The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is set to return in all its glory next year, with plenty of festival events in the line up.
The Festival program runs from February 18 – March 6th, 2022, and the theme of the year is UNITED WE SHINE, because LGBTQI+ communities shine brighter together.
Presale access to all ticketed events will begin at 11am AEDT, Friday November 12th for Mardi Gras members and American Express Card Members. General tickets for the public will be on sale from 12pm AEDT, Monday, November 15th.
There’s also a Hardship Ticket Ballot, which will offer 3,000 complementary tickets to the Parade to people who have been experiencing financial strain and can’t afford a ticket. Registrations for the ballot will open on Monday 15 November, and will be drawn at random in early January. Meanwhile, 78ers will receive four complimentary tickets to the Parade, and Mardi Gras members will receive two.
“We’re so excited to bring back some of our most cherished events in 2022,” said Mardi Gras CEO Albert Kruger. “Our Festival has always served as a platform for self-expression through art and culture, and after two challenging years of limited contact, 2022 is an opportunity for us to not only unite, connect and be entertained; but also celebrate the diversity and creativity of our wonderful communities and share our pride to the world.”
The Mardi Gras Festival events returning in 2022 are:
Progress Pride Flag Raising
18 February 2022, Sydney Town Hall
Presented by the City of Sydney, the Progress Pride flag raising will kick off the beginning of the Festival season. The flag will fly until the end of the 2022 Festival.
Fair Day
20 February 2022, Victoria Park
Whether you want to explore the community stalls, dance the day away or relax with your friends in the sun, Fair Day is the place to be. In 2022, Fair Day is focusing on emerging, ground-breaking and culture defying LGBTQI+ artists, musicians, and organisations. Mardi Gras is accepting stall registrations until 2pm AEDT Monday 15 November.
Kaftana Pool Party
23 February 2022, ivy Pool
The one and only iconic Kaftana Party is back, serving a camp, retro vibe with a side of your chunkiest costume jewellery. Get ready for fabulous cocktails, special guests, DJs and live performances.
Laugh Out Proud
25 February 2022, Enmore Theatre
Be sure to snap up your tix for this one quickly, because Laugh Out Proud has sold out for the past two years, and it’s a one-night-only event!
Sissy Ball
26 February 2022, Sydney Town Hall
Celebrate the Aussie ballroom scene with the return of Sissy Ball. If you’re looking for iconic house battles, live music, DJs and performers, this is the gig for you!
Paradiso Pool Party
28 February 2022, ivy Pool
Serving cocktails and poolside glamour, Paradiso Pool Party is set to feature DJs, live vocalists and musicians to keep you buzzing from day to night.
Parade
5 March 2022, Sydney Cricket Ground
There’s nothing more Mardi Gras than the main event, the Parade. Part protest, part celebration, the parade unites people from all over the world in a celebration of diversity and acceptance. The Parade will also be broadcast live on ABC so audiences from across the country can tune in and be a part of the celebrations. Mardi Gras is accepting parade registrations until 1pm AEDT Monday 15 November.
Party
5 March 2022 Hordern Pavilion, Max Watts, Watsons & Entertainment Quarter surrounds
If you’re going to go to one Mardi Gras party, look no further than THE party of the season, the parade afterparty. In its 40th year, the party will have everything from dancefloors to chilled spaces to quirky corners ready to explore, and will deliver iconic DJs, pop-up shows and artists to dance the night away to.
Laneway
6 March 2022, The Beresford and Hill Street
Complete your Mardi Gras weekend with this curb-side celebration!
Partnered Events:
Queer Screen’s 29th Mardi Gras Film Festival
17 February – 3 March 2022
Queer Screen’s 29th Mardi Gras Film Festival will bring the latest and best LGBTIQ+ films to cinema screens across Sydney and on-demand Australia wide. Full Program announced on January 12.
Queer Art After Hours
2 March 2022, Art Gallery of New South Wales
Inspired by this year’s theme UNITED WE SHINE, Queer Art After Hours will combine innovative performance art, installations, music and gallery tours – served with champagne till late.
Head to www.mardigras.org.au to start planning your Mardi Gras celebrations.
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