2022 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras

The scaled-down Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is set to kick off on Friday, February 18, and run through Sunday, March 6, 2022. “United We Shine” will be this year’s theme, which signifies a unified LGBTQ+ front to come together and stand up against hate and inequality, especially after the rise in attacks on the “Trans and Gender Diverse communities” around the world, not just in Australia.

Because of the NSW Government’s move to extend the Public Health Order prohibiting singing and dancing until at least February 28, Paradiso Pool Party, Kaftana Pool Party, and Sissy Ball will no longer be part of the 2022 Festival. However, they will be postponed to new dates in the coming months. 

Other fabulous events will still be part of the Festival this year, including the queer comedy gala Laugh Out Proud, Fair Day, Laneway, Mardi Gras Film Festival, Queer Art After Hours, and of course the Parade, as well as countless other theater and visual art shows.

Highlights of the 2022 Festival include:

Fair Day (February 20, 2022)
Where: Victoria Park

For the first time, Fair Day will feature the First Nations Circle, presented in partnership with BLAQ Aboriginal Corporation. First Nations Circle will highlight the importance of safe, celebratory spaces for LGBTQIA+ First Nations communities. It will be a meeting place, a space for conversation, learning, celebration and feature a community tent, elders tent, First Nations performances, and stalls from Indigenous businesses including Nungulla Creative, Jarin Street, ACON Aboriginal Project, BLAQ, Gillawara Arts, and TATU/NCIE.

Fair Day will be stacked with four stages offering unique experiences, including a Doggywood Pageant and five specialty bars, including the high-energy Little Creatures Garden Bar, which will feature sets by queer DJs and performances throughout the day. 

Laugh Out Proud (February 25, 2022) 
Where: Enmore Theatre

The queer comedy event of the year, Laugh Out Proud is a one-night-only showcase of the best rising stars in the Australian queer comedy scene. This year’s line-up features Charlie Lewin, Madeleine Stewart, Scout Boxall, Alex Ward and Zoe Sitas – with the night of bent belly laughs hosted by none other than Mel Buttle. Laugh Out Proud was a sell-out in 2020 and 2021, so get in quick to snap up your tickets.

Queer Art After Hours (March 2, 2022) 
Where: Art Gallery of New South Wales

Witness the wonders of colorful queer artistry as Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and the Art Gallery of New South Wales present Queer Art After Hours. Discover the ground-breaking and the glamorous in an explosion of innovative performance art, installations, collection stories, music, and gallery tours inspired by this year’s theme of UNITED WE SHINE. Featuring Club Chrome, Demon Derriere, Jazz Money, Kim Leutwyler, Stereogamous and more to be announced, it’s a night to choose your own art adventure, serving sparkling till late.

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade (March 5, 2022)
Where: Sydney Cricket Ground

In his first live performance in Australia in a decade, singer-songwriter Darren Hayes returns home to head up a superstar line-up for the 2022 Mardi Gras Parade at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday 5 March 2022. Fresh off the back of the release of his new track: ‘Let’s Try Being In Love’, Haye’s Mardi Gras performance will mark his 20th year as a solo recording artist, as well the 25th anniversary of Savage Garden’s acclaimed debut, self-titled album. The Parade will also feature a special performance from Australian music legend, Vanessa Amorosi, presented by Principal Partner, American Express. Other musical guests for the LGBTQIA+ community’s night of nights include ARIA-nominated singer-songwriter Mo’Ju, Timothy Springs, and Prinnie Stevens, local DJs KILIMI, Charlie Villas, and Division 4.

Laneway (March 6, 2022) **SOLD OUT**
Where: The Beresford and Hill Street

Wrap up the Mardi Gras weekend with the campest curb-side tradition. Spread across both levels of The Beresford and spilling out onto Hill Street, Laneway is the perfect way to bid farewell to Mardi Gras 2022. Headlined by UK diva Tina Cousins, this year’s ultimate street party kick-on has a pumping soundtrack planned from the likes of Super Disco Club, DJ Corey Craig, DJ Shigeki, DJ Ant JB, The Pleasure of Gwen, Colin Gaff Smithers, Dan Murphy, Estée Louder, Alex Taylor, Hayley Maree, Amanda Louise, Brett Austin, and DJ Nate.

For more information, visit the website for the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Check out our Sydney Travel Guide for ideas on where to eat and stay and things to do while visiting the city.