Sydney Mardi Gras 2019: 6 Things To Do This Weekend

Last year was a big one for Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival. For the annual event’s 40th anniversary, Cher, an icon in more ways than one and who has always been an unequivocal supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community, flew into town and delivered a smashing performance. And while 2018’s parade was “about looking back at the past” and an unofficial belated celebration of the legalization of same-sex marriage in Australia, which was passed on December 7, 2017, “this year is very much so about looking forward,” says Greg Clarke, the creative director of Sydney Mardi Gras.

For 2019, the parade’s theme is “Fearless.” Instead of meaning a lack of fear, for the organizers, it means to live life “in a courageous way, taking actions despite your fears,” according to the event’s website. “It makes people think about what that word means and what it means to the community. There are so many people in our community that are fearless,” adds Clarke.

If you’re planning to join in on the festivities, here are six things to do this weekend.

1. Catch A Show

Mardi Gras isn’t all about parties. Although they’re most certainly fun, and there’s more on that later, the festival also puts on a variety of shows. Stop by the Seymour Centre for The Butch Monologues, a performance based off of the real-life stories of “butches, masculine women, gender rebels, and trans men” or head over to the Limelight for The Things I Could Never Tell Steven, a musical about how one man affects the lives of four people. And if you’re in search of a good laugh, Rhys Nicholson will cap off Queer Comedy Festival at Darlinghurst Theatre Company tonight.

2. Enjoy Some Art

For some queer contemporary artwork, including pieces by the finalists of India’s first national competition for LGBTQ artists, make your way to the National Art School. This evening and tomorrow afternoon there’ll also be a pop-up bar on the grounds, but make sure to also check out the face painting event tomorrow at 3 p.m.—it’ll be the perfect way to get ready with friends ahead of the parade.

3. Cheer On Your Favorite Queen

For the past three nights six drag queens have been battling it out for the title of Winery Surry Hills Lip Sync Champion. Tonight, the final three face off for the ultimate prize. It’ll definitely be an unforgettable, and entertaining, evening.

4. Dance The Night Away With Aquaria

There’s nothing like a white party to help kick off Mardi Gras weekend. But to really turn it up a notch, Aquaria, the season 10 winner of RuPual’s Drag Race, and her team of dancers are putting on a 75-minute show at the stroke of midnight. This is one fete you won’t want to miss.

5. Attend The Parade

If you’re going to do Mardi Gras, you obviously have to join in on the parade. With 200 floats and 12,500 participants, it’s one of the largest pride marches in the world. It all kicks off at 7 p.m. on Saturday and will touch on important social issues and themes such as trans visibility, equality, suicide prevention, and non-binary inclusion. This year you’ll also notice that there isn’t as much glitter. The organizers are slowly phasing out the shimmery substance due to its nonbiodegradable nature, but fret not, it’ll still be as dazzling as ever thanks to LED lights, reusable reflective materials, and fluorescent paint.

6. Party Like No One’s Business

Once the parade wraps up it’s time to make your way to the after-parties and dance like nobody’s watching. While Diva Party is already sold out, there are still many other options, like Girlthing and Satori. And if you’re not too tired or hungover the next day, there party continues on with La Leche, Laneway, and Candyland, featuring DJs from all around the world.