As well as hosting WorldPride 2023 for the first time it's come to the Southern Hemisphere, we're also celebrating the 45th anniversary of Sydney’s Mardi Gras parade in 2023, so it’s safe to say that the entire city is getting in and around the month-long celebration of our LGBTQIA+ community.
Naturally, we’re being blessed with some epic queer-centred events as a result, from bottomless drag brunches to roller derbies to seaplane flights and dog shows, and we’ve got you covered for every kind of activity happening this WorldPride in Sydney.
Grab your eco-friendly glitter, slip on your platform wedges, and book in for the most fabulous month on Sydney’s cultural calendar—these are the best events going down in Sydney for and around WorldPride 2023.
Keen to book a drag brunch featuring a fabulous queen? Skip to the best bottomless drag brunches of WorldPride.
Sydney's Best WorldPride Events
Dylan Mooney: Still Here And Thriving
N.Smith Gallery, Paddington | Wednesday 8 February–Saturday 4 March
First Nations artist Dylan Mooney will be showcasing his Still here and thriving exhibition for a limited season during WorldPride. Five of Mooney’s large-format portraits that explore his personal experiences of love, identity and desire as a queer, Indigenous man will be on show, with discussions of underrepresentation and marginalisation in the art community explored. Entry is free, and you can learn more here.
House of Hornecker
Manor House, Darlinghurst | Thursday 9 February–Sunday 5 March
One exciting debut this WorldPride month is the Flinders Street House of Hornecker: a pop-up queer theatre and drag hotel staging two nightly shows and interactive tours through a makeshift drag hotel. Artist and set designer Tony Hornecker (who has worked with Kylie Minogue) has travelled from East London to deliver the speakeasy-inspired space filled with colour, creativity and a ton of fabulously camp performances, including an appearance by Séayoncé, who will act as a ghost whisperer through the Claridge Apartments and perform seances. Tickets to the show are $120, which includes a cocktail on arrival and canapes. Head over here to book your spot.
Sydney WorldPride At Dendy Newtown
Dendy Theatre, Newtown | Friday 10 February–Sunday 5 March
Dendy Theatre Newtown knows who does theatrics best, so they’re hosting their WorldPride film festival for the month of February. From campy classics to moving masterpieces, the cinema has curated a selection of some of the best films that celebrate, support and uplift the LGBTQIA+ community. You can expect the likes of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Call Me By Your Name and the Mardi Gras Parade Livestream to all make the big screen. Check out the full program and buy tickets here.
WorldPride At The Art Gallery Of NSW
Art Gallery Of NSW | Sunday 12 February–Sunday 5 March
If you’re looking to get a dose of culture in during WorldPride, look no further than the array of activations and programs happening at the Art Gallery of NSW. Both buildings of the newly expanded campus will be celebrating queer artistic practice, with Queer After Hours on Wednesday 22 February featuring artists, performers and musicians until 10pm, as well as an array of queer-centred exhibitions. On Sundays, make your way over for Tit Talks at the Gallery, a collaboration between iconic Redfern bar The Bearded Tit that will see Kilimi moderate discussion panels between LGBTQIA+ community leaders. Head over here to check out the full program.
Drag SKYWALK & Sip
The Sydney Tower Eye | Thursday 16, 23 February and 2 March
There’s more than one way to get your thrills in at The Sydney Tower Eye’s limited series of Drag SKYWALK & Sip. SKYWALKers will receive access to the Sydney Tower Eye Observation Deck as well as an hour-long tour hosted by iconic drag queens Miss Seafood Paella, Luna Sparks and Mynx Moscato. After taking to the skies, you’ll also head across to Bar 83, lap up the views and enjoy a complimentary cocktail and charcuterie board. Tickets are $133, head over here to grab yours.
