As the sun rises on the first day of Mardi Gras, Gadigal, Bidjigal and Birrabirragal Rainbow Elders will deliver simultaneous Welcomes to Country and smoking ceremonies to get all those good vibes going at Festival First Light. At dawn on February 16, gather at Bondi Beach, Victoria Park, Taylor Square, the Hordern Pavilion or Sydney Town Hall for the free event celebrating the longest running queer culture in the world; mardigras.org.au.

The Forrester’s will be hosting free pop-up glitter stations to add some serious sparkle on major event days throughout the festival. Presented by Archie Rose, glitter stations will pop-up at the Forrester’s on three dates across the festival including Fair Day (February 18, 12-2pm), Bondi Beach Party Day (February 24, 2-5pm) and Parade Day (March 2, 5-7pm). 336 Riley Street, Surry Hills – Gadigal Land; forresters.com.au.

Arguably the most anticipated event of Mardi Gras, Sissy Ball is a fierce and raucous run of the biggest vogue ball in the Southern Hemisphere. The mother of Australian ballroom, Kilia is curating once again as houses from across the country battle it out for those coveted 10s. Cash prizes will be given for best in categories ranging from Face, Hands, Runway and Realness among many others. Limber up and get loud, it’s Sissy Ball! From $75, February 24, Sydney Town Hall, 483 George Street, Sydney – Gadigal Land; mardigras.org.au.

This two-week celebration of queer culture will take place in the bars, restaurants, galleries and shops across the home of the Parade – Darlinghurst. Oxtravaganza has everything from drag shows to cabaret, disco nights, art exhibitions, markets and book readings for the littlies. From February 16-24 across Darlinghurst – Gadigal Land; mardigras.org.au.

Slip, slop, slap and splash into the Paradiso Pool Party at the one and only Ivy rooftop. Think peak tropicana vibes, cocktails, and DJs playing through the steamy afternoon until late into the night. Bermuda shorts recommended, body glitter mandatory. Tickets start from $75 for Mardi Gras Members, and $89 for General Admission. Ivy Pool Club, 320 George Street, Sydney – Gadigal Land; mardigras.org.au.

Bow down to drag royalty of yesterday as Stan Munro, original Les Girls star, returns to Kings Cross to celebrate his lifetime of drag and the incredible stories that come along with it. Follow Munro and host Kevin Markwell for an evening of gossip, laughs, the heartache of conversion therapy and enduring friendships of a life lived well. Dulcie’s, 44b Darlinghurst Road, Potts Point – Gadigal Land; mardigras.org.au.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor, the undisputed queen of dancefloor slayings and killer eyeshadow has been announced as the headline act for the Sydney Mardi Gras Bondi Beach Party. Known for her blend of disco pop and electronica, Ellis-Bextor will bring her distinctive sound to the sands of Bondi Beach, joining a stellar line-up of international and local artists. The Bondi Beach Party will take over the sands on February 24 with tickets from $239. Queen Elizabeth Drive, Bondi Beach; mardigras.org.au.