It’s one of the most vibrant times of year in Sydney: WorldPride season. Going hand-in-hand with Mardi Gras, this annual event aims to honour the LGBTQIA+ community in Australia and beyond. While celebrations over the last couple of years have been slightly smaller due to the pandemic, WorldPride is back with a bang in 2023. With over 300 events on the roster and an estimated 500,000 people set to attend, WorldPride 2023 is guaranteed to be an unforgettable moment in Sydney’s history.
If you find yourself in Sydney during WorldPride season, then you may be wondering how to enjoy this fabulous occasion to the fullest. We’ve got you covered. From cocktail specials to drag performances to live music shows, here are the top 10 WorldPride 2023 events you can’t miss.
When is WorldPride 2023?
Sydney WorldPride kicked off on 17 February 2023 and will conclude on 5 March 2023. During this 17-day period, the city streets come to life in an explosion of colour, glitter, music and joy.
The top 10 WorldPride 2023 events
Mardi Gras Parade
What better way to commence the celebrations than by taking to Oxford Street in a show of beauty, unity, and of course, pride? Marking the 45th anniversary of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, the Mardi Gras Parade 2023 is set to be the biggest WorldPride event. More than 200 floats will pass through the streets along with over 12,500 marchers showcasing the vibrancy of the LGBTQIA+ community.
This year, the parade has even more significance as it is the first one to take place on Oxford Street in three years (since the onset of COVID-19). The parade will take place on 25 February from 6-11pm.
Mardi Gras Party
Post-parade, you might not be ready for the celebrations to end – and fortunately, they don’t have to. Across various venues – including the Hordern Pavilion, Liberty Hall, Watson’s, Mary EQ and The Entertainment Quarter – you’ll find the official Mardi Gras Party.
Featuring dancefloors, immersive spaces, music performances and roughly 10,000 expected attendees, this is a pride event like no other. Tickets are slightly more expensive, so this is only suitable for those looking to splash out on the celebrations.
Drag trivia
If your interests intersect at the crossroads of RuPaul’s Drag Race and Trivial Pursuit, then this is the perfect event for you. Hosted by Jackie Daniels and special guest Diva Attenbra, Drag Trivia is your chance to put your general knowledge to the test while enjoying some cheeky entertainment.
Taking place at Kinselas in Darlinghurst on 2 March 2023, attendees will answer 30 trivia questions about anything and everything – nothing is off-limits.
Martini Mayhem
In the mood to sample some delicious and festive cocktails (that won’t break the bank)? Head to the Conservatory Bar at the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park for Martini Mayhem, hosted by Stoli Vodka. Running from 20 February to 7 March, Martini Mayhem will feature a range of special beverages, all inspired by pride icons: Kylie Minogue, George Michael, Donna Summer, Shirley Bassey and Madonna.
The best part? All the tipples on the Martini Maven menu are only $12 during happy hour, which will take place every weekday from 5-7pm during the Martini Mayhem season.
Saturdays in the Chapel
Looking for a way to celebrate that’s totally free? You’ve found it here. On 4 March 2023, visit Kinselas for Saturdays in the Chapel, which is part of a fleet of events being hosted under Johnnie Walker’s Walk Proud @ Kinselas.
Not only is this dance party 100% free to attend but it will also feature performances from Kalyani, Crescendoll and international musician G-Flip who will perform a live DJ set.
Marri Madung Butbut (Many Brave Hearts): First Nations Gathering Space
The largest Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQIA+ program in Australia, Marri Madung Butbut is an incredible platform for First Nations queer artists to share their stories and artistry with the world around them. Within the space, you’ll find an array of individual events – such as song and dance performances as well as talks – across a range of dates. With so many events on offer, you’ll have no trouble finding one that fits your schedule.
Tickets for each of these events range in price, but many are entirely free.
Fleur de Villes: Pride Edition
There’s no end to the rainbows on display during WorldPride – they’re even in the flowers!
The famous floral exhibition, Fleurs de Villes, will be returning to Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden Sydney to present PRIDE. The 10-day show (running from 17-26 February 2023) will showcase 15 floral mannequins, all of which will pay tribute to inspirational members and allies of the queer community.
Tickets range in price from $21-$35.
Dylan Mooney’s Still Here and Thriving
This incredible art series – which is on display from Wednesday to Saturday until 25 March (10am-4pm) – beautifully captures the artist’s lived experience as a proud, queer Aboriginal man. In it, Mooney explores themes of identity, representation and desire amongst groups currently underrepresented in the art space. You can view the artworks at N.Smith Gallery in Paddington and tickets are free.
The Air is Electric
This photo exhibition is dedicated to the work of Australian queer artist David McDiarmid who travelled to the United States in 1977. During his travels, he documented his experiences in letters, diary entries and photographs, capturing the spirit of activism and community in the 1970s.
McDiarmid’s photos are on display at the Bondi Pavilion Gallery until 26 March 2023.
Pride March
On 5 March 2023, an impressive 50,000 marchers will don their brightest colours and walking shoes to take part in the Pride March. In a show of solidarity and support for global equality, these marchers will walk (or strut) across the Sydney Harbour Bridge over a 4km course.
Although the ballot entry for tickets has now closed, you can sign up for the waitlist to see about getting last-minute tickets. Otherwise, why not watch this historic event from a nearby vantage point, such as Circular Quay or Milsons Point?
