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Your Unofficial Guide to Sydney WorldPride 2023

Feature image: Philipp Glanz

Yass fam, the queens are out in force. Sydney WorldPride will take place from 17 February to 5 March 2023, showcasing the very best that the Harbour City has to offer. With a range of WorldPride events that span Opening Ceremonies, First Nations Gatherings, gallery displays, activations and marches, the entire city of Sydney will be pumping for 18 long days of LGBTQI+ festivities. Better yet, you can get involved. Whether you are a member of the community, an ally looking to show your support or just want to learn more about the history of WorldPride and the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, you can find it all this month.

Image: Sydney WorldPride
Image: Sydney WorldPride

Where and When is WorldPride 2023?

Sydney WorldPride 2023 will take place in the New South Wales capital city from Friday 17 February – Sunday 5 March 2023, marking a slight departure from the usual programming. Traditionally, Pride month in the Northern Hemisphere takes place in June, however, this year, the event has been rejigged to coincide with the timing of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

The 2023 festival of inclusivity also marks the first time that the event has taken place in the Southern Hemisphere and it comes at a good time. According to the event organisers, the festival aligns with the 50th anniversary of the first Australian Gay Pride Week, the 45th anniversary of the first Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, and the fifth anniversary of Marriage Equality in Australia.

Events and activations for WorldPride 2023 will take place across Sydney, with a number of key venues such as Carriageworks, The Domain and even the Sydney Opera House playing host. This year, the events are being jointly curated by festival creative director Daniel Clarke and festival creative director – First Nations Ben Graetz.

Peach PRC | Image: Sydney WorldPride
Peach PRC | Image: Sydney WorldPride

Who is Performing at WorldPride 2023?

As with every year, the 2023 edition will see a number of domestic and international talent hit the stage, including one major gay icon. Kylie Minogue will kickstart the event at the Opening Ceremony, performing alongside British star Charli XCX, while former Destiny’s Child member Kelly Rowland will perform at the Domain Dance Party. Throughout the course of the festival, there will also be performances from indie pop group MUNA, G Flip, Peach PRC, Courtney Act, Steven Oliver, and Casey Donovan.

WorldPride 2023 Theme

Announced last year, the official theme for Sydney WorldPride 2023 is ‘Gather, Dream, Amplify’. According to the event organisers, the theme was developed in partnership with First Nations and LGBTQIA+ communities. “It acknowledges the traditional custodians of Australia and represents our commitment to equality and inclusion.”

Image: Sydney WorldPride
Image: Sydney WorldPride

Major Official WorldPride Events

While there are dozens of unofficial events, along with major parties and celebrations at some of Sydney’s best bars, pubs and clubs, the event organisers have served up a bouquet of official showings as well. Below, you’ll find a list of all the official Sydney WorldPride 2023 events from Friday 17 February to Sunday 5 March 2023.

Live and Proud: Sydney WorldPride Opening Concert | Image: WorldPride
Live and Proud: Sydney WorldPride Opening Concert | Image: WorldPride

Live and Proud: Sydney WorldPride Opening Concert

Date: Fri February 24
Location: Gadigal Land, The Domain – Phillip Precinct
Time: 3:00 pm – 11:00 pm

Where it all kicks off, the Live and Proud: Sydney WorldPride Opening Concert will usher in the official start of the festival with performances by Kylie Minogue, Charli XCX, Jessica Mauboy and more. Held in The Domain, the event is hosted by Casey Donovan and Courtney Act, with the live show to begin at 7pm.

Check it out

Mardi Gras Parade | Image: WorldPride
Mardi Gras Parade | Image: WorldPride

Mardi Gras Parade

Date: Sat February 25
Location: Gadigal Land, Oxford Street and Surrounds
Time: 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm

Praise be, the Mardi Gras Parade is back where it belongs – On Oxford Street! In celebration of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras’ 45th anniversary, the event returns to its homeland after a few years at the SCG. This event is set to be the biggest of the Sydney WorldPride festival, with over 12,500 marchers and more than 200 floats heading down the strip on Saturday February 25. Expect to see the fan favourites return, including the Dykes on Bikes and the Australian Lifesavers With Pride.

