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The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade returns on 1st March 2025 with over 10,000 marchers and more than 180 spectacular floats and the 2025 Festival theme, ‘FREE TO BE’, honouring the LGBTQIA+ community’s resilience, creativity, and unwavering pursuit of equality.

Returning to Oxford Street, Flinders Street, and Anzac Parade, in its 47th year, the Parade remains the beating heart of Sydney Mardi Gras, uniting people from across Australia and around the world in an unforgettable night of visibility and celebration. Once again, beloved traditions will lead the charge, with Dykes on Bikes, First Nations marchers, and the original 78ers paving the way for a night of pride and protest.

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Chief Executive, Gil Beckwith advised “the 2025 Mardi Gras Parade will be a powerful reminder that our community has always been, and will always be, 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.”

NSW Minister for the Arts, Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, and Minister for Jobs and Tourism, John Graham added “as you’ll see from these highlights, this year’s Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras will be another fantastic celebration of colour, creativity and humour.

“The Mardi Gras Parade makes an enormous contribution to Sydney’s vibrancy, culture and economy, which is why the NSW Government continues to support it.”

From tributes to queer icons and LGBTQIA+ history to celebrations of self-expression and community strength, here are some of the highlights of the 2025 Parade:

• Queer Icons: Standing On The Shoulder Pads of Giants – A spectacular tribute to legendary queer trailblazers like Grace Jones, Freddie Mercury, and Marsha P. Johnson, this electrifying float transforms Oxford Street into the ultimate queer celebration, honouring those who paved the way for today’s progress.
• Australian Library and Information Association: FREEDOM TO READ! – With vibrant “library drag” costumes, oversized books, and bold signage, this float highlights the role of libraries in promoting inclusivity, access, and freedom of expression.
• Bay Pride: Pink Beach Party – Hailing from Brisbane’s Bayside, this float promises a fun-filled, seagull-themed spectacle featuring Logie Award winner Ranger Stacey, Freya Amarni, and Tom Oliver, all celebrating Bay Pride’s mission to create inclusive spaces.
• Canberra Lesbians Who Lunch: Nights of the Sapphic Roundtable – Bringing a medieval twist to Mardi Gras, this dazzling roundtable-themed float showcases the strength, connection, and visibility of queer women.
• Colours of Our Community: Freak To Be Me!!! – A bold circus-themed float celebrating individuality and mental health, featuring LED-lit costumes, a stilt walker, drummers, and a vibrant rainbow showgirl ensemble.
• Deaf Rainbow NSW: Deaf Drag Divas – Honouring Deaf LGBTQIA+ history, this float features dazzling outfits and empowering messages like “Reclaiming Our Spotlight” and “Free To Be.”
• DIY Rainbow: Go Australia! – Inspired by the Paris Olympics, this float features a Green & Gold breakdancing troupe performing iconic Aussie moves, including appearances by members of the Australian Men’s Netball Team.
• Everyday Ability Pty Ltd: Liberate Your Spirit: Free to Be Fabulous – A visually striking prison-themed float symbolising breaking free from societal constraints, complete with jewelled shoulder pads, feathers, and confetti.
• Free Gay and Happy: Rocky Horror Picture Show – A theatrical tribute to the cult classic, this float transforms Oxford Street into Frank-N-Furter’s laboratory, with dancers leading the crowd in the Time Warp.
• Fruits from Brazil Inc: We Can Be Heroes – Inspired by queer superheroes, this float celebrates LGBTQIA+ resilience, featuring larger-than-life pop-art tributes to icons like Marsha P. Johnson and Peter Tully.
• LaPa Legends – Representing Bidjigal land’s First Nations Rainbow community, this debut float features angelic imagery symbolising resilience, incarceration, and the fight for justice.
• Trans and Gender Diverse Blue Mountains: Free to Belong – With costumes inspired by native flora and fauna, including black cockatoos and dragonflies, this float embraces transformation, inclusion, and connection to Country.

For those unable to attend in person, the Parade will be broadcast live on ABC, bringing the energy and spectacle of Mardi Gras to audiences across Australia.

For the best view of the 2025 Parade, secure your spot at one of our Premium Parade Viewing Areas, each offering a unique experience:

• Taylor Square Takeover presented by American Express – This revamped Parade block party puts you at the heart of the action. With 5 hours of live music, bars, food, and all the essential amenities, Taylor Square Takeover is a must for those looking for an electrifying night right on the Parade route. Tickets from $149 + BF.
• Sideshow presented by Optus – Get front-row access to the glitz and glam from Flinders Street, with grandstand seating or standing options available. Enjoy expert hosts spilling all the tea on the floats, bars, and private amenities while soaking in the magic of one of the biggest night-time parades in the world. Tickets from $69 + BF.
• Club Cindy presented by Got2b – For those who want a relaxed and festive atmosphere, Club Cindy is your ultimate casual party space at the Moore Park end of the Parade route. Featuring bars, toilets, and food trucks, this premium viewing area gives you a laid-back but fabulous Mardi Gras experience. Tickets from $59 + BF.

The 2025 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival is supported by Principal Partner American Express, Presenting Partner Coles Group, Strategic Sponsor the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW and Government Partner of the Sydney Mardi Gras Festival, the City of Sydney.

THE DETAILS

What: 2025 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade

When: Saturday, 1st March 2025

Where: Oxford St, Flinders St, and Anzac Pde, Darlinghurst

More info: www.mardigras.org.au  

Images. Mardi Gras Parade 2024 Credit: JORDAN  MUNNS @jordankmunns-45

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