National Art School, Black Cherry highlighted trans and gender-diverse artistry inside the historic Cell Block Theatre.
Fair Day also returned to Victoria Park, bringing together headline performers, drag royalty, and more than 200 stalls for Sydney’s largest free, all-ages LGBTQIA+ celebration.
SEE OUR FAIR DAY PICS HERE!
Culture, Conversation and Community
The programme spans powerful cultural moments and iconic party staples:
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Lesbians are Lovely! at Carriageworks, marking 50 years since the original rallying cry for lesbian visibility.
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The Mardi Gras Debate at the State Library of New South Wales, tackling the provocative question: Is heterosexuality a cult?
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Laugh Out Proud at Enmore Theatre, showcasing the country’s sharpest queer comics.
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Kaftana Pool Party and Paradiso Pool Party returning to the Ivy precinct.
This year’s theatre programme revisits defining moments in LGBTQIA+ history. The Normal Heart, presented by Sydney Theatre Company, returns to the Sydney Opera House, honouring Larry Kramer’s seminal AIDS-era work.
The Parade: Joy in Motion
On Saturday 28 February, thousands of marchers and floats will flood Oxford Street, Flinders Street and Moore Park Road in a dazzling procession of light, colour and sound.
Accessible viewing areas will once again ensure the Parade remains inclusive, while Glitter Club at Taylor Square offers a premium vantage point.
“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.”
After the Parade, Blak Joy will take over The Loft at UTS, celebrating First Nations queer culture and community.
The Festival closes on Sunday 1 March with Laneway at The Beresford and Hill Street — a vibrant street party bringing the season to a euphoric finale.
New App Features
New safety and connection tools are now live within the official Mardi Gras app, designed to support wellbeing and improve access to help throughout the Festival. Attendees are encouraged to download it in advance to plan their experience and stay connected.
Event Details
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Festival dates: 13 February – 1 March 2026
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Theme: ECSTATICA
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Parade: Saturday 28 February 2026
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More info: mardigras.org.au
