8 unmissable events taking place at Sydney WorldPride 2023

2022 will be remembered as the year that Pride came back – and what a comeback it was! The pumping parties, the beautiful people, the political atmosphere, and the sense of celebration in reuniting as a community: it was a year we will never forget.

But as the cold winter nights draw in and the summer memories of Pride begin to fade, we all need something to look forward to. The good news? February 2023 is looking to be the biggest and best Pride ever as Sydney WorldPride brings the famous celebration to the Southern Hemisphere for the first time.

That’s right, next year, WorldPride will be hosted in one of the gay capitals of the world, Sydney and it’s promising to be a mega Mardi Gras. As if an excuse to pack your sunnies and swimmers and visit the glorious land Down Under for an extended holiday isn’t enough, this unique 17 day event promises to be like no other, offering a festival with something for every member of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Whether you want creative cultural viewing, inspiring activism activities, some family-friendly fun with the kids or just to dance all night long at a party, there’s something for you, with over 300 free and ticketed events to choose from. What will you do when you visit? Here are handful of highlights from Sydney WorldPride 2023 that we would recommend!

Mardi Gras Sissy Ball

Decadence. Extravagance. Drama. These are the pinnacles of the Ball Scene, and the Sissy Ball on Saturday 4 March promises to take you back to the 80s and into the world so brilliantly brought to life in recent TV phenomenon, Pose. Uniting some of the most legendary houses from across the globe in a competition that will have you shouting “Tens, tens, tens across the board!”, expect to see outrageous looks, jaw-dropping dance moves and an all-out embodiment of fierceness. With international queer excellence walking the room, this show will leave you gagging for more.

Live and Proud: Sydney WorldPride Opening Concert, presented by American Express

WorldPride will begin with a bang with the Live and Proud opening concert on Friday 24 February. Nothing sets the tone for a Pride event like live music, and with a host of brilliant performers from across the queer spectrum, this show is guaranteed to get the party started. Not only is it being presented by Australian icon, Casey Donovan, and Drag Race legend, Courtney Act, but it will feature a special performance by Kylie Minogue. With the Queen of Aussie Pop present, you’re sure to be left ‘Spinning Around’ all night long.

Mardi Gras Parade

In celebration of the 45^th annual Sydney Mardi Gras, the world’s most famous Pride parade will return to Oxford Street on Saturday 25 February and promises to be a visual spectacle once again. The Sydney Parade promises over 12,500 marches and 200 floats, highlighting the colorful crowd that make up the LGBTQIA+ community of Australia. This year’s theme, ‘Gather, Dream, Amplify’, will foreground queer creativity, imagination and self-expression, culminating in a show of lights and fireworks that will illuminate the crowd into the night. The new route – from Hyde Park to Moore Park – can be watched from a range of viewing spaces, so ensure to get a good spot!

Mardi Gras Paradiso Pool Party

The Paradiso Pool Party is known as the most hotly anticipated event of every Sydney Mardi Gras. Sexy men in swimwear? Check. A stunning rooftop pool? Check. Internationally celebrated DJs spinning tunes? Check. An array of delicious cocktails? Of course! Set to take place on Monday 20 February, this party attracts a beautiful crowd of both tourists and locals, and unsurprisingly, tickets sell out quickly, so ensure to book early if you want to make a splash at this iconic party!

Bondi Beach Party, presented by Optus

Known globally as the Jewel of Sydney, Bondi is known for being one of the most iconic beaches in the world, with its glittering sands and crystal waters. What better location, then, for the ultimate dance party? With a crowd of 12,000 people, Bondi Beacj Party on Saturday 4 March promises to take you from dusk through to dawn with a mix of camp pop, fire and house, and electro and unity that will have you moving all night long, accompanied by a range of surprise pop-up performances.

Queer Art After Hours

Every year, the Art Gallery of New South Wales comes together with the many artists of Sydney to showcase their work in an inspiring space. But as we have come to expect of the queer community, this will not be your average showing. Expect innovative performance art, thought-provoking political statements, impressive musical performances and gallery tours that reflect every colour of the progress flag. Open your eyes, look from a different perspective, and expand your mind at this pinnacle of art showcasing.

Mardi Gras Laugh Out Proud

Australians are known for enjoying a laugh, so where could foster stronger comedy talent? This Pride, some of the scenes best queer comics will be on show at the Enmore Theatre and ready to tickle your funny bone.  Previously featuring talent such as Charlie Lewin, Madeleine Stewart, Scout Boxall, Alex Ward and Zoe Sitas, the soon-to-be-announced line-up for 2023 will offer a mix of the much-loved stars of the circuit alongside exciting new talent that will leave you having a gay old time.

Domain Dance Party

What better way to celebrate the first WorldPride Down Under than with the biggest LGBTQ circuit party Australia has ever seen? Get your groove on with 10,000 people over seven hours as the best DJs descend on The Domain park on Sunday 26 February. Soak up the Sydney skyline, the sunset and surprise acts around you as this unmissable party brings thousands of Pride-goers together for one mammoth celebration.

WorldPride in Sydney is shaping up to be one of the best in history, so what are you waiting for? The full Festival Guide drops on 9 Nov, so subscribe for updates at https://sydneyworldpride.com/subscribe/.

For more information, visit sydneyworldpride.com

You’re off to Oz! Have a fabulous WorldPride.