The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras has unveiled the program for this year’s free, all-ages Fair Day at Victoria Park, clearing up what’s happening across the site as the festival’s 48th edition gets underway. The announcement follows an opening ceremony in the city where the Progress Pride Flag was raised at City Hall to mark the start of the festivities.
Festival theme and vibe
This year’s Mardi Gras wears the banner ECSTATICA — a theme framed as both a celebration of collective joy and a statement of resistance. Fair Day is positioned as the daytime heart of the festival: a picnic-style gathering where music, food, community stalls and family-friendly activities sit alongside advocacy, arts and performance.
When and where
Fair Day opens at 10am on Sunday, February 15 at Victoria Park. Entry is free and the event is open to all ages. The weekend’s programming builds toward the festival’s climax, the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade, which will take place on Saturday, February 28 along Oxford Street.
What to expect at Victoria Park
– More than 200 stalls, community groups and food trucks spread across multiple performance stages.
– Live music, drag shows, dance sets and family-oriented activities.
– A mix of lively performance areas and quieter corners designed for conversation and rest.
Organisers have published a site map and a daily schedule to help visitors move between stages and stalls and avoid congestion.
Headliners and stage highlights
The Main Stage will host continuous sets that swap high-energy moments for community-focused showcases, aiming to keep the flow steady across the site. Highlights include:
– Janice Robinson (making her Mardi Gras debut) bringing sun-soaked, 1990s house energy.
– Blusher, the rising Victorian pop trio.
– Go-Jo, known from Eurovision, with a genre-blurring set.
– Drag icon Courtney Act alongside DJs such as James Alexandr and performers including Zoe Badwi, Tora Drake and Nada Leigh.
Specialty and community stages
Beyond the Main Stage, the program features national and international queer artists:
– Mila Jam (Los Angeles) and Arisce (New York City) join local favourites including Felicia Foxx, Aunty Tamara, Atomic Kiss and Jackel Doll.
– Community-led activities include choreographed line dancing with Kath Ebbs and debut euro-dance sets by Victorian artist IVANA.
Stages are programmed to offer solo performances, DJ sets, drag showcases and participatory sessions so there’s something for every taste.
Access, safety and practicalities
Organisers say accessibility and safety are top priorities. Information points will guide visitors to services and advocacy booths, and designated quieter areas are available for those who need them. If you require assistance, register with the festival access team in advance to secure dedicated viewing areas and on-site support.
Other practical notes:
– Transport: expect road closures along the parade corridor and temporary changes to bus and tram routes. Public transport and designated drop-off zones will be in use; arrive early where possible.
– Tickets and entry: Fair Day is free. Some main-stage events during the broader festival may be ticketed and can sell out quickly—check the festival website or app for details.
– Participation: community groups and performance troupes should register via the festival portal. Any float or motorised element requires technical plans and insurance documentation.
– Volunteering and media: opportunities exist for vetted volunteers and accredited media — apply through the festival’s official channels.
Festival context and parade
ECSTATICA frames the 2026 Mardi Gras as a celebration of visibility, resilience and creative expression. The full festival runs across 20 days and closes with the iconic Parade on February 28, a high-profile procession of floats, marchers and performers along Oxford Street that draws national and international attention.
Where to find updates
For set times, route maps, accessibility information and last-minute changes, consult the festival website, verified social accounts or the official Mardi Gras app on the App Store and Google Play.
Festival theme and vibe
This year’s Mardi Gras wears the banner ECSTATICA — a theme framed as both a celebration of collective joy and a statement of resistance. Fair Day is positioned as the daytime heart of the festival: a picnic-style gathering where music, food, community stalls and family-friendly activities sit alongside advocacy, arts and performance.0
Festival theme and vibe
This year’s Mardi Gras wears the banner ECSTATICA — a theme framed as both a celebration of collective joy and a statement of resistance. Fair Day is positioned as the daytime heart of the festival: a picnic-style gathering where music, food, community stalls and family-friendly activities sit alongside advocacy, arts and performance.1