Spanning 24 days in 2027, the 49th Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival is set to bring together returning favourites, exciting new events, and an expanded programme of cultural collaborations.
Whether it’s the opening festivities of Fair Day, or the spectacular Parade, or the brand-new home for the iconic Party at Allianz Stadium. . . The 2027 event will bring Sydney to life, with the theme HYPERBLOOM. It invites communities from across Sydney, Australia and beyond to celebrate ‘all that we are. Out in full colour’.
“HYPERBLOOM is a celebration of everything that makes our communities extraordinary. It’s about coming together and taking up space to flourish,” Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras CEO Jesse Matheson says. “From the colour and joy of Fair Day to the spectacle of the Parade and dancing through the night (and into the morning!) at the iconic Mardi Gras Party, HYPERBLOOM is about celebrating in all our glorious diversity.”
“We’re bringing back the events our communities love, creating exciting new experiences and filling Sydney with queer creativity, connection and celebration. Above all, we want everyone to feel they belong, to take up space and to shine in their own way.”
The iconic Mardi Gras Party makes its triumphant return in 2027 at a brand-new venue – a never-before-seen one – the tunnels underneath Allianz Stadium. It’s a location that draws on the underground dance scene and queer club culture. It’ll transform the underground spaces of the stadium into a spectacular playground of sound, light and performance.
“For so many in the queer community, the Mardi Gras Party is where they found their people,” Kicks Entertainment & Bizarro Director Ryan Sabet says. “Carrying it into its next chapter, without forgetting where it came from, is an honour we take seriously. This year we’re going somewhere no one has partied before, into the tunnels under Allianz Stadium, right where the Parade ends.”
The Parade returns to bring thousands of marchers, floats and performers to Oxford Street, Flinders Street and Anzac Parade.
“This year, we're turning up the colour, creativity and spectacle for HYPERBLOOM. Expect a Parade bursting with imagination, larger-than-life moments and a few surprises along the way. It's our chance to show the world what Sydney does best, and we can't wait to see Oxford Street in full bloom,” Jesse Matheson says.
Throughout the remainder of the festival there’s plenty to see and do – like the iconic Fair Day at Victoria Park featuring Rogue Traders, Becca Hatch, Jett Blyon and more. . . A new addition, the Rainbow Road Street Fair. . . The Mardi Gala Ball returning for its second year. . . Ultra Violet making its Carriageworks debut with returning curators Sveta Gilerman and Jess Hill. . . Kaftana and Paradiso Pool Parties, the comedy spectacular ‘Laugh Out Proud’. . . ‘Sissy Ball’ celebrating its ninth year, under the creative vision of Kianna Edisane ‘Oricci’. . . And plenty more.
Plus there’ll be Hot Trans Mardi Gras, featuring an entirely trans and gender-diverse line-up. . . And the Mardi Gras+ open-access programme, bringing together LGBTQIA+SB artists, collectives and venues.
Tickets on sale 12 November.
Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras is on from 12 February-7 March.
