Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
Sydney is a very cosmopolitan city where Mardi Gras is much more than one weekend. Mardi Gras in Sydney is spread through three fun weekends, two of which are two amazing gay weeks like no any other on the planet, a tribute to the Gay and Lesbian community worldwide.
For those of you who live in Australia, or for those of you specially travelling to Sidney for the Mardi Gras, I have compiled the most important dates not to be missed if you want to enjoy the gay and lesbian Mardi Gras in Sydney.
The Gay and Lesbian guide to Mardi Gras in Sydney
Sunday 21st February
Fair Day: Join 70,000 people in the park for Fair Day, a day in the sun which officially marks the start of the celebrations. It is a fun, relaxed family day.
Queer Thinking
Friday 26th February
For all of you interested in the work of major international gay authors, academics and thinkers, the 26th of February you can join the Queer Thinking. A unique day of debate and food for thought which brings together the Gay and Lesbian community’s best creative and academic talent to discuss their work, explore ideas and reflect upon the 2010 Festival theme, “Mardi Gras’ History of the World”.
Queer Thinking takes place
on Seymour Centre from midday to 10:30pm.
Access to the event costs $15.
Some interesting facts about Sydney’s gay Parade
- In 2006 Conde Nast named it as one of the world’s top ten costume parades in the world.
- Planetout named it as the best gay event in the world.
- In 2008 Sydney’s gay parade celebrated their 30th Anniversary.
- 2009 produced the largest ever Parade with almost 10,000 colourful participants.
Gay Parade
Saturday 27th February
Take part in the Parade and party on afterwards. The parade takes place on the Entertainment Quarter on Lang Road, Moore Park, New South Wales and starts at 10pm
Sydney Mardi Gras Parade and Party 2009
The Harbour 2010 party
Sunday 28th February
For all party lovers, this is the best located dance party in the world, at Harbour 2010, in the Botanic Gardens, next to the Opera House.
The perfect recovery after the Parade the night before.
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Harbour Party 2009
The Mardi Gras Pool Party.
Monday 1st March
Another great party in the stunning surroundings of Sydney’s Ivy Pool Bar. Where else in the world would you find a dance floor and DJ booth on the changing rooms?
The Ivy Pool Bar is located on 320 George Street, New South Wales. The party goes on from 2.00pm to 10.00pm. Tickets can be found for $45 + booking fee.
Tuesday 2nd March
Take the ferry to the Manly Beach Day where you can enjoy a day of sports and picnics and finish up the day watching the most amazing sunset.
Wednesday 3rd March
If you have a vivid interest on animal life you should not miss the Mardi Gras Dinner at Taronga Zoo.
Thursday 4th March
Join Burt Bacharach at the Sydney Opera House for a night of hits.
Friday 5th March
Do not miss the Bondi Drag Races, cheer on Drag Queens sprinting down the beach.
Carl Cox @ Summadayze, Melbourne 2010
Saturday 6th March
Spend the day at TamaramaBeach at the gay lifesaver BBQ.
End up your day dancing among 20,000 sexy partygoers at the world famous Mardi Gras party headlined this year by French superstar David Guetta among many other superstar DJs which include DJ Carl Cox and Italian Dusty Kid. The party spreads over 4 spectacular venues at the Entertainment quarter on Lang Road. Tickets can be purchased between $100 and $135.
Sunday 7th March
Squeeze the last drops of energy that you have at one of the Recovery Parties!
While you are waiting for the next party or parade, take a stroll along Oxford Street where you will find the best bars. Do not miss the Phoenix Bar, always packed, a great place for cruising, open until 6:30am on weekends.