Mardi Gras time is here! The yearly event that lights up our harbour city a glittery glow and grants permission to dress up as much (or as little) as you want. Come out and paint the town rainbow in the most fabulous way we know-how. To celebrate we’ve rounded up the quirkiest, booziest and drag queen approved places to party and enjoy this year’s parade.

Pullman Sydney – CBD

Pullman Sydney Hyde Park will transform into Pullman Pride Park on 1st March to host the Let your Pride Shine pre Mardi Gras pride party! Offering a prize position on the doorstep of the parade there will also be a special performance by Samantha Jade, alongside a range of entertainment and surprises.

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Forresters – Surry Hills

Celebrate Parade Day on 1st March, with a fun and flirty party at Forrester’s! Enjoy live entertainment, vibrant Four Pillars cocktails, and good vibes all around. For those heading to the parade, stop by the Surry Hills pub beforehand to fuel up, or catch all the action live on multiple screens around the venue. Entry is free, with walk-ins only!

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Taphouse – Darlinghurst

Taphouse is offering an ALL-DAY BOTTOMLESS Cantonese-style feast during Mardi Gras 2025! For $99pp, the ‘Sip & Slay’ bottomless features a menu of Chinese tasting platters and a 2-hour beverage package with free-flowing craft beers and house wines, plus a Four Pillars cocktail on arrival. The bottomless menu can be ordered from 4pm (Mon-Thurs) and from 11:30am (Fri-Sun) during Mardi Gras.

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The Butler – Potts Point

For the ultimate Mardi Gras dining experience, treat your squad to The Butler’s Long Lunch, available Wednesday – Sunday. For just $125pp, enjoy 2-hours of bottomless bubbles, wine, beer, paired with a curated banquet of Mexican and South American-inspired dishes. Feast on standout dishes like Tuna Tartare with blood orange, Seared Scallops with yellow mole, and the signature Lamb Barbacoa, served alongside seasonal sides. If you’re not ready to call it a day, head upstairs to Juanita’s Bar for drinks, dessert, and unbeatable views of Potts Point.

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The Winery – Surry Hills

Catch all the Mardi Gras parade action live on multiple screens at The Winery, with drinks flowing until 2am. Mere steps away from the parade route, The Winery is the ultimate spot to enjoy the festivities (minus the crowds), with resident DJs spinning tunes all night long! Doors open at 5pm, $15 entry – first in, best dressed!

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The Bank Hotel – Newtown

Offering 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.

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Kings Cross Hotel – Potts Point

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 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.

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Darlo Bar – 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.

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The Marlborough Hotel – Newtown

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.

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Paddo Inn – Paddington

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.

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The Clock Hotel – Surry Hills

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.

Book here