Although Pride month is in June (thanks, Northern Hemisphere folks), we down on this end of the globe like to celebrate Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras in March, during summer. Although, this year, we have even more cause to celebrate as we welcome the global LGBTQIA+ celebration WorldPride to the harbour city, beating out Montreal and Houston in a bid to host. This is the first time WorldPride has been held in the southern hemisphere, so we can expect big things. The celebrations will also coincide with Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, so get ready to double the colours, double the fun, and double the pride.
Here’s everything you need to know about WorldPride, from the best drag brunch to the best parties.
When is Sydney WorldPride Day?
Sydney WorldPride will take over Sydney from February 17 to March 5, hosting more than 300 events, including the Mardi Gras Parade on Oxford Street, drag brunches, performances, and more to celebrate Australia’s diverse LGBTQIA+ community. Click here to buy tickets to official events.
Who will be at Sydney WorldPride?
As you can imagine, the event will see major local and international talent attending. Kylie Minogue is kicking off the Opening Party at The Domain on Friday, February 24, with British hyperpop star Charli XCX. Get tickets here. On Sunday, February 26, Kelly Rowland is bringing the party back to The Domain for a Domain Dance Party, the biggest LGBTQIA_ circuit event Australia has ever seen. Secure your tickets here. Seven hours of live music, DJs and performances from MUNA, G Flip, Peach PRC, and more will close out the celebrations at the Rainbow Republic Closing Party on March 5. Tickets here.
Where to wine and dine during Sydney WorldPride
Nour’s LGBTQIA+ Icon-Inspired Boozy ‘Pride Brunch
What: This pride party will see the return of Nour’s much-loved brunch-style menu for one day only, hosted by drag queens Hollywould as Naomi Campbell and Fairah Nuff as Kylie Minogue. Guests are invited to dress as their favourite queer icons and enjoy a day of beats, booze and of course, a mouth-watering Middle Eastern banquet
Where: Nour, Crown Street, Surry Hills
When: Sunday, February 19, 11.30am – 4pm
Dazzling Diva-esque Disco Brunch
What: In celebration of Sydney WorldPride, Kimpton is turning its Saturday Bottomless Brunch on its head, and for the month of February, it will be turned into a disco-style brunch hosted by Drag Queen @OnlyHollyWould. There will be a Strapping Sour Cocktail on arrival, live music and drag shows throughout the Bottomless Brunch sitting. Expect a five-course brunch with rainbow pancakes and chai panna cotta with sugar-coated fennel seeds. The music will continue well into the evening as the Wilmot Bar becomes one of the buzziest places to spend the early eve.
Where: Kimpton Margot Sydney
When: Month of February
Pink Salt
What: Pink Salt is the signature culinary experience of Sydney WorldPride, served alongside an array of Newcastle entertainment. The Station will be transformed into a long table dinner party where everyone can gather with friends, new and old, to eat, drink, connect and celebrate Sydney WorldPride.
Where: The Station, Newcastle
When: February 18.
Bottomless Lunch with Polly Petrie
What: Drag legend Polly Petrie will host a bottomless lunch to kick off the celebration for Sydney Mardi Gras and WorldPride.
Where: The East Sydney Hotel
When: February 11.
Frisky Friday and Summer Camp
What: The Clock is hosting parties throughout February, with live DJs, raffles, dress-up parties and more.
Where: The Clock Hotel
When: February 17, 18, and 19.
Pre-beach Party
What: A line-up of much-loved DJs will be hitting the decks to pump out tunes that evoke nothing but fun, and beats that’ll make you sizzle and dazzle down to Bondi’s sands to continue through til’ late in the night.
Where: North Bondi Fish
When: March 4
Pride Plane
What: Sydney Seaplanes Pride Plane to Bert’s Bar & Brasserie from Rose Bay. Toast your host, the fabulous Jackie Daniels, with an Absolut arrival cocktail before flying to Bert’s Bar & Brasserie for a bespoke four-course lunch (beverages at Bert’s not included, drinks menu will be available on the day). Take the scenic route home, with a return fly-over of Sydney Harbour.
Where: Rose Bay
When: Feb 18- March 5
VIC on the Pardi Gras
What: The same day as the Mardi Gras Parade, Saturday 25 February, Vic on the Park will host the most epic party in the inner west. Hosted by Dollar Bin Darlings, the party will kick off at 12 pm with free entry all night and include DJs, go-go dancers and queer bands.
Where: Vic on the Park
When: February 25
Sydney World Pride at The Butler
What: Get ready to sparkle and shine Sydney… Dinner with the Girls is coming to The Butler. This not to be missed dinner hosted by QUEEN Millenia Al Cox is the perfect way to celebrate WorldPride in Sydney this year! Slip on your heels and douse yourself in glitter, The Butler will take care of the res
Where: The Butler Potts Point
When: February 22
Portside Bar After Dark
What: For two nights only, discover the energy and excitement of Portside Bar After Dark. As the Harbourside comes alive for World Pride, enjoy the sounds of live DJ’s and the vibrant atmosphere as you indulge in delicious Archie Rose cocktails, bar snacks and desserts.
Where: Sydney Opera House
When: Saturday 18 February and Thursday 23 February
The best events and performances at Sydney WorldPride
Dog Show
What: In collaboration with Dogue and hosted by Justin Hill, 18 February will bring pooch parades and doggie treats, with some amazing prizes to be won in support of our vendors.
Where: The Beresford
When: February 18
House of Hornecker
What: The House of Hornecker will offer Sydneysiders and visitors to the city a glimpse into Tony Hornecker’s topsy-turvy world of colour, creativity and hospitality he once provided from his East London home.
Where: Manor House Building, Darlinghurst
When: February 9- March 5.
Powerhouse Late: WorldPride
What: Powerhouse Late: WorldPride is a series of free after-hours events featuring live music, film screenings, workshops, talks and exhibition tours celebrating Sydney’s most inspiring queer creatives every Thursday night during WorldPride.
Where: Powerhouse Ultimo
When: Every Thursday starting February 16
Mardi Gras Paradiso Pool Party
What: Make a splash, cocktail in hand, and as the sun sets on the city’s most famous rooftop pool, head down to Changeroom where they’re going bigger and longer to bring you the ultimate Sydney city experience.
Where: Ivy Pool Club
When: February 20.
Bondi Beach Party
What: For one day only, the jewel of Sydney will become the city’s hottest club for 12,000 people. Set at the edge of Bondi Beach, starring pop sensation Nicole Scherzinger, and featuring an all-Australian DJ line-up including dameeeela, Jarred Baker, Jacqui Cunningham, DJ Charlie Villas and DJ Dan Murphy.
Where: Bondi Beach
When: March 4.
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