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The dates are set for the biggest LGBTQIA+ celebration down under to return next year – with the 48th Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras making its glittering returns 13 February – 1 March 2026. For more information, visit: www.mardigras.org.au for details. Image: Mardi Gras Parade 2025 – photo by Georgia Jane Griffiths The organisation have already locked in dates for the 48th LGBTQIA+ celebration down under to return next year – with the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras making its glittering returns 13 February – 1 March 2026. So mark it in your travel calendars and keep your eyes peeled on Guidetogay.com for all the updates. The word "Mardi Gras" means "Fat Tuesday" in the French language. Celebrations include festivals, parades, dancing and feasting before the fasting starting on Ash Wednesday Days to Mardi Gras 2026. Tuesday, February 17th is day number 48 of the 2026 calendar year with 11 months, 16 days until Mardi Gras 2026. Stick around for the Mardi Gras CEO and Co-Chairs catch-up (12:20 pm), where you’ll get the latest on the organisation’s vision and future. From there, pay a visit to the Dykes on Bikes stall to meet the legends who kick off every Mardi Gras Parade, and head to Trans Summer Camp, a welcoming space for transgender and gender-diverse Fair Day at Sydney Mardi Gras 2026. Fair Day, is Mardi Gras’ free family-friendly carnival of rainbow festivities, featuring a host of activities for the young and old, the tame and the bold! Stay close to Victoria Park. The Old Clare Hotel has spacious rooms, a great rooftop bar and gorgeous pool. The Event. Awaiting Dates. Mardi Gras and other holidays celebrated in Australia in the year 2026. 17 February 2026: Tuesday: Mardi Gras: 9 February 2027: Tuesday: Mardi Gras: 29 February Mardi Gras+: Entries to host your event as part of the open-access Festival program ‘Mardi Gras+’ open today, 15 August. Sydney Mardi Gras also announces the return of American Express as Principal Partner of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras for the 2025 and 2026 Festivals. The 47th annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade is set to attract huge crowds on 1 March. Credit: AAP Over 11,000 participants are expected to descend on Sydney's streets on Saturday Join us as we remember the past, reflect on the present and look to the future. During the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival, we gather at sunrise to commemorate those in our communities we’ve lost, celebrate the progress we’ve made toward a stronger society, and re-commit to ending bigotry and prejudice in all its forms. Mardi Gras+: Entries to host your event as part of the open-access Festival program ‘Mardi Gras+’ open today, 15 August. Sydney Mardi Gras also announces the return of American Express as Principal Partner of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras for the 2025 and 2026 Festivals. Click on the Mardi Gras krewes below for further information about the krewe and to see their usual route for each parade. Please note: Events and activities are subject to change without notice. Stay tuned to the site for further info. Jacky Tang will take the helm on Carnival Mardi Gras from October 2024 to March 2025, bringing lively entertainment to guests onboard. Rainier Scholtz joins the team briefly in December 2024 through January 2025, adding some variety to the ship’s entertainment schedule. When is Mardi Gras? Mardi Gras 2025 falls on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. Nothing about Mardi Gras is predictable – not even the date. Unlike Christmas or the 4th of July which always fall on the same calendar day, the only thing you can count on for sure with Carnival is that Fat Tuesday will fall on, well, a Tuesday. Culture Club. Fair Day is a celebration of culture, community, and creativity. Start the day at the First Nations Circle with a powerful Smoking Ceremony (11:00 am), followed by the mesmerising Buuja Buuja Butterfly Dancers (11:30 am). Sydney is expected to be buzzing for one of the biggest nights in the city's social calendar today as thousands are anticipated to march in the 47th annual Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade. Mardi Gras is coming early next year. This year’s Carnival season lasts 58 days, from 12th Night on Jan. 6 to Mardi Gras on March 4. But next year, Mardi Gras falls on Feb. 17. That means Mardi Gras, like Christmas, is a whole season - not just one day. That being said, Fat Tuesday is the biggest day of celebration, and the date it falls on moves around. You'll find that Fat Tuesday can be any Tuesday between Feb. 3 and March 9. Planning your trip to Sydney to experience the famous Sydney Mardi Gras Festival? Let us make it easy for you. Simply select a ticket to one of the festvial-favourite parties and events listed below, then you will be directed to select your local Sydney accommodation (additional to the ticket prices shown below), then start packing your bags
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Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
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