In a shock move that has rippled through the LGBTQIA+ community, the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras has officially announced the cancellation of the 2026 Mardi Gras Party — one of the most iconic events on the global queer calendar.
The news was confirmed in an open letter to the community from Mardi Gras CEO Jesse Matheson, who described the decision as “heartbreaking” but necessary to secure the future of the festival amid financial pressures.
“Today, I have made the difficult decision to pause the Mardi Gras PARTY for 2026,” Matheson wrote. “This has been heartbreaking — but I believe it is the right decision for our community and for the future of Mardi Gras.”
A Major Event, a Major Cost
The Mardi Gras Party — traditionally held post-Parade — has long served as the flagship celebration of Sydney’s Pride season, attracting thousands of revellers and international performers. But behind the glitter, the party has reportedly run at a financial loss every year since 2020, largely due to the loss of the Royal Hall of Industries (RHI), a key venue previously used for the event.
Matheson, appointed CEO last year, was tasked with reimagining the festival after two years of major losses. He stated that the Party, a $2 million production, had become “more expensive to deliver than the Parade and Fair Day” — without meeting the standards or value expected by the community.
“Over the years, the context for Mardi Gras PARTY, and indeed the Festival community, has changed dramatically,” Matheson explained. “It is now far more expensive to deliver, and increasingly difficult to guarantee the kind of high-quality, shared community experience people expect.”
Headliner Fallout & Rising Costs
While Mardi Gras had pursued a new, more inclusive post-Parade vision for 2026 — including expanded outdoor celebrations and extended trading hours — plans hit a major hurdle over the Christmas period when the headline act withdrew.
“Despite tireless efforts to secure a replacement, this also fell through,” said Matheson. “At the same time, delivery costs continued to rise across production, infrastructure, staffing and compliance.”
Without a headliner and with rising costs, Mardi Gras faced a tough call: “Push ahead with an event we did not believe met the standards of our community, or pause, reassess and plan for the future.”
The result: a pause on the Mardi Gras Party in 2026.
Refocusing on Community & Sustainability
Rather than hosting the Party, Mardi Gras will support a broad lineup of community-led events and smaller celebrations. These include the Black Cherry event, Blak Joy First Nations After Party, Glitter Club, Laneway, and others — many of which are already sold out or nearing capacity.
“We have partnered with exceptional community producers and cultural institutions to build a more sustainable festival with community at its heart,” Matheson said.
“We lowered ticket prices, removed barriers for First Nations and Trans and Gender Diverse producers, and balanced the financial needs of Mardi Gras.”
Mardi Gras has also launched a new festival app, hosting over 120 events between 13 February and 1 March.
Will the Party Return?
Yes — eventually.
“Mardi Gras PARTY will return,” Matheson promised. “Thank you to everyone who held faith in us — and in what the Mardi Gras PARTY can become.”
