WorldPride announced its 2023 Festival Guide of more than 300 events, with Sydney as the host destination for the year. Sydney WorldPride kicks off on February 17th with seventeen days of activities through March 5th.

The 2023 festival is the eighth iteration of the event, however, the first time being held in the Southern Hemisphere. The Sydney WorldPride festival is the largest LGBTQIA+ event ever held in the region. Attendees have access to 30 official major events, 68 WorldPride Arts experiences, 17 WorldPride Sports events, and 192 Pride Amplified community events.

According to Travel + Leisure, Sydney is a dream destination for LGBTQ travelers. Its progressive outlook, consistently pleasant weather, white-sand beaches, and vibrant local culture make it an attractive setting for the community. The city also hosts a legendary annual Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade and festival.

city skyline shot of sydney australia
Photo Credit: Dan Freeman

A Star-Filled Line-Up

This year’s opening event includes international pop superstar Charli XCX in addition to a line-up of stars performing at Live and Proud: Sydney WorldPride Opening Concert. The concert will also be broadcast live on ABC.

Kelly Rowland is confirmed to headline Domain Dance Party, an open-air dance event curated by DJ Dan Slater. Rowland will perform a full vocal set, crafted specifically for the Sydney WorldPride audience. Local and international DJs, including DJ Suri and Isis Muretech, will provide the sounds for the festivities. 

Sydney WorldPride’s Chief Executive, Kate Wickett, said: “The Sydney WorldPride Festival Guide represents 144 pages of fabulous LGBTQIA+ creativity. The festival includes an extraordinary array of free and ticketed experiences, from concerts to parties, theatre, sports, and family events, so no matter your interests or budget, you are invited to Sydney WorldPride.”

“The first WorldPride in the Southern Hemisphere is a significant moment for the LGBTQIA+ community both in Australia and in Sydney. Now is the time to get ready for the global LGBTQIA+ reunion we’ve all been waiting for!”

WorldPride promotes LGBTQ visibility through parades, festivals, and cultural activities. The global event is generally held every two to three years in different cities across the globe. The first event took place in Rome in 2000, with more recent happenings in London, Toronto, Madrid, New York City, and Copenhagen-Malmö.

For more information, including ticketing and travel information, visit the company’s website.

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