Need Last-Minute Mardi Gras Inspiration? Here Are Sydney's Top Events and Happenings That Aren't The Parade

This year's Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras will, as always, culminate in the Parade on Saturday night with enduring favourites like the 78ers, Dykes on Bikes, and First Nations queers parading around the SCG's substantial oval, as well as performances (or at least appearances) from Savage Garden alum and gay-Twitter icon Darren Hayes, the incredible genderqueer musician Mo'Ju, and Vanessa Amorosi who must perform 'Absolutely Everybody' or risk being glitter-cannoned into space. Stadium regulars, The Wiggles, will also be making an appearance — details TBC.

But it's not all about the Parade, of course. If you can't make it or simply aren't into the idea of celebrating Mardi Gras in allocated seating, no problem. There are events and happenings around Sydney covering all your Mardi Gras-adjacent interests: food, dancing, performance and drag (of both the king and queen varieties).

Here are a few of our picks, for your queerspiration and consideration.

The Dollar Bin Darlings

'BREAK OUT' AT THE NATIONAL ART SCHOOL

Sydney's National Art School is throwing a series of LTBTQI parties, performance art and moving images to coincide with Mardi Gras as part of the ongoing Thursday night event series NAS NEO. This week, the featured event is titled 'Break Out' and includes live tunes from rapper/artist Jamaica Moana and DJ sets from Ayebatonye and The Dollar Bin Darlings, as well as performance art from Gareth Ernst, Lou Harris and Solar Gold Dancers (among others). There will be pop-up bars and food by Franchi Brothers Pizza Lab to keep you refreshed while you get neck-deep in contemporary queer creativity.

When: Thursday, March 3, 2022
Where: National Art School, Cnr of Forbes & Burton Street, Darlinghurst
Recommended for: Those who like to put the A-R-T in party.

Hot Mess Party (image supplied by Oxford Tavern)

HOT MESS HOUSE PARTY AT THE OXFORD TAVERN

For those who want to dance, The Dollar Bin Darlings are taking over the Oxford Tav for a huge, free six-hour dance party. The aptly named Hot Mess House Party will see the DBDs accompanied by their team of Bottom Dollar Buddies and go-go dancers. Expect things to get trashy — in a good way!

When: Saturday, March 5, 2022
Where: The Oxford Tavern, 1 New Canterbury Road, Petersham
Recommended for: Dance floor aficionados who are keen to unleash their inner and outer hot mess.

9 to 5 The Musical, image by Pamela Raith

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL

Look, it's not technically part of Mardi Gras but the fact remains that 9 To 5 (and virtually everything Dolly Parton has ever done) is queer canon. So if you haven't already procured your tickets to the musical stage version of the iconic revenge-fantasy comedy, what the devil are you waiting for?!

When: Running now until Sunday, April 17, 2022.
Where: Capitol Theatre, 13 Campbell Street, Haymarket
Recommended for: Anyone with a fierce inner queen (who is also a fan of show tunes).

DRAG KING BOOZY BRUNCH AND ALL-DAY PARTY AT ELM

The Taphouse's rooftop venue recently launched "the nation's first-and-only" drag king bottomless brunch, where guests enjoy brunch-appropriate bites and get a buzz on while being entertained by superb resident drag king, Axl Rod. For Mardi Gras, the party is extending through till the wee small hours, kicking off with brunch, followed by a parade viewing party, and plenty of dance floor debauchery accompanied by DJs and circus performers. Book brunch here.

When: Saturday, March 5, 2022
Where: Elm Rooftop Bar, Level 2, 122 Flinders Street, Darlinghurst
Recommended for: A pre-parade brunch date fit for a (glam-metal) king and then some.

THE ADVENTURES OF PRISCILLA DRAG 'N DINE AT THE IMPERIAL

It's giving frill neck lizard couture and Gloria Gaynor disco realness. The Imperial is serving up an all-star cast of drag dynamos for an entire week of Drag 'N Dine shows to celebrate Mardi Gras. And on Friday and Saturday is a special show that pays homage to Priscilla Queen of the Desert with a cast that includes Jojo Zaho, Vonni, Polly Filla, and Art Simone. I will survive (but only if I can see this show). Buy your tickets here.

When: March 1 to March 6
Where: The Imperial, 35 Erskineville Road, Erskineville
Recommended for: Anthems, iconic lewks and spectacular reads.

'CAMP' RECOVERY LUNCH AT IL PONTILE

The Sunday after Parade night can be a bit like the day after Christmas. The trick, therefore, is to have something terrific planned to extend the good times and stave off any glum post-Mardi Gras feelings. Woolloomooloo's impressive Italian newcomer, Il Pontile, is hosting CAMP! — a long lunch with waterfront vistas, signature Italian flavours, bespoke cocktails, surprise guests, some major giveaways and prizes, and more. Tickets are essential and you can purchase them here.

When: Sunday, March 6, 2022 from 12pm midday
Where: Il Pontile, 6 Cowper Wharf Roadway, Woolloomooloo
Recommended for: Chronic FOMO sufferers and post-party gourmands (sunglasses recommended).

Image supplied by Heaps Gay

ABSOLUT X HEAPS GAY PRESENTS THE ROAST

Another banger Sunday event that has a focus on food and feelgood vibes. The Roast, curated by queer party pioneers Heaps Gay, features an all-star lineup of queer food, drink, comedy and theatre folk including superstar chef Anna Polyviou in charge of the menu, Mangarai First Nations queen Tyra Bankstown and the Blaq Moles serving face and lewks, and Paul Mac and Johnny Seymour of Stereogamous on the ones and twos. All ticket sales go to supporting ACON, Australia's largest HIV and sexuality and gender diverse health organisation, so you'll be doing good while you have a very good time.

When: Sunday, March 6, 2022
Where: The Refectory, University of Sydney (Camperdown campus)
Recommended for: Those who want to party hard with heart.

DJ Charlie Villas & Nikita Majajas for The Sunglass Hut

FREE MAKEUP TOUCH UPS WITH SHADES IN THE CBD

Terrible at makeup but want to achieve your favourite Euphoria face for parade day and the myriad parties you've already forgotten you RSVP'd for? The Sunglass Hut flagship store on George Street is providing free makeup touch ups from 11am till 2pm. Glitter, colour, gems — it's all on the menu. To celebrate the unveiling of a limited-edition 'Love is Love' sunglass chain in partnership with Nikita Majajas (of excellently flamboyant jewellery brand Doodad + Fandango), the store is also handing out free scoops of Messina's gayest gelato flavour 'Unicorn' on Friday from 12.30pm-3pm.

When: Gelato Messina pop-up on Friday, March 4. Makeup touch ups on Saturday, March 5.
Where: The Sunglass Hut, Shop 4-5, Ground Floor, 413 - 421 George Street, Sydney
Recommended for: The cosmetically challenged.

Image by Ken Leanfore from the 2018 Sissy Ball

THE SISSY BALL

Ok, so we're cheating a bit here. This year's Sissy Ball was postponed to the dismay of many due to the threat of Covid restrictions. But dust off your death drop because Australia's most fabulous celebration of queer ball culture has announced it has been rescheduled for Sunday, April 3, 2022. Mark your diary and buy your tickets before it inevitably sells out.

When: Sunday, April 3, 2022
Where: Sydney Town Hall, 483 George Street, Sydney
Recommended for: Devotees of the throwdown.