Neon Slayground: a Mardi Gras season to remember.

Months of rehearsals, a whole lot of neon and over 50 Outfielders on Oxford Street. Our 2026 Mardi Gras season was a celebration built by the community.

By the time Neon Slayground reached Oxford Street on Saturday 28 February, it carried far more than a ute, a glowing logo and a wonderfully loud group of softballers. It carried months of planning, rehearsals, fundraising and the shared determination to show Sydney what our community looks like: joyful, visible and proud.

The celebration started before parade night

At Fair Day on 15 February, our neon stall at Victoria Park introduced new faces to the league and gave members another reason to come together. Volunteers answered questions, talked softball, helped with merchandise and shared the welcome beyond our Tuesday competition. That striking stall later received a nomination for a Mardi Gras 2026 Community Award—a lovely recognition of the work behind it.

A week later, Let’s Slay Ball brought more than 30 people to Upper Kippax for a free Mardi Gras+ softball skills and social day. It was a scorching afternoon, followed by a gathering and raffle at the Bat & Ball Hotel. Newcomers could have a go, meet Outfielders and discover that you do not need experience to belong here.

Practice, repeat—and just a little bit more

Away from the diamonds, the choreography became part of the season’s rhythm. Rehearsals turned the routine into something we could share together, with Patrick bringing the movement, patience and energy that helped softballers become parade performers. Months of preparation came down to a familiar song and a group ready to give it everything.

From getting ready to Oxford Street

Parade day brought the final preparations: uniforms on, faces painted, flags and props gathered, and one last chance to remember the moves. Getting ready together was its own celebration before we joined the marshalling crowds and the anticipation of stepping onto the route.

Then it was our turn. More than 50 members marched in custom fluorescent pink and yellow uniforms, dancing to Gina G’s “Ooh Aah... Just a Little Bit”. Our UV-lit logo cube, sound, lighting and bubbles helped turn the ute-led float into Neon Slayground. Along Oxford Street and through the parade route, the crowd got a glimpse of the spirit we share on the diamonds every week.

In our 25th season, and our third year in the Mardi Gras Parade, this was a chance to take up space together. A sporting community showing that the playing field can also be a place of confidence, friendship and queer joy.

The people who made it glow

A huge thank you to our Mardi Gras Subcommittee for the months of work behind the celebration, and to Patrick for the unforgettable choreography and rehearsals. Thank you to Claire for capturing the day and night in photographs we can keep coming back to.

Thank you to 3N2 Sports for our custom neon uniform tops; DPLR for the float’s technical production, AV equipment, sound, lighting and bubble effects; and Rai at Cyclecraft for letting us use his ute. The contribution of every volunteer—from preparation and rehearsals to float setup and pack-down—made the whole thing possible.

And thank you to everyone who bought raffle tickets, volunteered, came to our events or supported our Mardi Gras entry. Successful fundraising helped cover the celebration and enabled a partial refund of marcher fees. Whether you marched with us or helped make it happen from the sidelines, you were part of Neon Slayground.