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.
Table of Contents
- Where and When is WorldPride 2023?
- Who is Performing at WorldPride 2023?
- WorldPride 2023 Theme
- Major Official WorldPride Events
- Live and Proud: Sydney WorldPride Opening Concert
- Mardi Gras Parade
- Mardi Gras Party
- Pride March
- Bondi Beach Party
- Domain Dance Party
- Pink Salt
- Mardi Gras Fair Day
- Deadly Deaf Queer Mob
- Mardi Gras Laneway
- Launch of Nangamay Mana Djurali Poetry
- Koori Gras
- Sydney WorldPride Human Rights Conference
- Mardi Gras Kaftana Pool Party
- Blak & Deadly: The First Nations Gala Concert
- Ultra Violet
- Mardi Gras Laugh Out Proud
- Mardi Gras Sissy Ball
- Closing Concert: Rainbow Republic
- Sydney WorldPride Events 2023 – Full List
- 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
- General FAQs
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.
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.”
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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”.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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’.
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
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.
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.
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
- Karla Dickens: Embracing Shadows – Campbelltown Arts Centre
- Bloodlines: The Huxleys – Gadigal Land, Carriageworks
- Paul Yore: Word Made Flesh – Gadigal Land, Carriageworks
- The Party – UNSW Galleries
- Hubris & Humiliation – Wharf 1 Theatre
- Braving Time: Queer Art in Contemporary Australia – NAS Galleries @ The National Art School
- Fulgora – NAS Galleries @ The National Art School
- Anita Bryant Monuments – The Cross Art Projects
- Unravelling Queerly – Australian Design Centre
- The Air is Electric – Bidjigal Land, Bondi Pavilion Gallery
- DANIEL MCDONALD: NEXUS – Flinders Street Gallery
- AQuA Festival – Multiple locations
- Dragon Boat Pride – Different Strokes Dragon Boat Club
- Blessed Union – Upstairs Theatre, Belvoir Theatre
- Art Gallery of NSW – Gadigal Land, Art Gallery of NSW
- Choir Boy – Riverside Theatres
- CAMP – Seymour Centre
- Queer Screen’s 30th Mardi Gras Film Festival – Multiple locations
- PIONEERS: A Preview Season – Fairfield School of Arts
- Powerhouse Late: WorldPride – Powerhouse Ultimo
- Behind the Zip – Chrissie Cotter Gallery
- PACT Shorts: WildCard – PACT
- Gentlemen Prefer Blondes – Hayes Theatre
- Sex Magick – SBW Stables Theatre
- Ground Zero – The Flying Nun by Brand X
- Liberate! – Customs House
- Muru – ba: First Nations LGBTIQA+ Trailblazers – Boomalli Gallery
- Baya, Ngara, Banga – Boomalli Gallery
- Triptych – Phoenix Central Park
- Eulogy for the Dyke Bar – National Art School
- Rainbow Golf Tournament – Moore Park Golf Club
- The Glittering Mile – Kings Cross and surrounds
- OXTRAVAGANZA – Gadigal Land, Oxford Street and Surrounds
- Absolutely Queer – Powerhouse Ultimo
- Sydney Roller Derby Presents: Pride Fight 2023 – Gadigal Land, The Hordern Pavilion
- Progress Pride Flag Raising Ceremony – Gadigal Land, Sydney Town Hall
- Kae Tempest – Gadigal Land, Sydney Opera House
Saturday 18 February
- Linger, Dash, Talk – Cement Fondu
- PRIDE (R)EVOLUTION – State Library of NSW
- The Rainbow Tree – Darlinghurst Theatre Co, Eternity Playhouse
- World Gay Boxing Championships – The Ballroom at The Australian Turf Club
- Sydney WorldPride Martial Arts Championships – KGV Recreation Centre
- Opera Up Late – Gadigal Land, Sydney Opera House
- Seymour Nights @ Sydney WorldPride – Seymour Centre Courtyard
- 24 Hour Grumble Boogie – Gadigal Land, Carriageworks
- Day for Night: The Pleasure Arc – Gadigal Land, Carriageworks
- The Coming Back Out Salon – Gadigal Land, Sydney Town Hall
- CREATION : ceremony – Gadigal Land, Sydney Town Hall
- Roller Derby Extravaganza – Big Top, Luna Park Sydney
- MINUS18 Queer Formal Sydney – Roundhouse, UNSW
- Pink Salt – Awabakal Land, The Station
- All Out Comedy – Seymour Centre
Sunday 19 February
- Gay Sydney: A Memoir – Seymour Centre
- Out & Loud & Proud – Wesley Conference Centre
- Mardi Gras Fair Day – Gadigal Land, Victoria Park
- The Queer is not for Sale | EnQueer x SWP Series – Seymour Centre
- skull emoji | EnQueer x SWP Series – Seymour Centre
Monday 20 February
- Tennis Sydney WorldPride Open – Rockdale Tennis Club
- Sydney 2023 IGLFA Football World Championships XXIV – Tempe Recreation Reserve
- Mardi Gras Paradiso Pool Party – Gadigal Land, Ivy Pool Club
Tuesday 21 February
- The Dan Daw Show – Seymour Centre
- Emerald International Kickball Tournament – Trumper Oval
- All The Sex I’ve Ever Had – Darlinghurst Theatre Co, Eternity Playhouse
- Mo’Ju with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra – Gadigal Land, Sydney Opera House
Wednesday 22 February
- Dylan Mooney: Still here and thriving – N.Smith Gallery
