Mardi Gras Month on the Central Coast

Right now, we could all benefit with a lot more energy, fun, laughter and pure joy in our lives... so the start of Mardi Gras Month on the Central Coast has arrived at the perfect time. And with one of the world’s largest, most loved celebrations just around the corner, we've got a lot to be excited about this month!

The 46^th annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade unfolds on Saturday 2 March, celebrating Australia’s LGBTQI+ pride and diversity along Oxford Street, Flinders Street and Anzac Parade. And for the fifth year running – Coastal Twist Festival will be one of the glowing stars of the show. Featuring 5,000 glittered-up paraders from a selection of 100 LGBTQI+ community groups across Australia, we’re excited to see our vibrant Central Coast region showcased yet again.

This year’s Mardi Gras theme is ‘Our Future’ – a call to action to define and shape your path forward as a community. The point here is clear and sincere – now is the time to be forward-focused and commit to inclusivity, acceptance and optimism, celebrating past achievements while illuminating the path to a dazzling future. And with March also featuring International Women's Day, there's an ideal opportunity build our future.

Glitta Supernova, Creative Director of the Central Coast’s home for multi-arts and discourse, Naughty Noodle Fun Haus, says,

“This theme encourages all people to rise up to our full potential and shine by being who we are,” she said.

“Your authentic self is a term that we hear a lot; this is literally walking the walk – rising up above ignorance, exclusion and isolation like a phoenix, transformed and strong. It’s a strong message of resilience that we belong, we matter, and we have a right to live here, raise our families and celebrate.

“Resilience is at our core; that is what it’s taken being a LGBTIQ person growing up, moving to and living on the Coast in the bad old days.

“The broader support from Central Coast residents, schools, politicians, parents, pensioners and sports clubs has been beyond what we ever could have hoped for across the past five years. A happier, healthier and more welcoming Central Coast is now a reality for many, if not most, LGBTIQ Coasties.”

Coastal Twist Festival co-head float designers Shane Milson and Leigh Rijff both shared their excitement for the Central Coast's involvement in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade this year, 

“We have had massive global visibility as well as being recognised as finalists in the best float design.

“It’s such a buzz seeing our float, costumes and community across the world press as well as across all the Australian media.”

If you are a local resident, or you plan to visit the Central Coast this March, there’s a raft of all-inclusive events you can get involved with. Just over one hour north of Sydney, the Coast is a place to come and play by the seaside, be yourself, share creativity, and soak up those chilled Coastie vibes. With a constant stream of events organised by the LGBTIQA+ community throughout March, you can easily embrace what both the Mardi Gras and the Central Coast have in common – freedom!

Catch Coastal Twist in the Sydney Mardi Gras Parade

2 March, 2024

Coastal Twist Festival are making their fifth appearance at the Sydney Mardi Gras Parade this year! Spot the incredible Coastal Twist float, designed with the theme ‘Rise and Shine’, inspired by a vibrant take on the phoenix rising from the flames. The event is free this year with some viewing areas ticketed to get that extra special view. Alternatively you can catch all the energy live in your own home as the parade will be broadcast live on ABC TV and ABC iview.

Mardi Gras Viewing Party

2 March, 2024

An exciting invitation for you to celebrate and cheer on our very own Coastal Twist Festival Float in the Mardi Gras Parade. Naughty Noodle Funhaus Factory in Gosford will be hosting the viewing party live on the big screen with local DJ Ruby Red and local entertainment to make it a night not to be missed. 

Celebrate International Women’s Day

8 March, 2024

This year’s International Woman’s Day theme is ‘Inspire Inclusion’, inspiring others to understand and value women’s inclusion, forging a better more equal world. Explore locally what businesses are doing to champion women, for example, Drifters Wharf and Terrigal Beach House venues are hosting IWD breakfasts and luncheons this month, with tickets available to prebook online. Today is not just for women but for everyone to inspire inclusion to emphasise diversity and empowerment in all aspects of society.

Beats At Budgewoi

7 March, 2024

Missed the Mardi Gras parade? Budgewoi Hotel is throwing their own Mardi Gras celebration, with a line up of DJ's, live performances and your favourite LGBTQIA+ local artists. Get ready for a night of fun and fabulousness as they come together to embrace, support, and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community

Smash stereotypes at Rayon Riot 

9 March, 2024

Ready to embark on an emotional rollercoaster ride where laughter intertwines with tears? Don’t miss this enlightening event during Mardi Gras month on the Coast at Naughty Noodle Funhaus Factory. Featuring a multi-generational line-up of female-identifying artists of all abilities, Rayon Riot seeks to smash apart stereotypes through Cabaret, Burlesque, Storytelling, Music & Performance Art. 

Funhaus Drag Bingo

21 March, 2024

Head to Naughty Noodle Funhaus Factory to share a hilarious, fun, naughty and nice evening that will undoubtedly leave you in stitches. The night promises to be filled with cheeky innuendos, prizes, games, songs and impressions, all whilst you get your bingo numbers served with glamour.

Find out more about what’s happening in the LGBTQI+ space during Mardi Gras Month on the Central Coast, visit Naughty Noodle’s website.

Images courtesy of Naughty Noodle Fun Haus, Glitta Supernova, Lisa Haymes Photography.