First published on 6 Jan 2012. Updated on 14 Feb 2012.
1. Parade
The world’s biggest celebration of LGBTQI pride, this choreographed chorus of colour, glitter and love is a Sydney institution. Whether you want to catch the action streetside, dance proudly in the parade or watch it from the Glamstand, the parade is a must-see. We predict a platoon of anti-marriage Julia Gillards and an army of lesbian Lisbeth Salanders. Oxford & Flinders Sts. Sat 3 Mar, 7.45–10pm. FREE.
This year’s post-parade party, featuring Kylie (yes, Kylie!), RuPaul, D.E Experience, Sneaky Sound System and Horse Meat Disco, will draw more than 15,000 partygoers to the Entertainment Quarter, which will be transformed into a themepark-inspired ‘Mardigrasland’ for a night of music, dance and love. Lang Rd, Moore Park 2021. Sat 3 Mar, 10pm–8am. $99–$179.
Admire the views, bask in the sunshine, sip on cocktails and dance, dance, dance among thousands of international partygoers. Fleet Steps, Mrs Macquaries Point, Sydney 2000. Sat 25 Feb, 3–11pm. $105–$139.
With shows for every taste for the entire run of the festival – live performances, cabaret, burlesque, comedy, DJs, strippers and more – the Oxford Hotel is the place to be for all your Mardi Gras entertainment needs. The Oxford Hotel, 134 Oxford St Darlinghurst 2010. Until 1 Mar. Prices vary.
Fierce, funny, sandy and sunny, this event offers the spectacle of drag queens sprinting along the beach in heels or taking part in handbag discussions. Bondi Beach, Queen Elizabeth Dr, Bondi Beach 2026. Fri 2 Mar, 5pm. FREE.
Substitute tea for your favourite alcoholic beverage, sitting down for dancing and polite chitchat for uncontrollable laughter. Downe hosts a cabaret show featuring Oxford Street legends. Upstairs, Beresford Hotel, 354 Bourke St, Surry Hills 2010. Sun 26 Feb, 6pm–12 midnight. $23.50.
Relax in a cabana, dance in the change rooms or take an evening dip – it’s the hottest way to cool down this Mardi Gras. Ivy Pool Bar, 320 George St, Sydney 2000. Mon 27 Feb, 2pm–late. $39–$49.
Embracing the shenanigans that usually spill into the laneways post-parade, the Flinders and the Beresford this year are hosting a special party in the laneway that connects the two pubs, featuring drop-in DJs and pop-up performances. Hill St, Entry Via Bourke St, Surry Hills 2010. Sun 4 Mar, 12 noon–10pm. $39.
The camp and charismatic Trevor Ashley (Hairspray’s Edna Turnblad) performs Shirley Bassey’s greatest hits. Featuring a 14-piece orchestra, this concert will be filled with diva tantrums, big gowns, amazing voices and glamour to boot. State Theatre, 49 Market St, Sydney 2000. Fri 2 Mar, 8pm. $56.45–$86.45.
Queer Thinking brings together influential academics and creatives to discuss their work, passions and communities to explore identity, diversity and the queer experience. Check out our interview with speaker
Alyena Mohummadally .
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