Extended Trading Gives Mardi Gras Revellers More Time to Celebrate

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More clubs, pubs, bars and now restaurants in NSW will reap the benefits of later trading during this year’s Mardi Gras celebrations thanks to special event extended trading hours and the Minns Labor Government’s Vibrancy Reforms.

The NSW Government is extending trading hours for licensed venues in key areas over two weekends during the 2025 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras festival, allowing celebrations to continue well into the night.

Extended hours will apply after the iconic Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday, 1 March, ensuring the festivities continue beyond Oxford Street into bars, clubs, restaurants, breweries and live music venues until 2am on Sunday across 17 central Sydney suburbs — from Barangaroo to Centennial Park.

These extended trading hours will ensure that local businesses are able to take full advantage of the increased tourism and patronage the festival brings to NSW.

This initiative is part of the NSW Government’s commitment to growing Sydney’s night-time economy by supporting the state’s venues and encourage a vibrant nightlife for residents and visitors.

Special event extended trading hours are made available under the Liquor Act 2007 for events that are of “regional, state or national significance”.

These extended trading hours are part of the series of reforms introduced by the Minns Labor Government to create a more vibrant NSW.

The full list of special events and more information on Mardi Gras extended trading, including eligible locations and liquor licence types, can be found here.

“Mardi Gras is not the night for an early bedtime, it’s one of the biggest celebrations on Sydney’s calendar and a massive drawcard for visitors, which makes it a very appropriate occasion to push back last drinks,” said Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham.

"Extended trading will keep the party going well beyond the parade and give people more time to enjoy everything our city’s vibrant nightlife has to offer.

“The NSW Government is working hard to bring Sydney’s nighttime economy back to life, and extending trading hours during major events is an important part of that effort.”

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said that Sydney shines during Mardi Gras and the NSW Government wants to ensure venues and patrons can make the most of this hugely popular event.

“These extended trading hours will allow festival-goers to enjoy the party for longer and venues to benefit from the thousands of visitors who flock to our city for this special celebration,” he said.