Sydney Fair Day

Fair Day kicks off the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras season with a free daytime party in Victoria Park, Camperdown, on the edge of Newtown. You'll find over 200 community stalls, food trucks, pop-up bars, a main stage, and plenty of picnic rugs. It's the part of Mardi Gras that locals actually attend with friends, dogs, and kids - and it won't cost you a thing.

The event runs from roughly 10am to 9pm. Doggywood, the long-running dog pageant, is a crowd favourite. If you get there early, you can also grab free entry to Victoria Park Pool next door. Just be sure to arrive before noon if you want some shade - the slope fills up fast. Don't forget to bring water and sunscreen, as February in Sydney is scorching.

Past Fair Days have drawn over 70,000 people, according to the City of Sydney. The 2026 edition took place on Sunday, 15 February 2026, with Janice Robinson of Livin' Joy and Courtney Act on the bill, ahead of the Parade on 28 February. Fair Day usually falls on a Sunday in mid to late February. As of our check, Mardi Gras hadn't published its 2027 program, so any 2027 date you see online is just a guess.