Uber Pride Ride
Around Sydney CBD | Thursday 16 February–Sunday 5 March
The Vengabus is coming... Iconic '90s Dutch band Vengaboys is heading to Sydney to launch the Uber Pride Ride, a free city circle bus route helping Pride-goers navigate around events easily, safely and with heaps of fun. The bus starts its route at Australian Museum (the perfect excuse to say hey to Progress Shark) and will host onboard activities, from drag bingo and karaoke with Jojo Zaho, Carla from Bankstown and Coco Jumbo, to educational talks from Black Rainbow, an organisation advocating for the voices of first nations LGBQTIA+SB young people. You can even win a meet and greet with Vengaboys on Thursday 16 February to launch the fun—keep checking in here for details on how to enter for the chance. Uber Pride Ride will run on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during WorldPride, between 6:30pm and 10pm.
WorldPride At The Imperial
The Imperial, Erskineville | Friday 17 February–Sunday 5 March
Queer institution The Imperial is ramping up the party for WorldPride, and you can be sure it's one hell of a party. Kicking off Friday 17 February, the Erskineville hotspot will play host to an array of Drag 'N’ Dine shows, Mardi Gras and basement parties, bingo, trivia and much, much more. Due to popular demand, there’ll be drag shows running literally every day, with appearances from icons including Philmah Bocks, Etcetera Etcetera and more. The program is packed, so head over here to check it out in full.
The Beresford Pride Dog Show
The Beresford, Surry Hills | Saturday 18 February, From 11am
Grab the collar and leash—The Beresford Pride Dog Show is back yet again for another fabulous year of celebrating fabulous fur babies. The much-loved Dog Show is the cutest event on the bill, promising pooch parades and doggie treats galore as the pub’s lush courtyard will become home to fur-friendly market stalls in the morning, free photo booth shots and the always-adorable beauty pageant in the afternoon. No bookings are required, but you can secure one here.
Roller Derby Extravaganza
Big Top, Luna Park Sydney | Saturday 18 February, 4pm–10:30pm
Let's roll—the Roller Derby Extravaganza for WorldPride will host two games that’ll see some of the best local, Australian and international roller derby teams go head-to-head in the ultimate battle. Of course, it wouldn’t be a true extravaganza without some epic half-time and between-game acts from queer and side-show circus performers. Tickets start at $25 and can be found here.
Bert's 'N' Pride Plane
Bert’s Bar & Brasserie | Saturday 18 February–Sunday 5 March
If you’re looking to up the ante for WorldPride celebrations, all aboard the Bert's Pride Plane. Tickets are $699 per head, and you’ll be hosted by fabulous drag queen Jackie Daniels, escorted to and from the venue via rainbow seaplane from Rose Bay Marina with a welcome cocktail, and indulge in a four-course menu including oysters, steak tartare and lobster tagliolini at one of Sydney’s most picturesque restaurants, wrapping up with a return fly-over of Sydney Harbour. Head over here to book.
Mardi Gras Fair Day
Victoria Park | Sunday 19 February, 10am–9pm
If you’re looking for an all-ages event this Mardi Gras, look no further than Fair Day. The annual, all-day extravaganza kicks off the first weekend of WorldPride with a smorgasbord of food, markets, comedy, dance and live music. Whether you’re going for a sunny picnic, a shop, or a cheeky boogie at the live music and performance stages, there’s something for everyone. Head over here for event info.
Sydney Vegan Market x WorldPride
Cathy Freeman Park, Sydney Olympic Park | Sunday 19 February, 9am–4pm
Whether you’re vegan or not, the Sydney Vegan Markets are famous for slinging some of the best food around town, so it’s worth a try—and their WorldPride edition will be adding a little extra personality with live music from LGBTQIA+ artists and performers, fashion parades and even yoga classes on offer. More info over here.
HOMO HOUSE At Harry's
Harry's, Surry Hills | Monday 20 February–Sunday 5 March
POOF DOOF is back in the gay-bourhood, setting up for a two-week stint of free daily fun at Harry's. The entire hotel will be transformed with parties, fashion takeovers, drink specials, DJs, live acts, drag artists and a mammoth closing party, and it'll all kick off with the Snap Crackle Pop-Off! party featuring DJ sets and performances from Nic Holland, Milo Hartill and Ruby Slippers. Other events include Drag Race stars Sugar & Spice at TikTok’s Pink Power Party, the One night in Paris burlesque show, and a happy hour from 2pm to 5pm daily with discounted food and drinks. Check out the full fortnight's lineup of HOMO House here.