Check it out

Mardi Gras Party | Image: WorldPride
Mardi Gras Party | Image: WorldPride

Mardi Gras Party

Date: Sat February 25
Location: Gadigal Land, Hordern Pavilion, Liberty Hall, Watson’s, Mary EQ and The Entertainment Quarter
Time: 10:00 pm – 8:00 am

Once the parade is over, the real party begins. The official Mardi Gras Party sees acclaimed DJs and surprise, pop-up performances spread across multiple dancefloors. The event organisers also promise immersive spaces with house, pop, electronic, nu-disco, club, r’n’b and techno.

Check it out

Pride March | Image: WorldPride
Pride March | Image: WorldPride

Pride March

Date: Sun 5 March
Location: Gadigal and Gamaragai Land, Sydney Harbour Bridge
Time: 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

It might not be the biggest event for Pride, but it certainly is the longest. The Pride March will see 50,000 people in their brightest colours march across the  Sydney Harbour Bridge in a powerful international statement. The march will also celebrate the 45th anniversary of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, the 50th anniversary of the first Australian Gay Pride Week, and the 5th anniversary of marriage equality in Australia.

Check it out

Bondi Beach Party | Image: WorldPride
Bondi Beach Party | Image: WorldPride

Bondi Beach Party

Date: Sat 4 March
Location: Bidjigal Land, Bondi Beach
Time: 3:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Probably the most gnarly event to take place over the festival, the Bondi beach party sees the iconic seaside backdrop transformed into an outdoor nightclub. Around 12,000 party-goers will hit the beach for a massive dance and music performance, headlined by The Pussycat Doll herself, Nicole Scherzinger. Meow.

Check it out

Domain Dance Party | Image: WorldPride
Domain Dance Party | Image: WorldPride

Domain Dance Party

Date: Sun February 26
Location: Gadigal Land, The Domain – Phillip Precinct
Time: 3:00 pm – 10:00 pm

The best member of Destiny’s Child (don’t hate me) is heading down under for WorldPride and she’s taking over the Domain Dance party. Perennial hit maker Kelly Rowland will join the best local and international DJs including DJ Suri, Isis Muretech, Tackthai and DJ Du Jour.

Check it out

Pink Salt | Image: WorldPride
Pink Salt | Image: WorldPride

Pink Salt

Date: Sat February 18
Location: Awabakal Land, The Station
Time: 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm

One of WorldPride’s best culinary experiences, Pink Salt promises some delicious food with a side of entertainment. According to the official description, “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”.

Check it out

Mardi Gras Fair Day | Image: WorldPride
Mardi Gras Fair Day | Image: WorldPride

Mardi Gras Fair Day

Date: Sun February 19
Location: Gadigal Land, Victoria Park
Time: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm

One of the festival’s best-loved events, mardi gras Fair Day brings over 200 different retailers and stalls together for a colourful exploration of food, fashion and entertainment. The revered Doggywood pageant has also had a glam makeover, so you won’t want to miss this one.

Check it out

Deadly Deaf Queer Mob | Image: WorldPride
Deadly Deaf Queer Mob | Image: WorldPride

Deadly Deaf Queer Mob

Date: Sun February 26
Location: Gadigal Land, Carriageworks
Time: 12:00 am – 1:00 pm

One of the most critical discussion panels to take place over WorldPride, Deadly Deaf Queer Mob provides insights into the Deaf First Nations community. here, you can learn about the past, present and future with minority within the minority.

