WorldPride is coming to Sydney in 2023. Staged annually since 2000, WorldPride is a global LGBTQIA+ festival. Cities compete to host the event – much like the Olympics – and this is the first time it has been held in the Southern Hemisphere.
Sydney WorldPride 2023 is a non-profit festival, incorporating the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade on Saturday, 25 February. WorldPride runs from 17 February to 5 March 2023 and will take the beloved annual celebration to a whole new, global level for 17 glorious days and nights.
The theme for 2023 is “Gather. Dream. Amplify.” There is a full program of official Sydney WorldPride events, but fringe event creators can take advantage of the party atmosphere for their own means. Read on for hints, tips, and inspo on how you can get involved.
Out on parade
The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade is the main event of Sydney WorldPride. But event creators around the country can host a parade anytime during the two-week WorldPride celebration. If you’re going to gather people from your community to create floats for your own LGBTQIA+ parade, consider additional entertainment: musicians, street performers, and food and beverage vendors.
If you and your attendees can’t get to the official parade in Oxford Street, Sydney, why not host a screening of it? A local watch party at the right venue and location anywhere in Australia can bring the buzz, without the need for expensive travel or accommodation. Keep the party going with add-ons like food and beverages, beanbag seating, or an after-party with a live DJ.
Screen your favourite LGBTQIA+ movie
To celebrate LGBTQIA+ culture and achievements, host a movie screening of a popular or cult favourite LGBTQIA+ movie. In 2017, “Moonlight” became the first movie with an LGBTQIA+ theme to win Best Picture at the Oscars. Other overseas-produced options include: “Mysterious Skin”, “Desert Hearts”, or “Love, Simon”. Or, look closer to home for a cult classic like “The Adventures Of Priscilla, Queen Of the Desert”. Other well-known Australian productions include “The Sum of Us”, starring Jack Thompson and Russell Crowe, and “The Getting of Wisdom”.
Host a local market
Take inspiration from the market in Sydney’s Victoria Park as part of the official WorldPride program, and bring together local arts and craftspeople for a WorldPride-themed market. Enlist local vendors for LGBTQIA+-themed food and beverages, buskers, and other entertainment to create that unique vibe. Remember rainbow flags at the entrance and bunting throughout your market!
Serve up a meal
Host a WorldPride dinner and lean into the theme: “Gather. Dream. Amplify.” Think laterally – invite guests to attend in their pyjamas or have a roaming host with a megaphone encouraging attendee participation. Proceeds from the dinner could go to a charity focussed on LGBTQIA+ awareness. One of them is “BlaQ”, a First Nations organisation created to shine a light on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQIA+ community.
Make a splash
Held at the height of summer, Sydney WorldPride will surely sizzle, so it’s an excellent time to host a pool or beach party. Take inspiration from the official Sydney Mardi Gras party ideas and host your own pool party with a WorldPride theme. Bondi Beach will be packed out for the official beach party, but you can host yours at a beach nearby. If you’re in Sydney, some official venues are small, and even big ones can sell out fast. Host overflow events for those disappointed about missing out.
Out on the water
If you’re in Sydney, take advantage of the sights and sounds of the city in party mode from a different viewpoint – out on the water. Host a harbour boat party with DJs, food and drink packages, costume competitions, and more. Floating event venue Glass Island has done this for previous Sydney Mardi Gras and will be doing it again in 2023. Their “Poof Doof Big Gay Boat Party – Power in Pride” happens across three decks, with local and international LGBTQIA+ DJs and performers.
Dance to the music
Celebrate Sydney WorldPride by hosting your own dance event. Consider venue size and capacity, the cost for a well-known DJ with loads of loyal followers, and additional vendors for food and beverages. Decorate your venue to enhance the vibe.
The White Party, by event organisers In The Dark Presents, has become a staple of the Sydney Mardi Gras celebration, with members of the global LGBTQIA+ community making an annual pilgrimage to attend. For WorldPride 2023, event organisers will hold The White Party at a three-level, harbour-side mega club, with drag queens and DJs providing the entertainment. You can choose VIP Balcony admission as an add-on or a meet-and-greet photo opportunity with the talent.
DJ Ray Isaac runs successful fringe dance parties. For WorldPride Sydney, as part of his Madonna Events Collection, he will be playing music by the queens of pop – Janet, Celine, Beyonce, Whitney, Xtina, Madonna, Britney, Diana and more – at the always popular DIVA Party.
Party with a purpose
Sydney WorldPride includes a three-day LGBTQIA+ rights conference. It’s the first of its kind in the Asia Pacific region and will be streamed free for anyone to attend. As well as bringing together human rights advocates, academics, and LGBTQIA+ leaders worldwide, this conference marks an exciting time to be involved in social justice. Get involved by organising events that highlight LGBTQIA+ equality. Host an in-person or online seminar, or discussion of historical and current inequalities and campaigns addressing them. Sydney WorldPride is the first to host a First Nations Gathering Space as part of the official program. Take inspiration and involve First Nations LGBTQIA+ community members in your event.
Host a drag show
Lean into the theme and host a drag show to add to the Sydney WorldPride atmosphere. Drag events are all about entertainment. Think burlesque cabaret, lip-syncing LGBTQIA+ anthems, and dance – with plenty of self-expression. Carefully consider venue, lighting, music, and food and drinks to create a mind-blowing experience.
Are you ready to host your own Sydney WorldPride 2023 event?
Now you have loads of ideas for standout Sydney WorldPride events to celebrate in 2023, so get ready to set up your event with confidence and the help of Eventbrite.
