The 2025 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival is set to run from February 14 to March 2, celebrating LGBTQ pride, history, and inclusivity. This year’s theme is “FREE TO BE” and the festival will feature over 80 events, from iconic favorites like the Mardi Gras Parade and Fair Day to new experiences celebrating queer culture. Highlights include the return of the Sissy Ball, Kaftana Pool Party, and a newly added block party at Taylor Square. The Mardi Gras Party promises a star-studded lineup with Grammy-winner Honey Dijon and UK’s Romy, along with Ultra Violet, Hot Trans Summer, and the First Nations First Light celebration. The festival also introduces the Blak & Deadly Gala Concert and a Mardi Gras + Qtopia partnership, which will spotlight queer history and culture through performances like “They Will Be Kings” and Samuel Barnett’s “Feeling Afraid As If Something Terrible is Going to Happen.” Sydney’s Lord Mayor, Clover Moore, shared her excitement about the event saying, “Mardi Gras is one of my favourite times of the year. Sydney truly sparkles with diversity, inclusion and love proudly on show. We’re delighted to welcome people from around the world to our wonderful city – a place that embraces and celebrates everyone, where you are truly Free to Be.” Further information on the tickets and the event will be available on mardigras.org.au. #Queer Up The World View