Rainbow Routes
Across Sydney | Thursday 23–Saturday 25 February
Jump on board the Absolut Rainbow Routes bus this WorldPride for a journey through Sydney’s queer history for just $25 a ticket. The historical and educational double-decker bus will traverse Sydney and transport guests from parties and marches to significant places and moments. You won’t need to worry about paying extra for entertainment on this journey—the bus has lined up an array of live entertainment and drag performers to keep you busy on your trip. Paul Mac, the Dollar Bin Darlings, Vetta Borne and many more will keep you company as you pay homage to Sydney’s LGBTQIA+ scene. Grab your tickets here.
If you're heading out and about for Mardi Gras on 25 February, keep an eye out for the Rainbow Routes Express, which will be running as a complimentary and safe transport shuttle for the community on parade day, picking up at the Newtown Hotel and dropping off in Darlinghurst.
Dinner With The Girls
The Butler, Potts Point | Wednesday 22 February
Gorgeous multi-level venue The Butler is hosting a mid-week WorldPride celebration that is worth checking out. Dinner With The Girls will welcome drag queen Millenia Al Cox for an evening of sparkle with a special banquet including kingfish crudo, burrata with nduja, fish tacos, spatchcock and "glamingtons", a mini martini on arrival, and epic performance included in the $125pp tickets. Head over here for more information and bookings.
House Of Homes
The Alex, Alexandria | Wednesday 22 February–Sunday 5 March
Absolut has partnered with Merivale to deliver the House of Homes, transforming The Alex’s ballroom into an LGBTQIA+ space for education, art and community, with the pub reinvented as an educational museum where you’ll be able to immerse yourself in local works as well as nostalgic, ballroom-themed décor. On Wednesday 22 February, House of Homes will make its debut with an iconic Housewarming Party featuring boiler room DJs and panel discussions from community trailblazers. Head here for more info.
Aesop Queer Library
Aesop, Pitt Street | Wednesday 22 February–Wednesday 1 March
Aesop will be making their mark this WorldPride with a week-long activation of the Aesop Queer Library. Setting up at their Pitt Street store, the iconic and bougie brand will be moving the soaps off the shelves in lieu of a selection of 45 books that explore BIPOC, trans and gender non-conforming perspectives. All visitors who stop by the store during this time will be able to collect a complimentary copy of their choice. No purchase is required, and each book has been sourced from queer, independent and local bookstores. Head over here for more information.
Drag Haus: WorldPride Edition
The Roundhouse | Thursday 23 February, From 7pm
Jam-packed event series Drag Haus is hosting a special WorldPride Edition that’s taking it up a notch. Over 15 queens from across the country and globe will come together to deliver 30+ dazzling performances, with icons taking to the stage including Anita Wig’lit, Art Simone and Beverly Kills. Tickets start at $77 with some VIP access and meet-and-greet options—snag yours here.
Queer Sporting Alliance Basketball And Roller Disco
KGV Recreation Centre, The Rocks | Thursday 23 February, 6:30pm
Calling all sport fanatics! Queer Sporting Alliance is teaming up with Champion for an iconic queer basketball game and roller disco derby. Catch an epic line-up of special guests go head-to-head in a heated game of basketball with half-time DJs and entertainment. Afterwards, the court will open to everyone for a colourful beginner-friendly roller disco running into the evening. Tickets are just $10, and all funds will support QSA’s programs so that more LGBTIQA+ folk can Come Out & Play. Book your ticket here.
Little Miss Chin Chin Drag Pageant
Chin Chin, Surry Hills | Sunday 26 February, From 12pm
The Little Miss Chin Chin Drag Pageant is back for a second year to serve you fierce queens and tasty food all in one afternoon. You’ll chow down on some of the best plates at Chin Chin all while watching legendary queens take to the stage for the ultimate drag battle. Hosted by corporate queen Karen from Finance, expect lip-syncing, interviews and a whole lotta judgement. Tickets are limited and cost $120pp, head over here to book.
