Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras 2025 Parade hits town on 1 March, featuring more than 10,000 marchers and 180-plus floats. This year’s theme, ‘Free to Be’, honours the LGBTQIA+ community’s resilience, creativity and pursuit of equality.
A fixture on the Sydney event calendar for 47 spectacular years, Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras CEO Gil Beckwith said the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras 2025 Parade will be a powerful reminder that the LGBTQIA+ community has always been “free to be”.
“Every step taken and every float that rolls down Oxford Street is a testament to our strength, our history and our hopes for the future. This year’s Parade will be a celebration of resilience, expression and love in all its forms,” Beckwith said.
The parade will make its way along Oxford and Flinders streets as well as Anzac Parade, led by the original 78ers, Dykes on Bikes and First Nations marchers.
Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras 2025 Parade highlights
Highlights of the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras 2025 Parade include the ‘Queer Icons’ float paying tribute to trailblazers such as Grace Jones, Freddie Mercury and Marsha P. Johnson; Brisbane’s pink and seagull-themed Bay Pride beach party float; and a circus-themed float highlighting individuality and mental health.
Organisations such as the Australian Library & Information Association, Deaf Rainbow NSW and Everyday Ability are getting in on the act with a ‘library drag’ float, deaf drag divas and a prison-themed float, respectively.
Canberra Lesbians Who Lunch will float by on a medieval-themed round table, the ‘Go Australia!’ float is inspired by the Paris Olympics and there will be a Rocky Horror Picture Show tribute as well.
Other NSW community-led floats include LaPa Legends, representing Bidjigal land’s First Nations Rainbow community; and Trans and Gender Diverse Blue Mountain’s float with native flora and fauna costumes connected to Country.
Where to get the best view
The Premium Parade Viewing Areas provide the best view of the 2025 Parade plus other must-have amenities, such as bars, live music, toilets and food, for an entry fee.
Secure your spot at the Taylor Square Takeover, Sideshow on Flinders Street or Club Cindy at the Moore Park end of the Parade route.
Not in Sydney or can’t get along? Tune into the ABC for all the live Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras 2025 Parade action.
For more info, head to mardigras.com.au
