Sydney WorldPride is right around the corner and there’s heaps of bold, vibrant events planned throughout the city. This is also the southern hemisphere’s first WorldPride so get ready for a celebration for the ages. Over 300 events will take over a number of Sydney institutions from the Royal Botanic Gardens, to Manly Beach and even the Blue Mountains. Plus expect performances by Kylie Minogue, Nicole Scherzinger and Charli XCX, open-air parties, the return of the Mardi Gras Parade and much more. Here are some of the most exciting events happening throughout Sydney from 17 February to 5 March for Sydney WorldPride.
1. Sydney WorldPride Opening Concert
The official Opening Concert of WorldPride 2023 will take place at The Domain on Friday, February 24 from 3pm to 11pm. Hosted by Casey Donovan and Courtney Act, the concert features Kylie Minogue, Charli XCX and Jessica Mauboy for a party you won’t soon be forgetting. Food and beverage options will be available on-site and you can also BYO picnic rug to make a day of it. If you’re not able to make the concert, catch it live around the country on ABC TV.
2. Queer Art After Hours
The Art Gallery of NSW is hosting Queer Arts After Hours for the first time ever on Wednesday, February 22 from 5pm to 11pm at the AGNSW’S new building. The stacked program for the event includes art and performances from a number of LGBTQIA+ artists, installations, workshops, pop-up bars and more. Plus a dedicated space for queer youth will be set up on-site by the Art Gallery’s Youth Collective.
3. Mardi Gras Parade
The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade is finally returning to its original home of Oxford Street. Over 12,000 people are expected to march on Oxford Street for the first time since 2020 on Saturday, Feb 25 from 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm. This year’s theme Gather, Dream, Amplify, will come to life with colourful floats, lighting and firework shows in this glittering spectacle.
4. Fleurs De Villes
World-famous floral exhibition Fleurs de Villes is returning to Sydney this February 17-26 for the global launch of Fleurs de Villes PRIDE. Presented as part of Sydney WorldPride Pride Amplified, 15 fresh floral mannequins will pay homage to inspirational members and allies of Australia’s LGBTQIA+ community. Fleurs de Villes PRIDE will also stay open late for Floral Discos, a dance party with live DJs playing tunes alongside the floral exhibit. Grab your tickets here.
5. Bondi Beach Party
What’s a festival in Sydney without a beach party? For one day only, on March 4 from 3pm to 10pm, Bondi Beach will transform into the city’s hottest club with 12,00o people attending. International pop star, Nicole Scherzinger will headline the event along with an all-Australian DJ line-up including dameeeela, Jarred Baker, Jacqui Cunningham, DJ Charlie Villas and DJ Dan Murphy. Find more info and ticket details here.
6. Jurrasic Lounge
Sydney’s popular after-hours party is also joining the fun for an exclusive Sydney WorldPride edition. With a special focus on Sydney’s LGBTQIA+ community, the adults-only party will feature exhibitions, face-painting, drop-in drawing workshops, stand-up comedy, a pop-up bar and party games on Saturday, February 18. Grab your tickets here.
7. Sydney WorldPride Pride March
50,000 people will march across the Harbour Bridge in their buzziest, most colourful outfits on Sunday, March 5 from 7am to 10am. The march marks solidarity and a demand for equality for the LGBTQIA+ people around the world. Find out how you can participate in the historic moment here. P.S. the full march route from start to finish is just over 4km, with no early exit points, wear comfortable shoes!
8. Choir Boy
Choir Boy, by the Academy Award-winning writer of Moonlight, Tarell Alvin McCraney, is set to open at Riverside Theatre, Parramatta in association with Sydney WorldPride. Watch the moving story of sexuality, race, gospel music, and a young queer man finding his voice from 14 February – 11 March. Grab your tickets here.
9. Carriageworks
Carriageworks will transform into a First Nations Gathering Space with six days of free exhibits and a lot more on the cards from February 23-28. Part of the program are two major exhibitions by leading Australian artists, The Huxleys and Paul Yore, an opening night disco and drag queens going head to head for Miss First Nation. Check out their full program here including free and ticketed events.
10. Pride Villages
Sydney’s Oxford Street and surrounding areas including Crown and Riley Streets will host daily stalls, dining and bars for Sydney WorldPride from 24 February to 5 March. Crown Street will also host nightly shows and live entertainment with Oxford Street transforming into a street party for the final weekend of Sydney WorldPride (March 4-5). More than 20 local businesses will participate in the 9-day long free street celebration.
11. Ba-skate-ball Jam
Australia and New Zealand’s premier LGBTIQA+ sporting club, Queer Sporting Alliance (QSA), is bringing an interesting sporting event to town in the form of a basketball game and roller disco rolled into one. Taking place on February 23 at the KGV Recreation Centre in The Rocks, skate to funky tunes under dazzling lights and win prizes at this colourful sporting extravaganza. Head here to snag some tickets.
12. Drag Skywalk and sip tours
Enjoy limited edition Drag Skywalk & Sip experiences, led by two local Sydney-based Drag Queens at the Sydney Tower Eye and learn about Sydney’s vibrant history while you’re at it. Miss Seafood Paella, Luna Sparks and Mynx Moscato will be joined by an expert guide in leading these special Skywalk tours followed by a signature cocktail and charcuterie board at Sydney Tower’s, Bar 83. Grab your tickets here.
13. Kimpton Margot diva-esque disco brunch
Kimpton Margot is turning its Saturday Bottomless Brunch into a disco-style brunch in celebration of Sydney WorldPride with a strapping sour cocktail on arrival along with live music and drag shows for the entire brunch sitting. The 5-course menu will also include a little nod to pride with rainbow pancakes and chai panna cotta with sugar-coated fennel seeds. Come for the brunch and stay for the party at Wilmot Bar when the sun sets, book a table here.
14. Opera Up Late
Australia’s most iconic cultural icon is also bringing the goods for WorldPride and throwing open its doors for a late-night celebration. Get excited for a night of queer romance, drag and music, hosted by Reuben Kaye at the Joan Sutherland Theatre on February 18 and 23. Snag your tickets here before they sell out.
15. WorldPride Sports
Pride celebrations include sports with 21 LGBTQIA+ sports organisations joining the festival. Sports enthusiasts can look forward to football, hockey, basketball, roller derby, kickball, water polo, ten-pin bowling, squash and many more sporting events. Read all about it here.
16. Sydney City Rooftop Carpark Party
Rooftop Party is bringing all things queer, camp and fabulous to the city on 18 February. Get excited for performances from Marlena Dali, Hollywood Star, Carolina Gasolina, Fried Pork Chop and Louis Libran, alongside DJ sets by Victoria Anthony and Diva Cups in this popular alfresco event. Better yet, tickets will set you back by just $10 with all proceeds going to LGBTQIA+ charity, Twenty10.
17. Mardi Gras Film Festival
There’s something for everyone at WorldPride including those with a penchant for cinema. Screening for 16 days from 15 February to 2 March, Queer Screen’s 30th Mardi Gras Film Festival will include 166 film screenings, panel discussions, workshops, industry networking events, international guests and after-parties. Events are both free and ticketed, find more information here.
18. Closing Concert: Rainbow Republic
WorldPride’s closing concert, Rainbow Republic ends the festivities with a band. Featuring an excellent lineup of local and international talent including Kim Petras, G Flip and Australian artists Peach PRC, the event will take over The Domain on March 5 and tickets are still on snag, grab them here.
There’s a lot more on across art, music, culture, sports and history. Head to the Sydney WorldPride website for more.