Celebrations for the 2024 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival will continue well into the night with licensed venues in NSW granted Special Event Extended Trading to kick on into the early hours.
Eligible venues across both inner Sydney and the city’s east will be able to trade later this weekend for the Bondi Beach Party and Sissy Ball. Extended trading hours will also apply for the Mardi Gras parade on Saturday, 2 March.
As the year progresses, the NSW Government expects to list additional special events, further enriching NSW’s nightlife and cultural offerings across the regions.
Find out more about the full list of special events and more information on extended trading
Find out more about the NSW Government’s Vibrancy reforms
Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said:
“Mardi Gras brings tens of thousands of visitors to the city from around the state, across the country and overseas to join in the celebration.
“Every year, the Mardi Gras parade transforms Oxford Street and the surrounding precincts. It’s a wonderful embodiment of the intentions behind the NSW Government’s Vibrancy reforms.
“Special event extended trading will provide more options for people to enjoy our live music and celebrate together for longer.”
Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:
“Local bars and clubs play a vital role in our community, especially in Sydney’s inner and eastern suburbs.”
“The NSW Government is committed to creating additional opportunities for hospitality venues during special events.
“These extended trading hours will help facilitate great experiences for patrons, with a wider array of options to enjoy sporting and cultural events.”
Special Events and Related Conditions
‘Relevant venues’ includes Hotels, General Bars, Clubs, Small Bars and Dedicated Live Music & Performance Venues.
| Special event | Extended trading period | Class of premises to which extended trading period applies |
|---|---|---|
| Mardi Gras – Bondi Beach Party | Midnight on Saturday 24 February 2024 to 1am on Sunday 25 February 2024 | All eligible licensed premises in Waverley, Bondi, Bondi junction, North Bondi in the Waverley local government area |
| Mardi Gras – Sissy Ball | Midnight on Saturday 24 February 2024 to 1am on Sunday 25 February 2024 | All eligible licensed premises in Sydney, Darlinghurst, Surry Hills, Potts Point in the Sydney local government area and Paddington in the Woollahra local government area |
| Sydney Mardi Gras Parade | Midnight on Saturday 2 March 2024 to 1am Sunday 3 March 2024 | All eligible licensed premises in Sydney, Darlinghurst, Surry Hills, Potts Point in the Sydney local government area and Paddington in the Woollahra local government area |