The best places to celebrate Sydney’s 2025 Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras
Sydney's Mardi Gras is back and from 16th February until 1st March, and a colourful lineup of events will take place across some of Sydney’s best party venues, each with a program packed full of entertainment. Solotel’s iconic watering holes will host a range of DJs, drag performances, and fabulous celebrations. Elliot Solomon, CEO of Solotel, said, “Mardi Gras has always been a major moment for our group and we’re so proud of the way our venues go all out to celebrate and put on a jam-packed lineup of events. It has built year-on-year and this year is no different. The Bank Hotel is going to be a headline venue for the festival kicking off with a Fair Day Party on 16th February, and we’re again re-naming the Kings Cross Hotel to Queens Cross Hotel. Put on your best dancing shoes, it’s going to be loud”.
Here’s a roundup of the best venues to catch the Mardi Gras action:
The Bank Hotel | February 16th – March 1st
The Bank Hotel in Newtown is at the heart of Mardi Gras season, with a packed program of events. Starting off on February 16 with a Fair Day Party, The Bank will be bringing together local entertainers and drag queens for a non-stop celebration. Enjoy a range of special events including Woodys at Waywards, Birdcage, Drag Bingo hosted by Carmen Geddit, and the iconic Dykes On Bikes Parade Day Party on March the 1st. Guests are invited to pair their event celebrations with exclusive drink offers, including Brookvale Union Ginger Beer 2 for $25 and $1 from every 4 Pines Japanese Lager donated to the Mardi Gras Foundation.
When: February 16th – March 1st
Where: The Bank Hotel, Newtown
Free Entry: No bookings required, first come, first served.
(Kings) Queens Cross Hotel | February 16th – March 1st | BARBA X 2025 Event - 28th February
For another Mardi Gras year running the Kings Cross Hotel, Sydney’s iconic party venue, will transform into the Queens Cross Hotel. Featuring 5 levels of celebration for the LGBTQIA+ community and allies, the Queens Cross Hotel will be hosting spectacular parties throughout the festival, including a Parade Day Party on March 1. With show stopping performances, cheeky cocktails, and plenty of dancing, this is the ultimate destination for anyone looking to party in style.
In addition, on the 28th of February, BARBA will be hosting an event across 4 levels of the space to kick off the big weekend ahead. The evening promises to be filled with an exciting lineup of both local and international DJs to make this an unmissable party celebrating 10 years of Mardi Gras magic at Kings Cross Hotel.
When: February 16th – March 1st
Where: Kings Cross Hotel, Kings Cross
Bookings: Parade Day Party - free. BARBA Event - booking link here
The Marly | February 16th – March 1st
The Marlborough Hotel is throwing some of the most exciting events of the season. Kick off the festivities with the Fair Day Party on February 16, followed by a MUVAS Marly Mardi Party on March 1. Throughout Mardi Gras, the venue will be partnering with Brookvale Union to bring fantastic drink specials, including 2 for $25 Brookvale Union Ginger Beer. The venue will also be home to a variety of live performances, including DJs and Go-Go dancers, ensuring an unforgettable Mardi Gras experience for all.
When: February 16th – March 1st
Where: Marlborough Hotel, Newtown
Bookings: Fair Day Party entry is free, no bookings required. MUVAS Marly Mardi Party: $15 tickets can be booked here
The Abercrombie | February 16th – March 1st
For two weekends, The Abercrombie Hotel will transform into the ultimate Mardi Gras destination, featuring some of Australia’s best queer events. Guests can expect colourful celebrations with top-tier DJs and parties, including MUVA and Show Us Ya Tips plus a huge Fair Day Afterparty by Heaps Gay and GiRLTHING and an epic Parade Day After Party on March 1 that goes until 10am on Sunday. With drink specials, like the Brookvale Union Ginger Beer 2 for $25, it's the perfect place to settle in for a night of dancing and celebration!
When: February 16th – March 1st
Where: Abercrombie Hotel, Chippendale
Ticketed : Tickets available via website here
The Clock | March 1st
The Clock Hotel in Surry Hills is also hosting a Parade Day Party on March 1 to celebrate Sydney’s iconic Mardi Gras Parade. With a huge lineup of DJs, drag entertainment, and flowing cocktails, The Clock is the place to be.
When: February 16th – March 1st
Where: The Clock Hotel, Surry Hills
Free Entry: No bookings required.
The Darlo Bar | February 16th – March 1st
Darlo Bar is bringing the glitz of Mardi Gras to Darlinghurst. The venue will host a series of events, including Acoustic Anthem Sundays (Feb 16th, 23rd, and Mar 2nd), Drag Bingo, and a Parade Day Party on March 1. With free entry and plenty of drink specials, Darlo Bar is the go-to spot for a fun and inclusive Mardi Gras experience.
When: February 16th – March 1st
Where: Darlo Bar, Darlinghurst
Free Entry: No bookings required.
Paddo Inn | February 16th – March 1st
Located on Oxford Street, Paddo Inn is right in the heart of the Mardi Gras action. The venue is offering a curated Archie Rose cocktail menu, including their signature Dry Gin cocktails. On March 1st, join the Parade Party with DJs and cocktails all night long. The venue will be decorated in Pride colours, making it the ultimate place to celebrate the Parade.
When: February 16th – March 1st
Where: Paddo Inn, Paddington
Free Entry: No bookings required.
For full event details and more, check each of the venues' social channels and websites for more information.