Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade

‍ECSTATICA Unleashed

On Saturday 28 February 2026, inner Sydney will light up as the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade returns, bringing more than 10,000 marchers and over 160 floats through Oxford Street, Flinders Street and Moore Park Road.

Led by Dykes on Bikes, followed by First Nations marchers and the original 78ers, the night marks a powerful moment of pride, protest and celebration. Under this year’s theme, ECSTATICA, the Parade captures that collective surge felt when queer communities gather in public space, visible, united and moving forward together.

As CEO Jesse Matheson shared, the Parade is the Festival’s defining moment, where generations meet on the route and visibility becomes something bigger than spectacle, it becomes connection.

NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper echoed the sentiment, describing Mardi Gras as a highlight of the state’s major events calendar, celebrating inclusion and creativity while supporting local businesses and the wider visitor economy.

Highlights to watch for in 2026

This year’s floats reflect both celebration and strength:

• Yamurrah: Mother Earth; YOU Better Werk – centring Blak queer voices and linking pride with protest through a powerful statement on Country, climate and cultural responsibility.
• Trans Pride Australia: Trans Joy – A Decade of Light – marking ten years in the Parade and celebrating visibility, resilience and shared strength.
• Fruits from Brazil: The Mouse’s Rapture – a bold political allegory exploring fear, manipulation and collective resistance.
• Autism Spectrum Australia: The Neurodivergent Rainbow – UNMASKED – honouring autistic LGBTQIA+ people and the freedom to be seen as you are.
• The Fabulous Queer Upcyclers: ECSTATICA – Gather, Dream, Amplify – turning reclaimed materials into vibrant, gender-fluid fashion that champions sustainability and creativity.
  

Canva returns as a proud supporter, awarding 14 grants to community groups and individuals to help bring their Parade visions to life. From travel and rehearsals to float construction and costumes, the funding ensures the Parade continues to reflect the diversity and passion of the LGBTQIA+ community. Grant recipients include Australian Asexuals, Autism Spectrum Australia, Bobby Goldsmith Foundation, Queer Roller Derby, Sydney Gaymers and Trans Pride Australia.

For those watching from home, the Parade will be broadcast live on ABC, sharing the spectacle nationwide.

On the ground, Glitter Club offers a premium vantage point at Taylor Square, complete with a raised viewing deck, dedicated bars, curated food and live entertainment, headlined by DJ Dan Murphy and Estée Louder, Jess Hill. Final release tickets are available at $169.99 plus booking fees.

A free Accessible Parade Viewing Area will also be set up on Flinders Street, offering seating, accessible facilities, a Quiet Room and live audio description.

Sydney in full colour, community in full voice. ECSTATICA is ready to take the streets.

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