Event Dates
From: Thursday, July 16, 2026
To: Sunday, July 26, 2026
The Sydney Leather Festival (SLF) is an annual event celebrates the leather and fetish communities, offering a variety of activities that cater to both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts.
SLF provides a platform for individuals to explore and express their leather and fetish interests in a supportive environment. Attendees can anticipate workshops, social gatherings, and themed parties that foster community engagement and personal growth.
- Enjoy a unique Stay in Sydney in the privacy of your own apartment in Darlinghurst, the heart of Sydney’s gay scene, at The 249 apartments, rated “Superb” by guests with high-end modern amenities, spacious rooms and perfect location.
The Event
- Next Edition: Thursday 16th July, 2026 – Sunday 26th July, 2026.
- The festival atmosphere is inclusive and welcoming, encouraging participants to embrace their authentic selves.
- Whether you’re donning full leather attire or simply curious, SLF offers a space where diversity is celebrated, and connections are forged.
- Parties are held across Sydney across iconic venues like the Oxford Hotel, Burdekin Hotel, and Studio Kink.
- Don’t miss the Sydney Leather Titles Competition, BLUF Social, and The Eagle Bar Sydney
- Visiting for Sydney Leather Week? Stay in Sydney’s bustling inner-city Darlinghurst,
The Schedule
- Awaiting full schedule for the 2026 edition.
- Dance Parties & Socials – Expect a full calendar of club nights, dance events, and social meetups for men, women, and mixed crowds, with venues like the Oxford Hotel and Darling Nikki’s hosting standout nights.
- Leather, Fetish & BDSM Focus – A strong leather and kink presence with play parties, BLUF socials, and themed bar nights like the Blue Oyster and Eagle Bar Sydney.
- Community & Culture – Includes exhibitions, trivia, live conversation panels, and a walk-through at Qtopia, blending social connection with queer history and discussion.
- Signature Events – Highlights include the Sydney Leather Titles competition, the contestant meet & greet, the Gin High Tea, and a grand finale tea dance to close the festival.
Sydney Fetish Scene
Sydney’s popular gaybourhoods include Darlinghurst, Newtown, Paddington, Potts Point and Surry Hills. Popular fetish, cruising bars, circuit parties and saunas include:
- The Eagle Sydney (2 Oxford St @ the Burdekin Hotel, enter Liverpool St, Darlinghurst) The Eagle is Sydney’s inclusive “pop-up” fetish bar.
- Kinsella’s (383 Bourke St, Darlinghurst) Butch guys, leather lovers and hot men descend upon this art deco bar on Fridays.
- The Oxford Hotel (134 Oxford St, Darlinghurst) is a Trendy gay bar in the heart of Darlinghurst.
- The Colombian Hotel (117/125 Oxford Street) Bustling after-hours gay bar and host of the cigar party.
- 357 – (357 Sussex St, Sydney City) Gay-owned four-level bathhouse near Chinatown.
- Sydney Sauna (38-42 Oxford St, Darlinghurst) Busy Sydney Sauna complete with porn lounges, glory holes, and other amenities
- Trade – (273 Crown St, Surry Hills) Men-only dance and cruise club on four levels with a dance floor and playrooms. Hosts popular theme nights.
- Extra Dirty – Leather and fetish dance parties in various spots around Sydney throughout the year.
Recommended Hotels in Sydney
The following hotels are all close to the city’s top attractions and just a short ride from the parties:
Where to stay close to all the gay bars
& clubs. Book now and pay on arrival.
The 1888 boutique hotel is one of the
finest in the city and offers great deals.
For further information and advice on
Sydney Leather Festival Facebook
Most of the gay bars are in Oxford street so we have chosen Hotels close to all the gay bars in this area that have high reviews on booking.com
our hotel partner.
Address: 36 College Street, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia
Address: 21 Little Albion Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia
Address: 28 Albion Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia
Address: 35-45 Wentworth Avenue, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Address: 16 Flinders Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
Address: 68 Darlinghurst Road, Potts Point, NSW 2011, Australia
Address: 117-125 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
Address: 273 Crown Street, Surry Hills, NSW 2010, Australia
Address: Level 1, The Oxford Hotel, 134 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst
Address: 231 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
Address: 280 Cleveland Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia
Address: 354 Bourke Street, Surry Hills, NSW 2010, Australia
Address: 133 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
Address: 2-4 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
Address: 383 Bourke Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
Address: 124 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
Address: 175 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
Address: Take a look at the website for when is on and were.
Address: 134 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australi
Address: 85–91 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
Address: 35 Erskineville Road, Erskineville, NSW 2043, Australia
Address: 265–267 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
Address: 2-4 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
Address: 157 King St, Newtown NSW 2042, Australia
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Sydney that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars
A look at the gay scene in Sydney
Sydney, has several neighborhoods known for their LGBTQ+ friendliness and vibrant culture. These areas are popular among the LGBTQ+ community and allies, offering a variety of entertainment, nightlife, and cultural experiences.
Next to Darlinghurst, Surry Hills offers trendy cafes, & a bohemian feel. Popular with LGBTQ+ travelers
Known for its alternative culture, street art, quirky shops, live music, and an inclusive vibe its a unique experience.

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