Love, Pride and Pure Celebration! Here’s what’s happening in Sydney this Mardi Gras
-Mardi Gras is just around the corner and Sydney’s waterfront precincts are in full swing
*Mardi Gras Information and Publicity posted Friday 13 February,2026
Mardi Gras is just around the corner and Sydney’s waterfront precincts are in full swing from this weekend! From bold performances to vibrant gatherings and electric harbour views, Darling Harbour and The Rocks are set to host some of Sydney’s most colourful events.
Enjoy Drag Queens racing across Darling Harbour or catch Queer Screen – Mardi Gras Film Festival at Laneway Cinema in The Rocks. Add a colourful run club, rooftop DJs and rainbow fireworks, we’ve got a Mardi Gras season worth showing up for.
Here’s your guide to the upcoming Mardi Gras events:
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Dragons on Darling: Saturday 14 Feb, all day from 8am | Cockle Bay Wharf, Darling Harbour
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Drag meets dragon boats in the high-energy harbour showdown. Expect fierce racing, dazzling drag performances, live DJs and plenty of sideline sparkle as crews battle it out for glory and the best dressed prize. It’s loud, proud and pure Mardi Gras magic on the water.
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Darling Harbour Fireworks: Every Saturday at 9pm | Cockle Bay, Darling Harbour
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Our iconic Darling Harbour fireworks are going full Mardi Gras mode, lighting up the night sky in spectacular rainbow style. Set to an uplifting Mardi Gras soundtrack, this special show is all about pride and celebration.
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Queer Screen: Mardi Gras Film Festival: 18–19 Feb | Laneway Cinema, The Rocks
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Prefer your Mardi Gras a little more laid-back? Swap the dance floor for the director’s cut at the open-air Laneway Cinema in The Rocks. Enjoy free screenings of Love and Other Catastrophes (30th anniversary) and The Naked Civil Servant, part of the 33rd annual festival celebrating queer cinema.
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W Sydney FREQUENCY x Sounds Queer: Mardi Gras Edition: Sunday 22 Feb, 5–10pm | W Sydney, Darling Harbour
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The rooftop transforms into a high-energy celebration of queer sound, community, and movement. Expect a journey across live performance and DJ sets, bringing together international and local queer talent – such as BEKS, Dyan Tai and Toby Corton.
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Run Club: Every Monday at 7 – 8am | Village Green South, Darling Quarter
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Run Club just got a whole lot brighter! No matter your skill level, get ready to achieve your running goals by pulling on your boldest rainbow outfits. A great way to connect with new people and celebrate Mardi Gras as you take in views of Darling Harbour.
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Whether you’re here for the glitter, the fireworks, the films or the final dancefloor send-off, Sydney’s waterfront precincts are set to deliver a Mardi Gras to remember.
