Let’s get ECSTATICA: Sydney Mardi Gras returns for 2026

There is a specific kind of electricity that hums through Sydney in late February. It starts as a murmur on Oxford Street and builds into a roar that can be heard around the world. On Saturday, 28 February 2026, that energy will reach its peak as the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade returns to the streets.

This year, the celebration is guided by the theme ECSTATICA. More than just a party, the 2026 parade promises to be a powerful expression of collective release—that euphoric moment when visibility transforms into power and celebration becomes action. With over 10,000 marchers and 160 floats ready to transform inner Sydney, the city is bracing for one of the world’s largest and most vibrant celebrations of queer identity.

Whether you are a seasoned parade-goer or planning your first trip to the glitter strip, here is everything you need to know about the night Sydney shines brightest.

The Theme: Embracing ECSTATICA

Every Mardi Gras tells a story, and in 2026, the story is about the joy of gathering. The theme ECSTATICA captures the emotional high point of community connection. It explores the profound feeling of release that occurs when queer communities occupy public spaces together—moving through the streets with joy, pride, and defiance.

“The Parade is where the Festival reaches its defining moment,” says Jesse Matheson, CEO of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. “From our earliest trailblazers to the next generation stepping onto the route today, ECSTATICA becomes real when thousands of queer lives move through the city together, visible, connected and completely unapologetic.”

This year isn’t just about being seen; it is about the ecstatic power of being seen together.

The Route and The Icons

The parade remains true to its roots, following the iconic path that has become hallowed ground for the LGBTQIA+ community. The procession will wind its way along Oxford Street, turn onto Flinders Street, and conclude on Moore Park Road.

As tradition dictates, the roar of engines will signal the start of the night, with the legendary Dykes on Bikes leading the charge. Following them will be the First Nations marchers, acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land, and the 78ers, the brave individuals who marched in the original 1978 protest and paved the way for the freedoms celebrated today.

Float Highlights: Art, Activism, and Upcycling

The parade is famous for its visual spectacle, and 2026 is set to deliver incredible creativity. This year’s floats blend political commentary, personal joy, and environmental consciousness. Here are a few entries to watch out for:

Yamurrah: Mother Earth; YOU Better Werk

This powerful float centres Blak queer voices, linking the fight for pride with the fight for the planet. It serves as a statement on Country, climate, and cultural responsibility, reminding us that there is no pride without a planet.

Trans Pride Australia: A Decade of Light

Celebrating a significant milestone, Trans Pride Australia marks ten years in the parade. Their float, ‘Trans Joy’, reflects on a decade of change, honouring the journey from struggle to visibility and the shared strength of the trans community.

The Fabulous Queer Upcyclers

Taking the theme of ECSTATICA literally, this group brings ‘Gather, Dream, Amplify’ to life. Their float is a masterpiece of sustainability, using reclaimed feathers and upcycled materials to create bold, gender-fluid looks. It proves that fashion and festivity don’t have to cost the earth.

Autism Spectrum Australia

Celebrating neurodivergence, the ‘UNMASKED’ float is a masquerade-inspired joyful riot. It celebrates autistic LGBTQIA+ people and the freedom to drop the mask and be your authentic self.

Community Support and Funding

Creating a Mardi Gras float is a labour of love, and often a significant financial undertaking. This year, Canva has returned as a major supporter, awarding 14 grants to community groups and individuals. These grants help cover essential costs like travel, float production, and costumes, ensuring the parade truly reflects the diversity of the community.

Recipients of the Canva grants include diverse groups such as Australian Asexuals, Bobby Goldsmith Foundation, Queer Roller Derby, and Sydney Gaymers, ensuring a wide spectrum of identities are represented on the night.

How to Experience the Magic

With hundreds of thousands of spectators expected, planning your night is essential. There are several ways to witness the spectacle of ECSTATICA.

The Glitter Club

For those who want to be right in the heart of the action without the jostle of the crowd, the Glitter Club at Taylor Square offers a premium viewing experience. Guests enjoy:

A raised viewing deck for unobstructed views.
Dedicated bars and curated food options.
Private toilets (a true luxury on parade night).
Live entertainment headlined by DJ Dan Murphy and Estée Louder.

Tickets are limited, with the final release priced at $169.99 plus booking fees.

Accessible Viewing

Inclusivity is at the core of Mardi Gras. A free Accessible Parade Viewing Area is located on Flinders Street. This designated space provides seating, accessible amenities, a Quiet Room for those who need a break from the sensory intensity, and live audio description of the parade. (Note: Registrations for this area typically close prior to the event, so check availability early).

Watch from Home

If you can’t make it to Oxford Street, you don’t have to miss out. The entire parade will be broadcast live on the ABC, bringing the colour, commentary, and celebration into living rooms across the nation.

The 2026 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade is more than a spectacle; it is a vital expression of inclusion, creativity, and community. As NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper notes, it is “Australia’s most powerful expression of inclusion.”

On 28 February, Sydney will once again prove that when we gather together in pride, the result is nothing short of ecstatic. Whether you are marching, cheering from the sidelines, or watching from home, get ready for a night of unforgettable joy.

For further information, visit: mardigras.org.au/event/parade or download the official Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras app for live updates.

What to know