Your Guide to Sydney Mardi Gras
Sydney is officially entering its "ECSTATICA" era. From 13 February to 1 March, our home city transforms into a playground of euphoric joy. As a proud partner of the festival, we’ve rounded up our top picks to help you navigate the glitter and the glamour of the 2026 season.
If you’re looking for a monumental night at the Sydney Opera House, head to the Drama Theatre for The Normal Heart (9 Feb-14 Mar). This powerful staging of Larry Kramer’s masterpiece is a moving tribute to community activism and love. Join the pre-show buzz at Midden by Mark Olive or the Theatre Bars, where we’re serving our exclusive ‘Salty Dog’ cocktail. It even has the tick of approval from Joel Creasey.
Kick things off on Friday 13 February at City Recital Hall for Ultra Violet. This femme-charged takeover transforms Angel Place into a dreamscape of house and electro-pop. We’ll be right by the dance floor with our Archie Rose Bar.
On Saturday 14 February, our friends at the National Art School (NAS) host Black Cherry - an immersive party and exhibition celebrating BIPOC trans talent. As partners of both the festival and NAS, you’ll find Archie Rose throughout the menu as you soak up performances from local trans legends.
Of course, you can’t miss Fair Day on Sunday 15 February at Victoria Park! This free, family-friendly event is the ultimate day of community pride, and we’re setting up an exclusive pop-up bar near the Cleveland St entry. With shade, picnic chairs, and a DJ lineup featuring Diva Cups, Rocky Stallone, and Justin Rynne from midday, it’s the best spot to recharge between the events.
For mid-week mischief, the Taphouse is your go-to. Fan-favourite queen Kalin Klein brings her signature sass to Drag Bingo (18 & 25 February) and a fabulous twist to weekly Trivia (17 & 24 February). If you’re looking for a weekend feast, their BIG Drag Brunch on 21 February is the ultimate warm-up for the final festival stretch, while the ongoing ‘Sip & Slay’ Bottomless deal keeps the energy high all month long.
Down at the water's edge, Opera Bar transforms the harbour front into a stage for queer expression in collaboration with Arts-Matter and Archie Rose. Beyond sunset DJ sets, the highlight is a live Voguing Contest on Saturday 21 February. Hosted by House of Silky, it’s a high-fashion tribute to ballroom tradition. If you’re visiting on Sunday 22 February, don’t miss the Drag Wheel of Fortune for a chance to win prizes by the water.
For a touch of botanical glamour, head to The Butler in Potts Point. The space has been transformed by a bold new mural from local artist Louis Wayling, providing a stunning backdrop for the Manaakitanga collaborative dinner on 26 February. This special event pairs Chef Amber Doig’s Mexican flavours with the creativity of artist Arnott Olssen, making it a must-visit for a sophisticated Parade Day pre-dinner.
For a quintessential Surry Hills vibe, head to Forrester’s. Kick off the festival on Friday 13 February with Pitch Your Friend, the ultimate LGBTQIA+ matchmaking night where you pitch your bestie to a room of singles. On Saturday 28 February, the venue transforms for their Parade Day Party, offering a vibrant, free-entry home base just steps from the action. Throughout the month, refuel in Phylli’s garden with their Bottomless Lunches, featuring two hours of flowing drinks and shared feast favourites.
The crown jewel, the Mardi Gras Parade, returns to Oxford Street on Saturday 28 February. For a front-row seat away from the crowds, the Glitter Club at Taylor Square is the place to be. It’s the official ticketed viewing party, offering prime views and cocktails while the floats roll past.
For the night owls, The Grand Electric is home to Late Night Vice (12 February-15 March). Think seductive cabaret, no-phones-allowed mischief, and an Archie Rose cocktail-drenched atmosphere.
