Celebrate Mardi Gras 2026 with UNSW

30 Jan 2026
A group of UNSW students and staff in colourful party hats with rainbow flags

Explore how you can get involved to celebrate LGBTQIA+ pride this year.

Sydney Mardi Gras, one of Australia’s most iconic and beloved events, takes place from 13 February – 3 March this year. At UNSW, we’re committed to ensuring our LGBTQIA+ students and staff feel included and supported. We’re proud to be taking part in the celebrations once again. 

We’ve partnered with Arc to host a range of activities and events. There are plenty of ways for students and staff to get involved on campus and beyond to show their pride and contribute to evolving an inclusive culture. 

Cathy Brown (she/her), Director of Diversity and Inclusion, said, “We warmly invite our students and staff to join us in celebrating Sydney Mardi Gras. 

“UNSW has a proud history of championing LGBTQIA+ inclusion, including through the UNSW Kirby Institute’s research, which has made significant contributions globally to the LGBTQIA+ community. We’re really excited that this year there are lots of opportunities for people to come together to celebrate the impact and shared power of our community.”

What’s on

Fair Day

Sunday 15 February | Victoria Park

Arc – UNSW Student Life along UNSW will hold a community stall at Mardi Gras Fair Day, a free event which kicks off the festival. Stop by to chat with us about everything queer on our campus.

Community Quilt Photoshoot

Tuesday 17 February | Village Green, Kensington campus | 10am 

At this year’s Mardi Gras Parade, we will proudly showcase the UNSW Queer Community Quilt, representing the contributions and stories of our LGBTQIA+ campus community. Join in the celebrations by being part of this photoshoot to commemorate the quilt.

Read more about the quilt.

Lesbians are Lovely!

Tuesday 17 February | Carriageworks | 6pm

In the 50 years since the rallying cry “Lesbians are Lovely!” was sprawled across walls, bodies and picket boards in the fight for recognition and liberation, there have been many developments in queer identity and culture. But are we making space for all lesbians and how can we celebrate every part of our community? Join a trailblazing line-up of panellists for an evening of conversation around all things lesbian and lovely.

This event is co-presented by the UNSW Centre for Ideas (in collaboration with Dr Yves Rees) and Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

Get your tickets. 

Marching with Pride

Saturday 28 February 

UNSW is proud to once again participate in the iconic Sydney Mardi Gras Parade, alongside our Parade partner, the UNSW Kirby Institute. This year holds special significance as Kirby celebrates 40 years of its global impact through research. At the parade, we’ll debut the completed UNSW Queer Community Quilt as we march through Sydney. Keep an eye out for UNSW on the ABC’s parade coverage!

Explore more ways to get involved.

Support and resources 

Beyond Mardi Gras, a new LGBTQIA+ Resource Hub has been launched as a one-stop shop for students, staff and the UNSW community, offering a range of resources on LGBTQIA+ inclusion. 

LGBTQIA+ support and services are also available to UNSW students and staff. 

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