Kick start Sydney WorldPride in true Mardi Gras style at Fair Day presented by American Express! Bring along your furry friend, grandma, neighbours and mates to Victoria Park on Sunday 19 February for an all-day, colourful extravaganza filled with music, arts, culture and community.
Fair Day has something for everyone. With over 300 retail, food and community stalls, live entertainment and family-friendly picnic areas, this day-long event is one of the community’s favourites. Enjoy musical acts and vibe to the beats on multiple stages and dance floors.
Recharge with refreshing drinks and delicious food at boutique bars, plus check out the Doggywood pageant at the new and improved Optus Arena. And before you go, don’t miss the mini-Vogue Ball that promises to leave you excited for the festival to come.
Multiple entertainment stages, bars and dance floors dot the park, inviting audiences in to explore and connect with our communities. Entertainment highlights include:
The First Nations Circle – presented in partnership with BLAQ Aboriginal Corporation
Returning bigger and better for its second year, the First Nations Circle aims to create an environment which celebrates LGBTQIA+SB Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and will once again come to life in partnership with BLAQ Aboriginal Corporation.
Settle in for some profound poetry performances, live music, DJs and an appearance from drag prince Bee Dazzled Shanks. Gather for the smoking ceremony at 11.00am, and explore First Nations-owned businesses and services at the new and improved hub.
American Express Main Stage
Hosted by ABC News Breakfast’s Nate Byrne and Faustina Agolley, expect ten hours of top-notch entertainment including the inaugural Drag King Games, hosted by Sexy Galexy and Donny Piccolo. The Main Stage fun features a range of fantastic community programming including a Sissy Ball vogue showcase, the Molly Poppinz Drag Show, plus performances by Nana Miss Koori, Penelope, Jamaica Moana, Seann Miley Moore, The Buoys, Beks, Carla Wehbe and Toni Pearan.
Sit back and listen to an array of ABC talent, or get up and boogie to DJs Mama de Leche and Estee Louder as the sun begins to set over the parklands. Expect a finale performance from Eurovision Champion, Conchita Wurst, brought to the American Express Main Stage by Booking.com, major partner and exclusive digital travel provider of Sydney WorldPride.
Optus Arena
Get ready for the return of the paw-some Doggywood Parade and Pageant, with submissions now open for the Pageant’s esteemed categories Reach For The Stars, Eleganza Extravaganza and The Gold Dogie – hosted by Milo Hartill. Meet internet personalities in a TikTok star panel hosted by Tomi Drag Queen, and hear from some of Australia’s top athletes at the Sporting Dreams panel featuring Ian Thorpe and Taylor Ling.
Catch a live recording of ABC’s The Party Room for all things politics, and then Beauty School is in session with Sydney Mardi Gras Official Makeup Partner MECCA MAX hosting free festival looks sessions run by industry icon Max May and MECCA MAX’s artistry team, with all attendees walking away with a complimentary beauty pack. Battery running low? You can also charge your phone at the Optus charging stations, all day long.
Wonderful, Proud & Free Stage – brought to you by Deloitte
The perfect destination for families to celebrate Fair Day, revel in the energy of Charisma Belle and Annie Mation as they present Drag Storytime, or cheer on the participants of Junior Drag. Kate Monroe leads the Kiddo Disco, where the dancing continues with musical performances by Nick Pes and Ray Isaac. Closing off the evening is DJ extraordinaire, Latifa Tee.
The Absolut Dancefloor
Absolut’s party kicks off from midday, where you can groove to the beats of DJs Boogie Witch, Fabian Brimfield, Kate Munro and Alex Taylor. Six speciality bars will return to quench the search for your favourite refreshments, all while offering unique experiences for each respective watering hole.
Whiskey enthusiasts rejoice in this year’s newest addition of the Johnnie Walker Bar. Plus visit The American Express Lounge, which is back again and open to all. It’s a place to relax, enjoy a drink and connect with others, while providing an amazing vantage point of the American Express Main Stage.
The Absolut Bar will feature a delectable variety of cocktails to enjoy, or try some gin cocktails from the Archie Rose Bar and then wine-down at the Squealing Pig Wine Bar. If you’re looking for something a little more up-beat, make your way to Little Creatures Garden Bar for an all-day DJ extravaganza.
The 2023 Mardi Gras Fair Day takes place at Victoria Park, Broadway on Sunday 19 February (10.00am – 9.00pm). Free entry! For more information, visit: www.sydneyworldpride.com for details.
Image: Mardi Gras Fair Day (supplied)