Sydney is gearing up for one of its biggest weekends in years asthe international WorldPride event officially opens and Mardi Gras returns to its historic home.
Thousands of people will attend WorldPride,the first time the festival has travelled to the southern hemisphere.
The global festival symbolises inclusivity, acceptance, and celebrates the LGBTcommunity in all its glory.
Here's a guide of everything you need to know to navigate one of the biggest Sydney weekends of the year.
What is WorldPride and where is it being held?
WorldPrideis a global LGBT festival that has been staged since 2000, with cities competing to host the event.
Sydney was chosen to be the host of WorldPride in 2023, marking the first time a city in the southern hemisphere had been chosen.
Previous hosts include New York and Copenhagen.
When is the WorldPride opening concert?
The family-friendly concert begins at 7pm Sydney time tonight but doors open at 3pm for pre-show entertainment at The Domain.
NSW Minister for Tourism and Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin says it will be a time for all of Sydney to celebrate.
"We are ready to celebrate and showcase our diverse and inclusive city to a global audience and highlight our creativity, innovation and unique natural and cultural experiences that the Harbour City is internationally renowned for," he said.
Who is performing at the WorldPride concert?
Two words; Kylie Minogue.
The pop superstar will headline the concert in her only WorldPride performance and her setlist is being specially created for the show.
WorldPride CEOKate Wickett says the Kylie performance is the "global rainbow family reunion we've been waiting for".
The stage will also be graced by British pop starCharli XCX, and Australian singer Jessica Mauboy withCasey Donovan and Courtney Act hosting the event.
Can I still get a ticket for WorldPride concert?
Unfortunately the concert has sold out so you won't be able to see Kylie in the flesh unless you have a ticket.
However, the ABC will be streaming the sold-out show from 7.30pm Sydney time, and a live-blog will be capturing all the action for those who missed out on one of the 20,000 tickets purchased.
You can watch the concert on ABC TV, ABC iView and the ABC Australia YouTube and TikTok accounts.
How do I get to the WorldPride concert?
This mapwill help you find the quickest route to The Domain. Alternatively, there will be a dedicated pick-up and drop-off zone on Hospital Road.
Large sections of Art Gallery Road will be closed between 7pm and 12.30am, while other surrounding CBD streets will have restricted access from 9pm.
While the day may bring a shower or two, the clouds are due to clear by the evening.
When is the Mardi Gras parade?
Tomorrow night, the main parade will be held between 6pm and 11pm Sydney time, andwill snake up Oxford Street and then down Flinders Street, ending on Anzac Parade.
After twoyears circling the Sydney Cricket Ground due to COVID-19 restrictions,up to 300,000 people are expected to watch, or at least try to, from Oxford Street.
The themeGather, Dream, Amplify this yearwill feature 12,500 marchers and more than 200 floatsled by First Nations, 78ers and Dykes on Bikes,travelling from Hyde Park to Moore Park.
Where else can I watch Mardi Gras parade?
If the street crowds are too intense, tucked away close-by the Beresford in Surry Hills will be hosting a free living viewing.
A large screen will also be erected in Camperdown Memorial Rest Park in Newtown from 6pm for those in Sydney's inner west.
The ABC will broadcast the parade live from 7.30pm Sydney time, which will include interviews from on-the ground hosts Jeremy Fernandez, Zindzi Okenyo, and Mel Buttle, while a live-blog will also be capturing all the action.
Will roads be closed for Mardi Gras parade?
All major roads between Sydney CBD and Moore Park will be closed from 4pm and 2am the following morning.
Some roads will close-off earlier, such as College Street from 2pm.Here's more transport information to help plan your route effectively.
Crossing between Oxford Street and Flinders Street will be stopped from7pm, so make sure you're on the right side of the road before the parade commences.
Additional public transport services will be running, but some buses will takealtered routes due to street closures, while Museum station will close from 5pm until 4am the following day, due to crowd capacity.
Strict-no parking clearway zones will be in place for both events, so best leave the car at home.
What else do I need to know?
Expect a sunny evening and a not-too-steamy 22 - 23 degrees Celsiusby about 6pm.
If at all you feel in strife, a team of volunteers —the ACON Rovers —will be dressed in bright pink vests to provide information and a helping hand.
- WatchSydney WorldPride on ABC iview.
- Read moreabout Sydney WorldPride and pride across Australia onour event website.
