Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade Is Coming Back to the SCG in 2022

Here’s everything you need to know.

For almost a year, it feels like all the news coming out of NSW has been COVID-19 related, but finally, some good news for the state: the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade will return next year.

With the ongoing pandemic and uncertainty around borders, the Mardi Gras Parade will return to the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday 5 March to cap off a month of celebration across the state.

Now, if you’re unfamiliar with the Mardi Gras Festival and the celebrations, we’ve got all the details you need to know to help you celebrate next year's festival either in person or at home.

What is Mardi Gras?

Mardi Gras is one of the largest Pride events around the world that celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community.

The event originated from America in New Orleans but found its Australian roots in 1978 after police moved in on a gay rights street festival when homosexuality was still illegal.

Often called the first Mardi Gras Parade in Australia, NSW police arrested 53 people which sparked community outcry.

Since then, Mardi Gras down under has grown and become a significant event in the LGBTQIA+ calendar, attracting hundreds of thousands of people around the country, making it the second-largest annual event in NSW.  

This year’s theme for the Mardi Gras Festival is ‘United We Shine’, telling Australia that “LGBTQIA+ communities shine brighter together and by standing up against hate and inequality as a collective, the message of love and inclusion is heard louder.

When is Mardi Gras next year?

The Mardi Gras Festival will run next year from 18 February – 6 March with the Mardi Gras Parade taking place on 5 March at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Historically, the Parade has taken place along Oxford Street, but due to COVID, the traditional Parade has again been relocated to the SCG to ensure the safety of everyone who attends.

What can I expect to see at the Festival and Parade?

Being heralded as bigger and better than ever, next year’s Festival is packed with events that include theatre, visual arts, parties, community gatherings, panel discussions and a whole lot more. The full program for the Festival has not been revealed, but we just know it’s going to be amazingly vibrant.

As for the Parade at the SCG, expect to see marchers take to the field in an explosion of colour and passion that includes live music, dancing and Parade floats of all kinds.

On top of all that, this year's Parade saw British pop star Rita Ora perform to 35,000 fans in attendance at the SCG, so we've got high hopes the organisers will bring in a big name to perform in 2022.

Image credit: Mardi Gras

Is it ticketed? What if I’m in another state?

The Parade will be ticketed to ensure COVID protocols are met, but the price is only to cover the operating costs of the event so don’t expect it to break the bank. Tickets go on sale on 15 November, but you can join the ticketing waitlist here.

If anyone can’t afford tickets, Mardi Gras has set up a ballot of 3,000 free tickets for people experiencing financial hardship. Applications for the ballot open on 15 November.

For those who don’t live in NSW—and depending on if interstate borders will be open—a live broadcast of the Parade will be available for everyone around to country to watch and be a part of the celebration.

Header image: Mardi Gras