2026 Sydney Mardi Gras: Essential Details Revealed
The 2026 Sydney Mardi Gras is set to be a vibrant celebration, welcoming over 10,000 attendees and showcasing 200 dazzling floats. Taking place on Saturday night, the event will feature a theme titled “ECSTATICA,” which embodies a euphoric rebellion combining glamour, grit, and joyous togetherness.
2026 Mardi Gras Schedule and Theme
The festivities will start on February 13 and run until March 1, culminating in the main parade. This year, the parade is scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM and conclude around 10:30 PM on Saturday.
Transport and Accessibility
For the first time, public transport will operate continuously throughout the event. This includes train, light rail, and metro services running on a 24-hour timetable, expanding accessibility for parade-goers.
Key Dates:
- Festival Dates: February 13 – March 1, 2026
- Parade Date: February 27, 2026
- Parade Start Time: 7:30 PM
- Parade End Time: 10:30 PM
Road Closures During Mardi Gras
Major roadways around the CBD and Moore Park will experience closures, starting from 4 PM on Saturday until 2 AM on Sunday. It is advisable to avoid driving in the area and utilize public transportation instead. Below are the details of the road closures:
Closure Timings:
- 4 PM – 1 AM: College Street, Liverpool Street, Wentworth Avenue
- 4 PM – 2 AM: Flinders Street (northbound lanes)
- 5:30 PM – 1 AM: Anzac Parade (northbound)
- 5:30 PM – 2 AM: Major closures along parade route including parts of Liverpool Street and Oxford Street
- 6:30 PM – 1 AM: Moore Park Road from Oatley Road
Public Transport Options
Train stations including Town Hall, St James, and Kings Cross will provide the easiest access to the northern parade route. Those on the southern side should use Central Station. Notably, Museum station will be closed from 5 PM to 4 AM.
Service Schedule:
- Metro Services: Every 5 minutes from 5 PM to midnight, every 10 minutes until 2 AM, and then every 20 minutes until 5 AM.
- Light Rail: Continuous service until 5 AM on Sunday.
- Bus Services: Additional late-night and day services will operate with some routes adjusted for road closures.
Viewing the Parade
For those unable to attend in person, live coverage will be available through various media outlets. ABC TV and iview will broadcast the parade starting at 7:30 PM.
Tickets and Events
Attendance to the parade is free; however, some events require tickets. The Taylor Square Takeover, for instance, has sold out, with ticket prices ranging from $138 to $170.
While the official after-party at Hordern Pavilion has been cancelled, tickets remain for the Mardi Gras First Nations after-party, Blak Joy, kicking off at 8 PM in Ultimo. The celebrations will also feature a street party at The Beresford on Sunday.
The City of Sydney has extended trading hours for local businesses in preparation for the event, allowing shops, cafes, and entertainment venues to remain open until midnight on the event weekend.
