Along with a deluge of rain, we forecast endless dancing for all this weekend. Mardi Gras fever has Sydney in a chokehold and across Australia almost every state has some kind of festival gracing them over the next few days. So in the spirit of the dancefloor, along with the usual list of art shows and food markets, we've curated a lineup of some of the best parties taking place this weekend.
Our hearts are also with those left reeling after turbulent flooding along Australia's east coast, so if you have a moment this weekend we've also compiled a guide on actionable ways you can help the communities affected.
From Mardi Gras, Brunswick Music Festival, This That, Writer's Week and so much more, here's what's on this weekend in March.
NSW
Mardi Gras is here! Head over to the Parade or alternatively watch from afar. Either way there's plenty of parties planned for this weekend. From GiRLTHING at Kinselas Basement, Heaps Gay at Manning Bar or Roundhouse, a free event at Vic on the Park, Empire Girls After Party at Queens Cross Hotel, One Night Stand at Tokyo Singsong and so much more. And that's not even including the Mardi Gras hangover events like Mince OpenAir at The Domain or the Rooftop Recovery session at Darlo Bar.
Book a table at the newly opened Pellegrino 2000, an Italian trattoria in the heart of Surry Hills.
Find yourself at Granville Centre Art Gallery for a powerful exhibition titled Destiny Disrupted.
Make your way over to Darling Square to immerse yourself in Hello Kitty Town. What joy!
Kirsty Marillier's play Orange Thrower is on this weekend at SBW Stables Theatre in Darlinghurst.
All Purpose Bakery has kicked off its takeover of the rooftop at Paramount House Hotel. Get your fill of delicious bomboloni and bacon sandwiches.
The monumental Matisse: Life and Spirit exhibition presented by Oroton is on at Art Gallery of New South Wales.
Victoria
Melbourne Fashion Festival is here. Outside of attending shows there are plenty of workshops and talks lined up, like the upcycling workshop, Repair Cafe this Sunday.
Sharp comedy Stay Woke is showing at The Malthouse Theatre.
Brunswick Music Festival is kicking off this weekend. Explore the schedule here.
There are still tickets available to catch Aussie music legend Tex Perkins at Birds Basement.
Gabrielle Chanel: Fashion Manifesto is on at the National Gallery of Victoria. Why not check it out at NGV Friday Nights as the late night event returns once more. Tonight Morgan Wright and Pjenne are set to play.
The annual Wine & Cheese Fest returns to Port Melbourne this Saturday.
If all else fails, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is still showing...
Queensland
This That Festival is taking over Sandstone Point. See performances from Budjerah, Dune Rats, Hayden James, Montaigne, San Cisco, The Rubens and more.
Get to The Tivoli for Nine Lives Festival where Stella Donnelly, King Stingray and #1 Dads are set to play.
Wander over to Lefty's Music Hall for live music and good times.
The Asia Pacific Triennial is open at Queensland Art Gallery of Modern Art.
Assist those in Brisbane and surrounds who have been affected by the floods with this guide.
ACT
Canberra lights up as Enlighten takes over the nation's capital.
Step into the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia to see Australians & Hollywood.
Get your fill of Asian fare at The Canberra Times Night Noodle Markets this weekend.
Score yourself tickets to see Tyne James Organ perform at ANU this Saturday.
Spend your afternoon hanging out at Capital Brewing Co.
Hippo Co. are leading one of its famous whisky tastings on Saturday evening at 6pm.
South Australia
Writer's Week is here. This weekend catch talks from Lisa Taddeo, Dr Anita Heiss, Annabel Crabb, Van Badham, Evelyn Araluen and Sara Mansour.
Dive into one of the many events taking place at Adelaide Festival. Tonight Genesis Owusu will take the stage.
Adelaide Fringe Festival has arrived back to its usual slot for 2022, with a trove of events and shows waiting to be discovered.
Explore the Fleurieu Peninsula, starting with these 5 beaches.
Spend Sunday long-lunching at Africola.
Western Australia
Perth Festival 2022 is here for one last weekend. Explore the program here.
Catch some live music this Sunday at Fremantle Arts Centre.
Get your dose of laughs in at Oasis Comedy Club.
Northern Territory
Have a lark with Becky Lucas at her Darwin comedy show.
Explore a side of the Territory you haven't seen before with this guide.
Make your way over to Nightcliff Markets for Laksa, pastries, massages, and jewellery.
Tasmania
As always, Music at Mona is on this weekend. This time around Bryce Tilyard and Deltone are just some of the acts set to perform.
Dance the weekend away at Great Escape Festival with music courtesy of Jack River, Sycco, Slowly Slowly and many more.
Salamanca Market is open and calling your name this Saturday.
Road trip your way to any of these magical stays in Tasmania.
Planning to spend your weekend devouring art instead? Here is a non-exhaustive list of all the exhibitions happening across Australia this March.
