5 reasons to attend Fair Day

Update on Fair Day 2024

Fair Day on 18 February 2024 has been cancelled due to bonded asbestos being found in recycled mulch at Victoria Park. Please visit the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras website for more information.

The 2024 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is on from Friday 16 February to Sunday 3 March. Fair Day on Sunday 18 February kicks-off the 2024 celebrations, inviting every corner of our communities to come together and be part of the day-to-night festivities.

Every year, thousands of people gather in Victoria Park in Sydney to engage and connect with LGBTQIA+ friends and allies, witness a line-up of exhilarating queer entertainment, groove to DJs, and visit over 200 food, retail and community stalls. Entry is free, and with so many fantastic things to see and do, you can stay for an hour or the whole day. Here are five reasons why you should attend Fair Day in 2024.

1. Find us serving looks at the University of Sydney stall

Okay, maybe we are a little biased, but the University of Sydney stall at Fair Day is a main attraction! Come along and say hi, and chat to our amazing team from the Pride Network about how the University supports and celebrates diversity. There will also be a space to chill and participate in The Rainbow Shoelace Project by threading rainbow beads onto your laces, enjoy some free face painting, and re-energise while connecting with community.

2. Bring the whole family, including your fur babies

Fair Day is suitable for all ages and dog-friendly too, so you can bring the whole family to join in on the fun. Throughout the day you’ll find plenty of things for you and the little ones to enjoy, including family-oriented stalls, craft activities and workshops, and a karaoke cave at sunset. Learn more about our diverse communities.

And gearing up for its third year, you won’t want to miss crowd-favourite event Doggywood, the campest dog pageant out there. From terrier to shepherd, watch plumped and pampered pooches strut their stuff from 10 am to 2 pm in the search to find the most fabulous pup on the runway. If you think your dog has what it takes to be crowned best dressed, registrations open soon – keep an eye out on the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras website for more information.

3. Learn more about our diverse communities

Every year Fair Day is home to a vast range of incredible events, thrilling performances and informative talks, elevating the voices of our LGBTQIA+ community to share their important stories. The 2024 theme is ‘Our Future’, embodying a collective call to action to boldly imagine and define the path forward as an inclusive, welcoming community.

The First Nations Circle is returning for 2024 and presented in partnership with the BlaQ Aboriginal Corporation. Celebrate Blak excellence, shop Blak-owned businesses, learn more about First Nations culture, and enjoy performances by First Nations artists.

Making its grand debut in 2024, the inaugural Trans Camp is where transgender and gender diverse community groups, health services, businesses and creatives can unite in a discussion of what matters to them and their communities.

The Drag King Games also never disappoints. The art of being the fabulous brother performers to drag queens, drag kings are famous for their performances full of humour and a flair for the dramatic. Watch the annual crowning of the next Fair Day Drag King as competitors battle it out in games from weight lifting all the way to bingo calling.

4. Check out the Fair Day stalls

You’ll be blown away by the hundreds of stalls on offer at Fair Day. Your first stop should obviously be the University of Sydney stall, but after that there are plenty of organisations and businesses with a presence at Fair Day to help educate you on all things LGBTQIA+, while also providing opportunities for you to get involved in community groups or support local LGBTQIA+ businesses through purchasing their products. With over 200 food, retail, and community stalls, you’re bound to find something that you’re interested in, plus you can chat to some incredible people while you’re at it.  

5. Be yourself

The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is a significant and historical event for the LGBTQIA+ community and is all about embracing our unique stories through love, protest, diversity, activism, pride, and creativity. People attend from all walks of life to be joyful together, so whether you identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community or are a proud ally, meet like-minded people, express your authentic self, and soak up the vibrant and exciting energy at Fair Day.