While the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade is the highlight of the month-long festival, the after party is generally what everyone talks about. It is one of the largest dance parties imaginable. The event starts at 10 P.M. and lasts until 8:00 the following morning. That’s ten hours of non-stop dance! 15,000 people make their way to the party every year as a final farewell until next year’s celebration. But with ticket prices over $130 per person, is it worth it?

My Personal Opinion on Dancing at Clubs

While the parade is great for anyone, if you don’t enjoy dancing at gay clubs, this event is not for you. This is one giant circuit party.

To put this opinion in perspective, circuit parties aren’t my scene. I enjoy dancing at the local clubs every once in a while, but it’s not where I go every weekend. I much rather prefer a quiet lounge where you can carry a conversation than a loud, pulsating, dark club. Knowing my interests, let’s return to the question at hand…

I’d never been to a circuit party. So a part of me wanted to see what this was all about. The only thing holding me back was the price.

What is the Mardi Gras Post-Parade Party Like?

Your event ticket gives you admission to multiple dance halls complete with lasers, smoke, special effects lighting, loud music, deep base and lots and lots of people. Guest performers appear sporadically and alcohol flows like a river. Men are shirtless, you’ll spot an occasional drag queen here and there and as if you’re in a trance, you’ll bump and grind until the sun rises.

Each year everyone wants to know, “who will be performing at the Mardi Gras Party?” While some performers are announced ahead of time, many are kept as a surprise until they come onstage. Last year, Alexis Jordan and Wynter Gordon performed.

I captured some highlights in this YouTube Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3HnVrAV6y0

A Tough Decision

I ended up spending the money. Why? Ultimately it was because I was probably only going to get here once in my life, so I might as well experience it all. While I did enjoy myself (dancing until 4 A.M. – I just couldn’t do another 4 hours), I don’t need to return back. I’m glad I saw it, I would have probably regretted not attending, and now – a year later – I barely miss the $130 I spent.

And that’s the non-answer answer I’ll leave you with.

What do you think of dance parties like this one? Would you ever go? Share by commenting.

I’ll see you out there…!

Visit the adventures with ben online store for travel ebooks