- Queer in Warrane – Hyde Park Barracks
- PinkHockey Sydney – Sydney Olympic Park
- Rainbow Racquets Squash Australia Tournament – Hiscoes Gym & Squash Centre
- Queer Art After Hours – Gadigal Land, Art Gallery of NSW
- Archer Magazine Queer Ideas Forum – Museum of Contemporary Art Australia
- Sydney Observatory Late: WorldPride – Sydney Observatory
Thursday 23 February
- Pride Amplified – Multiple locations
- Klub Village – Gadigal Land, Carriageworks
- Daddy – Gadigal Land, Carriageworks
- Koorie Wirguls – Multiple locations
- Marri Madung Butbut: First Nations Gathering Space – Gadigal Land, Carriageworks
- Stage Soldiers – Fairfield School of Arts
- Pride On Ice: Hockey Tournament – Macquarie Ice Rink
- Queer Lit: Double Bill – Gadigal Land, Sydney Opera House
- Queer Sporting Alliance: Ba-skate-ball Jam – KGV Recreation Centre
- Out & Loud & Proud Gala Concert – Gadigal Land, Sydney Town Hall
- SWARM – Skyline Drive In Blacktown
- Djarraba Disco – Gadigal Land, Carriageworks
Friday 24 February
- Don’t Cha Wish You Yum Cha? – The Red Rattler Theatre
- Pride Villages – Gadigal Land, Oxford Street and Surrounds
- Live and Proud: Sydney WorldPride Opening Concert – Gadigal Land, The Domain – Phillip Precinct
- Watch Party – Live and Proud concert – Gadigal Land, Carriageworks
Saturday 25 February
- Camp Culture – Gadigal Land, Carriageworks
- Stride With Pride – Duck Pond Centennial Park
- Watch Party – Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade – Gadigal Land, Carriageworks
- Mardi Gras Parade – Gadigal Land, Oxford Street and Surrounds
- Mardi Gras Parade Diamond Club – Gadigal Land, Taylor Square
- Mardi Gras Parade Sideshow – Gadigal Land, Flinders Street
- Mardi Gras Parade Ruby Road – Moore Park Road
- Mardi Gras Parade Club Cindy – Gadigal Land, Flinders Street
- Accessible Viewing Area – Gadigal Land, Flinders Street
- Mardi Gras Party – Gadigal Land, Hordern Pavilion, Liberty Hall, Watson’s, Mary EQ and The Entertainment Quarter
Sunday 26 February
- Miss First Nation: Supreme Queen – Gadigal Land, Carriageworks
- Chase – Gadigal Land, Carriageworks
- Coming Out, Coming Home 愛. 回家 – Hurstville Museum & Gallery
- Queer Mart: A Darlo Makers Market – Australian Design Centre
- Deadly Deaf Queer Mob – Gadigal Land, Carriageworks
- Mardi Gras Laneway – Gadigal Land, The Beresford Hotel & surrounding laneways
- Silence Transformed – PHIVE
- Launch of Nangamay Mana Djurali Poetry – Gadigal Land, Carriageworks
- Domain Dance Party – Gadigal Land, The Domain – Phillip Precinct
- Ailan Songs Project – Gadigal Land, Carriageworks
- Doris Fish: Queen of Queens – State Library of NSW
- Ōvah Ōvah – Gadigal Land, Carriageworks
- Club Ōvah – Gadigal Land, Carriageworks
Monday 27 February
- Sydney Rams Tenpin Pride Tournament – Manhattan Superbowl
- Tidda Bingo – Gadigal Land, Carriageworks
- Queer Koori-oke – Gadigal Land, Carriageworks
Tuesday 28 February
- Briefs – Dirty Laundry – Seymour Centre
- KING – Seymour Centre
- Tony Galluzzo Wrestling Tournament – Cook & Phillip Park Basketball Court
- Positive Musings – Reflections of HIV in Australia – Customs House
- Koori Gras – Gadigal Land, Carriageworks
- New Gen Takeover: The Future is Blak – Gadigal Land, Carriageworks
Wednesday 1 March
- Sydney WorldPride Human Rights Conference – Gadigal Land, International Convention Centre, Sydney
- Sunderella – ARA Darling Quarter Theatre
- Gender Euphoria: Mighty Real – Darlinghurst Theatre Co, Eternity Playhouse
- Mardi Gras Kaftana Pool Party – Gadigal Land, Ivy Pool Club
Thursday 2 March
- The Life Cycle of Blanco – Riverside Theatres
- Rainbow History Class: Live Show – Darlinghurst Theatre Co, Eternity Playhouse
- Club Chrome: Fxckery – PACT
- Collision – Fairfield School of Arts
- Blak & Deadly: The First Nations Gala Concert – Gadigal Land, Sydney Opera House
Friday 3 March
- Youth Ball and Vogue Workshop – Petersham Town Hall
- Ultra Violet – Gadigal Land, Sydney Town Hall
- Mardi Gras Laugh Out Proud – Gadigal Land, Enmore Theatre
- Switched On: Nakhane – City Recital Hall
Saturday 4 March
- Queers of Java – Neilson Studio at Sydney Dance Company
- Dragons on Darling – Cockle Bay Wharf, Darling Harbour
- Bondi Beach Party – Bidjigal Land, Bondi Beach
- GENEXT x PRIDE – Museum of Contemporary Art Australia
- Mardi Gras Sissy Ball – Gadigal Land, Sydney Town Hall
- Queerstories x WorldPride – Riverside Theatres
- Switched On: The Teaches of Peaches – City Recital Hall
Sunday 5 March
- Right Here – Stories from the Heart – The Rebel Theatre, Australian Theatre for Young People
- Pride March – Gadigal and Gamaragai Land, Sydney Harbour Bridge
- Closing Concert: Rainbow Republic – Gadigal Land, The Domain – Phillip Precinct
Monday 6 March
General FAQs
Sydney WorldPride 2023 will run from Friday February 17, 2023 until Sunday March 5, 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.
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.