Check it out

Mardi Gras Laneway | Image: WorldPride
Mardi Gras Laneway | Image: WorldPride

Mardi Gras Laneway

Date: Sun February 26
Location: Gadigal Land, The Beresford Hotel & surrounding laneways
Time: Sun Feb 26: 2:00 pm – Mon Feb 27: 1:00 am

Taking over both levels of The Beresford and out onto Hill Street, the Mradi GRas Laneway will offer patrons a frankly dangerous amount of party vibes. We can expect to find multiple dance floors, an open-air stage, DJs and performers plus the exclusive VIP Upstairs.

Launch of Nangamay Mana Djurali Poetry | Image: WorldPride
Launch of Nangamay Mana Djurali Poetry | Image: WorldPride

Launch of Nangamay Mana Djurali Poetry

Date: Sun February 26
Location: Gadigal Land, Carriageworks
Time: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

An entirely new addition for this year, Nangamay Mana Djurali Poetry shines a light on a ground-breaking collection of First Nations Australia LGBTIQA+SB poets, writers and storytellers shared publicly for the first time.

“Poetry is urgent. It can express pain, sorrow, joy, ecstasy and the history of a people in one breath. And long after the music is silences and the slitter has settled, these poems by black queer writers will live on: a legacy of our voice and unique and rightful place in the world.” – Steven Ross, Co-editor and contributor NANGAMAY (dream) MANA (gather) DJURALI (grow) FIRST NATIONS AUSTRALIA LGBTQIA+SB POETRY

Check it out

Koori Gras | Image: WorldPride
Koori Gras | Image: WorldPride

Koori Gras

Date: Tues February 28
Location: Gadigal Land, Carriageworks
Time: 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

The final night of Marri Madung Butbut ends with a showcase of First Peoples culture and community, embracing international perspectives on queer performance. This special Sydney WorldPride edition of Koori Gras is presented in partnership with Moogahlin Performing Arts, Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras & Sydney WorldPride.

Check it out

Sydney WorldPride Human Rights Conference | Image: WorldPride
Sydney WorldPride Human Rights Conference | Image: WorldPride

Sydney WorldPride Human Rights Conference

Date: Wed March 1
Location: Gadigal Land, International Convention Centre, Sydney
Time: Wed Mar 1 – Fri Mar 3

One of the most important topical events held this year, the Sydney WorldPride Human Rights Conference marks the largest LGBTQIA+ Human Rights Conference ever to be held in the southern hemisphere. Over 60 local and international presenters will be on hand, including LGBTQIA+ campaigners and activists, First Nations leaders and elders, policy and law makers, elected officials, researchers and academics.

Check it out

Mardi Gras Kaftana Pool Party | Image: WorldPride
Mardi Gras Kaftana Pool Party | Image: WorldPride

Mardi Gras Kaftana Pool Party

Date: Wed March 1
Location: Gadigal Land, Ivy Pool Club
Time: 4:00pm – 11:00pm

The Ivy pool is coming alive this WorldPride! At the Mardi gras Kaftana Pool Party, you can sip on cocktails as drag stars and performers mingle amongst the cabanas. Charlie Villas, Diva Cups, Jojo Zaho, Miss Katalyna, Sexy Galexy, Tanzer, The Huxleys and Victoria Anthony will provide the soundtrack, so get excited.

Check it out

Blak & Deadly: The First Nations Gala Concert | Image: WorldPride
Blak & Deadly: The First Nations Gala Concert | Image: WorldPride

Blak & Deadly: The First Nations Gala Concert

Date: Thurs 2 March
Location: Gadigal Land, Sydney Opera House
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm

Starring Jessica Mauboy, Casey Donovan and Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO, Blak & Deadly: The First Nations Gala Concert celebrates the best of our First Nation’s performers. The only WorldPride Official event at the iconic Sydney Opera House, it will be hosted by ‘Faboriginal’ comedian Steven Oliver and will feature performances from music duo Electric Fields, award-winning artist Mo’Ju and Ru Paul’s Drag Race Down Under star Kween Kong.