Sydney’s Best WorldPride Drag Brunches
Big Gay Brunch At The Winery
Surry Hills | Saturdays and Sundays, Saturday 18 February–Sunday 5 March
The Winery's Big Gay Brunch will be hosted by Queens from Sydney Drag Royalty, featuring dazzling shows, two hours of bottomless rainbow bellinis, and lots of dancing. Tickets are $89pp, and available here.
Pride Icons Brunch At Nour
Surry Hills | Sunday 19 February
Nour’s Pride Icons brunch is back with Middle Eastern banquets, live DJs, a competitive quiz and performances from drag queens HollyWould and Fairah Nuff (and guests themselves are encouraged to dress as their favourite LGBTQIA+ icons). Tickets are $139pp, or $199 with a 90-minute bottomless drinks package including margaritas and Palomas, and available here.
Fancy Feast Drag Brunch
The Imperial, Erskineville | Saturday 25 February, Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 March
The Imperial’s Fancy Feast Drag Brunch will be serving up Italian-style grazing feasts, live DJs and drag shows from some of Sydney’s best queens in the iconic venue's rooftop bar. Tickets are $69 per person with the option to add a drinks package for $45. Book here.
Parade Slay Brunch
The Paddington | Saturday 25 February, 12pm–3pm
Kick off Parade Day in style with an Absolut cocktail on arrival, banquet menu including lobster spring rolls and rainbow macarons, drag performances, and DJs to get hyped for the night to come. Tickets for lunch are $80pp and available here.
OUT At Margot’s
Luke's Kitchen At Kimpton Margot Sydney, CBD | Saturday 11, 18, 25 February and 4 March
Queen of glam HollyWould Star is transforming Kimpton Margot Sydney into a disco-style brunch extravaganza this month, featuring live music, a five-course bottomless brunch and rainbow-themed cocktails with a different drag guest each weekend. Seats are $95pp with bottomless glasses of sparkling rosé. Book here.
Poof Doof Pride Brunch
Coogee Pavilion Rooftop | Saturday 18, 25 February and 5 March 11am–2pm
The iconic queer party Poof Doof will join Coogee Pavilion for a waterside event guaranteed to have you grooving. Tickets include a three-hour drinks package and roaming canapes plus a cocktail on arrival and area available here.
Estate Coogee
Coogee | Saturday 18 And 23 February
Jackie Daniels, Coco Jumbo and Maxi Shield are joining forces to deliver an iconic drag show and brunch, featuring a three-hour share menu and unlimited booze package for $130pp. Grab tickets here.
Drag Queen Chow
Queen Chow Enmore | Friday 24 February, 12pm–3pm
A huge weekend is calling, and you can start celebrations early at Queen Chow with an Absolut cocktail on arrival followed by a three-course set menu including oysters, gyoza, bug bao and a fairy bread tart, legendary Sydney queens, Holly Would, Jax Hyde and Akiko B. Ray will be bringing thee performances, hosting and banter. You can get in on the action for $140pp here.
Bar Nina
Darlinghurst | Saturday 18, 25 February and 4 March
Bar Nina is known for its epic bottomless brunch, so she's serving up drag shows and a two-hour drinks package including mimosas, espresso martinis, house wines and tap beers to celebrate WorldPride. Tickets are $69 and available here.
Step Back In Time
The Beresford, Surry Hills | Friday 24 February and 3 March
Join queens Minnie Cooper, Mynx Moscato and Jacqui St. Hyde for a journey to the past, with a fabulous drag brunch in The Beresford’s courtyard. Packed with '20s, '50s and '80s elements, you'll work through a cocktail on arrival, three-course menu, and eye candy from dancers Troy Stone and Hayden Baulch. Seats are $75pp and available here.
Image credit: SKYWALK, Art Gallery of NSW (Neesha Alexander), SKYWALK, The Beresford, The Butler, Aesop, Nour (Jiwon Kim), Estate Coogee,