Pride Month's Lineup Has Dropped, Headlined by a Glitter-Fuelled Après-Ski Party, Queer Trivia and Ladyhawke on the Decks
Get cosy and chaotic, as this annual celebration brings guest stars and winter vibes to uplift the queer community and raise essential funds.
Building upon ECSTATICA — the 2026 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival's rallying call — Pride Month returns with a series of community events outside the traditional festival season. Marking the anniversary of the first Mardi Gras in June 1978, this month-long experience is not only a fab chance to celebrate queer joy, it also helps raise essential funds to support Mardi Gras' future.
Held on Sunday, June 21, Après-Gras: The Winter Mardi Gras Fundraiser is Pride Month's headline-grabbing event, taking over The Beresford with an afternoon to evening après-ski party. Designed to be equal parts cosy and chaotic, drag shows, a best-dressed competition and raffle prizes dovetail with a stacked lineup of guest stars performing for your pleasure, including Velvet Inferno, Marcia Hines and Brendan Maclean, with Julian Hamilton and SUPER DISCO Club on the decks.
"We set out this year to create more ways for our communities to connect with Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras beyond the festival season — reaching new audiences, celebrating queer culture year-round, and creating spaces where people feel seen, connected and proud," said Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras co-chairs, Kathy Pavlich and Mits Delisle.
Next, it's time to ramp up your midweek festivities, with the Paddo RSL playing host for the Mardi Gras Trivia Night on Wednesday, June 24. Bringing the community together for friendly competitiveness on the anniversary of the first Mardi Gras, teams of four to six pals will put their queer knowledge to the test, with quick-fire topics on the night spanning queer history, pop culture, iconic Mardi Gras moments and loads more.
Earlier in the month, Mardi Gras fave Ultra Violet takes over City Recital Hall for a special winter instalment. Running from 6pm–late on Saturday, June 13, Winter Violet will spread across three incredible stages, with headliner Ladyhawke delivering an unmissable DJ set. Meanwhile, the likes of Charlie Villas, Mama De Leche and La Foxy Fuzz will serve up high-energy performances featuring underground house, Latin rhythms and disco funk.
"Pride Month is one of the most important times in our calendar," says Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras CEO, Jesse Matheson. "With the 50th anniversary fast approaching, Après-Gras, Mardi Gras Anniversary Trivia, and Winter Violet are a chance for our community to come together, celebrate queer joy and help power the future of Mardi Gras."
Mardi Gras Pride Month is happening across various dates and locations in Sydney throughout June 2026. Head to the website for more information.
Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.
Images: Supplied.
- The 12 Best Walks In and Around Sydney
- Sydney's Best Bottomless Brunches
- CP Picks: The Best Gifts for People Who Are Never Home — According to Travel Writers
- The Ten Best Hotels in Brisbane
- The Nine Best Coastal Spots for Whale Watching Across Australia
- The Best Things to Do This Anzac Day in Sydney