Check it out

Ultra Violet | Image: WorldPride
Ultra Violet | Image: WorldPride

Ultra Violet

Date: Fri 3 March
Location: Gadigal Land, Sydney Town Hall
Time: Fri Mar 3: 5:00 pm – Sat Mar 4: 1:00 am

Described as the ‘premier event for LGBTQIA+ women during Sydney WorldPride’, Ultra Violet brings together DJs and producers Sveta Gilerman and Jess Hill, with Jesswar, Bec Sandridge and Okenyo and international icon Peaches. The team of artists will transform Sydney Town Hall’s vaulted spaces into a party event that ‘immerses and devours’.

Check it out

Mardi Gras Laugh Out Proud | Image: WorldPride
Mardi Gras Laugh Out Proud | Image: WorldPride

Mardi Gras Laugh Out Proud

Date: Fri 3 March
Location: Gadigal Land, Enmore Theatre
Time: 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Off the back of three sold-out years, Laugh Out Proud returns for WorldPride 2023. This time around, the queer comedy gala features Drag Race Down Under season two winner Spankie Jackzon, Rosie Delaney, Bob Downe, Dazza and Keif and Rudy-Lee Taurua

Check it out

Mardi Gras Sissy Ball | Image: WorldPride
Mardi Gras Sissy Ball | Image: WorldPride

Mardi Gras Sissy Ball

Date: Sat 4 March
Location: Gadigal Land, Sydney Town Hall
Time: 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm

Check out this massive event that will see legendary houses from across the globe compete in Australia’s biggest vogue ball. This unique Sissy Ball was formed in 2019, to unite the scenes with Aotearoa and celebrate their survival by forging new realities with joy, embodiment and of course, fantasy.

Check it out

Closing Concert: Rainbow Republic | Image: WorldPride
Closing Concert: Rainbow Republic | Image: WorldPride

Closing Concert: Rainbow Republic

Date: Sun 5 March
Location: Gadigal Land, The Domain – Phillip Precinct
Time: 3:00 pm – 10:00 pm

If you thought the Opening Ceremony was big, just wait until you see the lineup for the Closing Concert. With exclusive performances by Ava Max and Kim Petras, alongside MUNA, Keiynan Lonsdale, G Flip, Peach PRC, Alter Boy, BVT and Vetta Borne, the Rainbow Republic event promises to blow every party you’ve ever been to out of the water.

Check it out

Image: Sydney WorldPride
Image: Sydney WorldPride

Sydney WorldPride Events 2023 – Full List

Making use of the official Sydney WorldPride 2023 event list, we’ve compiled every sanctioned and endorsed event happening across Sydney this festival period. Grab your best outfit and prepare to slay, the world is watching, Here is a full list of Sydney WorldPride 2023 events to check out.

Friday 17 February

Saturday 18 February

Sunday 19 February

Monday 20 February

Tuesday 21 February

Wednesday 22 February

Thursday 23 February

Friday 24 February

Saturday 25 February

Sunday 26 February

Monday 27 February

Tuesday 28 February

Wednesday 1 March

Thursday 2 March

Friday 3 March

Saturday 4 March

Sunday 5 March

Monday 6 March

Image: Sydney WorldPride
Image: Sydney WorldPride

General FAQs

When is Sydney WorldPride 2023?

Sydney WorldPride 2023 will run from Friday February 17, 2023 until Sunday March 5, 2023.

What is the theme for World Pride 2023?

The theme for the Sydney WorldPrise 2023 festival is GATHER, DREAM, AMPLIFY. This message was developed in partnership with our extraordinary First Nations and LGBTQIA+ communities.

Who is performing at WorldPride 2023?

Sydney WorldPride 2023 will feature performances by Kylie Minogue, Charli XCX, Kelly Rowland, MUNA, G Flip, Peach PRC, Courtney Act, Steven Oliver, and Casey Donovan.