Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras launches first official app ahead of 2026 Festival

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras has today revealed its first official app, a digital companion for Festival-goers and communities. Free to download, the app brings together events, safety features, accessibility tools, and queer and ally business discovery in one place.

From planning and booking events to navigating Parade night, connecting with friends, or discovering LGBTQIA+ and ally-owned businesses across Sydney, the app places everything Festival-goers need at their fingertips. Designed as both an essential guide during the 2026 Festival and a year-round resource for LGBTQIA+ communities and allies, it will remain a permanent home for connection, safety and community visibility.

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Interim CEO, Jesse Matheson, says: “The Mardi Gras App is more than a festival guide. It’s a tool that helps our communities connect, stay safe and support each other. Built with accessibility, privacy and inclusion at its core, it reflects our commitment to building something lasting- a platform that champions safety, access and queer pride well beyond the Parade and parties. Just as importantly, it showcases Oxford Street alongside Sydney’s most iconic LGBTQIA+ neighbourhoods, and is part of how Mardi Gras invests back into our communities by supporting queer and ally businesses, helping local commerce thrive alongside the Festival.”

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Senior Marketing Consultant, Patrick Guerrera, says: “Our research made one thing clear: our community doesn’t just want to see Mardi Gras once a year –  they want to feel connected every day. The data showed that to stay relevant, inclusive, and accessible, we needed to meet people where they already are – in the palm of their hands. The Mardi Gras App turns that insight into action: evolving Mardi Gras from a seasonal icon into a trusted belonging platform that brings our celebrations, programs, and partners to life across streets and screens.”

Built with accessibility and privacy at its core, the app combines practical event information with tools to support connection and wellbeing:

●      Events, done right: Explore Signature Events, Mardi Gras+ listings, and special offers, with universal search, notifications, and “near me” or “tonight” filters.
●      Navigation made simple: Offline maps, logistics, road closures, venue details, and transport info for stress-free planning.
●      Safety that puts you first: Peer-to-peer Safety Circle, emergency chat, torch function, lost & found, and direct Triple Zero links without storing location history. Venues include safety badges such as PURPLE FLAG accreditation.
●      Accessibility built-in: Adjustable text size, high contrast, reduced motion, and dyslexia-friendly fonts.
●      Ally & Queer Business Discovery: Curated corridor maps for Oxford Street/Darlinghurst, Newtown/King Street, and Surry Hills highlight LGBTQIA+ and ally-owned businesses, with in-app offers and filters for accessibility and late-night venues.

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Co-Chairs Kathy Pavlich and Mits Delisle said, “This app is a permanent home for Mardi Gras and our communities. It’s about safety, inclusion, and visibility every day of the year, while also helping us celebrate together during the Festival. From supporting local businesses to ensuring accessibility, it’s a powerful tool for our shared future.”

The app is available to download now from the App Store and Google Play. Festival-goers are encouraged to install it ahead of the 2026 Festival program launch on 30 October, when Festival event listings will go live.

The 2026 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is proudly supported by Strategic Sponsor the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, and Government Partner the City of Sydney.