15 Ways To Celebrate Mardi Gras In Sydney If You Can't Make The Parade

It's the most vibrant time of the year again.

1. Heaps Gay Planet Xtra Mardi Pardi

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Date & Price: 29th February, $65.00

Manning Bar hosts one of the most unique Mardi Gras parties in all of Sydney. Think K-Pop meets '90s hotmail chat room! There's no judgement for the weird and wacky at this alternative disco, which means you can truly unleash your inner unusual.

2. Fair Day

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Date & Price: 16th February, FREE

You want to get into the spirit, but you're a little strapped for cash? Look no further than the bright and wonderful Fair Day! The weekend before the festivities commence, there'll be a free event on at Victoria Park — packed to the brim with live music, colourful market stalls and even a Mardi Gras-themed dog show. Good boy.

3. Mardi Gras Film Festival

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Date & Price: 13th February — 29th March, $19.90 per film

Say partying isn't your thing, but you do like to relax and watch a movie while sipping on a nice glass of red. This year's film fest showcases the best in queer screen from all over the world — with viewings at several cinemas all around Sydney. Check out the full schedule here.

4. GOING ZODIAC: Battle Of The Signs

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Date & Price: 23rd February, $10.00

Sydney's favourite queer astrology party is back for a super special Mardi Gras edition. Expect irresistible drag queens battling it out on stage in search of the most powerful star sign. For you, it'll be an unforgettable night of entertainment.

5. Big Gay Boat Party

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Date & Price: 28th February, $60.00

One thing that's better than a party, is a party on a boat organised by 'Poof Doof'! Drop your anchor and let your hair down at this groovy seaside extravaganza. There'll be DJs mixing up a boogie all night long — with sunset by the DF.

6. Minus 18 Queer Formal

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Date & Price: 21st February, FREE

This is the first ever under 18s Mardi Gras event, and it's about time. It's great that queer youth can now partake in their own event festivities and that they're being accommodated for starting in their teenage years. Think performances, DJs, lip-sync battles and loads of bio-glitter. Be sure to register for a spot at this one.

7. Rule 34 Club's Events

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Date & Price: 26th February, $25.00

Push the boundaries to your definition of 'strange' with this obscene, sexually-subversive smorgasbord of performance art shows. Their events are usually held in a warehouse in Marrickville and boast being the craziest shindigs Sydney has ever seen. Be sure to bring your dirty mind and your open imagination.

8. Lululemon Rooftop Yoga

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Date & Price: 28th February, FREE

This iconic clothing brand hosts regular yoga events in the city ⁠— this time, with an extra special rooftop session to celebrate Mardi Gras. Unleash your inner yogi and stretch yourself out for all the dancing that's to come over the weekend. You'll thank yourself for it, but do register, as there's limited spaces available.

9. WTF Underwear Party

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Date & Price: 29th February, $40.00

You might've had a dream one day where you left the house without your underwear, and you're not sure how you got there, but then you wake up all confused...Well, this is the one event where those dreams come true, and you're not alone — everyone else will be in their underwear too! Showcasing Sydney's hottest DJs and half-naked beauties, this is one pant-less party you won't want to miss.

10. Obsessed Boylesque

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Date & Price: 25th February, $33.00

For when a bit o' wining, dining and a live show is more your thing — especially when it's half-nude hunks wearing tight threads performing on stage. These heart-throb acts will have you laughing in your seat and drooling at the mouth simultaneously. They don't call it 'Obsessed Boylesque' for no reason — you'll be begging for more!

11. Mardi Gras Pool Party

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Date & Price: 24th February, $75.00

It ought to be a scorcher of an event, so maybe you'll fancy being open-air rather than tucked away in a sweaty nightclub. Splash about in the pool and dance around like nobody is watching. Except they will be watching you — and in a good way with that outfit of yours.

12. Pump It, Drop It Low

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Date & Price: 22nd February, FREE

Yes, you heard that right — free gay bootcamp! It's the perfect time to push that little bit harder on a Saturday morning to look great for the grand events the following weekend. It's hosted by BQFitness at Prince Alfred Park. BYO towel and water bottle.

13. Build Your Bling Workshop

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Date & Price: 25th February, $55.00

You could go out and buy your costume accessories, or better yet—you can always make them. This boozy workshop in Leichhardt provides you with the gear to make to your own jewellery, masks and creative bling for the Mardi parties. You'll be looking fab-tastic in your self-sufficient conception.

14. Street Photography Workshop With Aussie Street

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Date & Price: 29th February, $198.00

Learn from the best at this dynamic street photography workshop. You'll be mentored the fundamentals of being a pro photographer while snapping some unique footage of the parade. This could be your stepping stone to a brand-new side hustle.

15. And finally, The Naked Barber Life Drawing Class

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Date & Price: 27th February, $60.50

The saying "Paint me like one of your French girls" couldn't be used more perfectly here—except this time it's muscly pecks and six pack that you'll be sketching. This sexy soiree in Darlinghurst will evoke your inner Picasso and have you drooling while drawing. BYO drinks, nibbles and leather!