ARE YOU READY TO BE SHOWERED IN LOVE, LIGHTS, AND extravagant EXTRAVAGANZA? mARDI gRAS IS HERE AND IT'S TIME TO GET FEARLESS.

This year marks the 41st anniversary of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade, which has become one of Australia’s most famous and well-loved events. Every year thousands of visitors join in a celebration that takes the city by storm, culminating in our world-famous parade: a colourful and dazzling spectacle of pride, celebration and self-expression.

This years' festival is inspired by all things "Fearless", and promises a star-studded host of over 100 events , running across 17 days. With an action-packed program coming at you, why not think outside the parade this year?

Here is our list of can’t-miss events, for making the most of Mardi Gras, without getting lost in the lineup!

For Fun Seekers

- For first-time visitors, celebrate this Mardi Gras in true Aussie style by sailing around the Sydney Harbour on Feb.28^th. Join the crew of the Harbour Pink for the 2019 Mardi Gras Sunset Cruise, a seafaring celebration. Enjoy an evening of breathtaking views, mouth-watering canapes and sweet drinks, as well as live beats! Sydney's own, DJ Dom de Sousa, will be spinning all evening.

- And if you have kids, consider the 2nd annual Luna Park Family Fun Day celebration on Feb. 24^th. Back by popular demand, the event gives families a day of unlimited rides, live DJs, surprise performers, and special attractions. It’s an action-packed rainbow celebration, planned for the whole family.

- For you shopaholics (no judgement), celebrate frivolity and fabulousness at Oxtravaganza on Feb. 23rd. The annual sales event transforms Oxford Street, spotlighting over one hundred local businesses, offering exceptional retail promotions, exclusive music and performances, plus food and drink packages. Stop for a glitter makeover and then dance from store to store; don't be afraid to treat yo'self, because a number of proceeds go to their charity partner Twenty10.

For Party Goers

- Time to get yo' Pardi Gras on! For our Sunnylovers looking to celebrate in the sunlight, look no further than the The Ivy Pool Club on Feb 26^th. Grab your pool party essentials and be ready for cocktails, tan lines and good times! Frolic with style among the gently swaying palm trees and revel in the party-oasis atmosphere.

- If you’re looking for a night-time party locale, look no further than the 2019 Mardi Gras Festival Club. The club is taking over the Seymour Centre with a rotating roster of hosts and performers every night through March 1^st. With incredible artists coming from around the world, every night will be its own unique experience.

- Celebrating Mardi Gras in Sydney should be on everyone’s bucket list. But it's the parade finale that's considered one of the most fabulously fantastic events in the world, and will leave you with nothing but love in your heart, and glitter in your hair.

- It's true that all good things must come to an end, so say a fearless, farewell in style at The Laneway Party on March 3rd. This party is the ultimate 'recovery' event to close the Mardi Gras festival’s final weekend. The Laneway will feature surprise live performances, the hottest DJs, and a unique mix of spaces catered for every attendee.

Recap

Mardi Gras is hands down one of the biggest festivals of the year. And yes, it gets busy, but it happens in the best possible way, because everyone is feeling the love. So, glitter up ladies and gents! Or glitter down! Mardi Gras is all about self-expression, so you do you!

Cheers!

Check out the Mardi Gras '19 festivities so far!