Explore the festival Sydney Mardi Gras

Masquerade mask, Dancing Jester, Feather Masks, Bourbon street, king cake, tri-color theme and more are some of the popularly used themes of Mardi Gras parties. Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Grasis an annual celebration of LGBTQIA+ communities and there are lots of ways UNSW students and staff can get involved and celebrate on and off campus. Ultra Violet transforms the National Art School into a vibrant celebration exclusively for LGBTQIA+ women.
The balloon features a large rainbow with a smiling cloud at either end. The balloon measures an impressive 93cm x 55cm and can be filled with helium or air.  Party in style with our range of Rainbow mardi gras party outfits party accessories and decorations like this Rainbow Striped Pennant Banner in all the colours of the rainbow! Measuring 25.5cm x 3.7m / 10in x 12ft and made from all-weather poly material.

Step back in time to view colonial and 19th-century Australian works and European masters, as well as a dedicated gallery of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. Then explore Sydney Modern, the AGNSW’s dynamic new addition, to discover site-specific works by leading Australian and international artists. It can be difficult to gain access to venues and shops along the route while the parade is underway, so brings essentials such as water with you. The Mardi Gras parade usually makes its way up Oxford Street to Taylor Square before turning onto Flinders Street and heading towards Moore Park, where the official after-party is held.
Always a winner, these individual sized cakes are the perfect canvases to design in celebration of any event. And, there's tonnes of bakeries and cafes who just love to prepare rainbow cupcake designs. The rainbow flag, and other variations of it, has become a symbol of the LGBTQAI+ community and to show support, and rainbow food items have become unofficial menu items in the weeks leading up to the parade. Plus, with six dance floors, delicious drinks and performers like Kylie, George Michael, Cher and Conchita Wurst, it’s totally worth it. There’s nothing quite like dancing your gay socks off with 20,000 other fabulous LGBT unicorns to celebrate the huge steps that have been taken in our community and to show defiance to those who still work against that progress.
It’s hard to explain just how buzzing the city becomes; it’s full to bursting with queer acts telling their stories. With just a few simple touches here and there, you can transform your space into a perky Mardi Gras party venue! No matter what kind of budget you’re working with – adding a touch of spirit can make for an unforgettable experience for both yourself and your guests alike! Make sure to tell us about your favorite decorations in the comments section below. The University will be march in the parade on Saturday March 1. This year’s float will showcase the iconic flame tree, planted in front of the University Quadrangle, which symbolises pride and hope and represents our queer Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders who paved the way.

The cape wraps over the shoulder with a moulded plastic medallion clasp on the front and the brown Roman-style waist wrap with belt will have you ready to step into the Coliseum. Both the belt and included wrist cuffs are designed in faux leather embossed with a basketweave pattern and are secured with fabric ties. A gladiator-style moulded vinyl helmet painted antique detail is included. This great moustache is brown and comes in a handlebar style so it's perfect for any policeman costume or any costume you need to show some attitude. Think characters like Freddie Mercury, the Village People or just your typical 80s "ladies man". Again, there are no rules when it comes to what goes on at a Mardi Gras party – but you can expect lots of dancing, drinking and general debauchery!
Enjoy some Fish and Chips when you catch the ferry to Watsons Bay. Walk around the city and visit Barangaroo, Darling Harbour and the Royal Botanical Gardens. If you want to stay by the beach, then we recommend staying at famous iconic Bondi Beach, which is extremely close to where the parade takes place, only a quick bus trip. Or even stay around the famous Manly Beach area which is also only a quick 30-minute ferry trip into the city, or 15 minutes by fast ferry. AroundOxford Street, or in the Darlinghurst/Surry Hills area is pretty much known as the gay area ofSydneywhere there are lots of gay bars and nightclubs are. You don’t have to dress up to watch theMardi Gras Parade,but you will find that most spectators do dress up and that anything goes!

If you don’t have tickets to theofficial after party,then don’t worry it’s a Saturday night and there are lots of bars and clubs all over the city that are hosting awesome parties. We pay our respects to Elders both past and present, and we’d like to extend a special acknowledgement to all LGBTQIA+SB Elders. Laneway entry – The street party to send off the Festival returns in 2025 featuring Kito and Lady Shaka, taking over The Beresford and Hill Street on  Sunday 2 March. Show off your wild side in this Cyndi Lauper inspired True Colours Wig. This wig features a blazing hue of yellow roots to orange and red tips, complete with head-banging curls. The wig is styled with a big left side part that sweeps over the top of the head and around the back, giving more volume of hair on the right side.
Fun fact, Ron stated that the termMardi Grascame about by accident when he suggested his idea of astreet partyto a friend she said ‘Oh, you mean aMardi Gras? Every year theSydney Mardi Gras Paradestarts with the famousDykes on Bikesaccompanied by manyfirework displayslaunched from rooftops along theparade route. TheDykes on Bikesare as the name suggests hundreds oflesbianswho  ride theparaderoute on motorbikes. Lanewayis the ultimate recovery party for those who don’t want the fun to stop. It is calledLanewaybecause it quite literally happens in theLanewaylocated between The Beresford and Flinders Hotel in the centre of Darlinghurst. The Nutcracker at the Broadway Theatre in Prague covers the whole story of the famous festive ballet, but in a slightly shortened version designed to appeal to a wider audience.
Whether you're joining the parade or hosting a party at home, our Mardi Gras range has got you covered. You can set up a colourful Mardi Gras table with our rainbow plastic tablecloth, rainbow plates, cups, and napkins. Turn your party into a parade with Party Empress' Mardi Gras Collection—the perfect way to bring the magic and energy of New Orleans right to your doorstep! Whether you're hosting a big bash or an intimate gathering, we’ve got everything you need to make your event unforgettable.

Mardi Gras is a time of celebration, color, and joy, and when it comes to throwing the perfect party, Everything Party Ryde has got you covered! Whether you prefer to shop online from the comfort of your home or visit their local store for a more hands-on experience, they offer an extensive range of party supplies to make your Mardi Gras event truly unforgettable. Rainbows make everyone happy so be sure to grab this Inflatable Rainbow 48cm for your next party. The rainbow prop is a rainbow with two white clouds on each end and can be used as a decoration on a buffet table, placed in a cooler for decoration, or even in the pool to cover every corner of the party. The prop's inflatable nature means it's so easy to store after use as well! Be sure to get this inflatable rainbow to complete your party decorations - perfect for Mardi Gras parties, rainbow themed parties, and unicorn parties..