There’s no Sleaze Ball this October long weekend, but there’s still some massive Sydney parties to enjoy.

Here’s your guide to New Mardi Gras’ Big Gay Weekend, getting set to kick-start the summer…

BIG GAY FRIDAY – September 30

Perhaps the largest collaboration Oxford Street’s gayest venues have ever seen, Big Gay Friday promises to be the best street party we never had.

Kicking off at 5pm, Big Gay Friday offers a $10 cover charge to venues on Oxford St including ARQ’s Gagarazzi, a ‘Wizard of Oz’ themed Nevermind, The Oxford, The Columbian’s Swimwear Parade, The Midnight Shift, Stonewall’s ‘Boogie Nights’ featuring Falcon porn stars and ‘Bitch Boutique’ at Ruby Rabbit, each with special shows and entertainment throughout the night.

For a full schedule of times and shows for BIG GAY FRIDAY, click here.

Be sure to catch the massive launch at 6pm sharp at the Gaydar Platinum Lounge at Kinselas on Taylor Square, featuring Joyce Maynge and the Gaydar Boys.

BIG GAY SATURDAY – October 1

Saturday plays host to some killer parties including the much anticipated Glitter Ball at the Metro from 11pm until 6am. The theme is Flesh vs. Fantasy, with a full production show featuring American Drag superstar Nina Flowers, as well as local Queens Decoda Secret, Dallas Dellaforce and Kitty Glitter. Tickets are still available $45 + bf at inthedark.com.au.

‘Girls Only’ night Dirty Talk is the hottest hip-hop ticket in Sydney, over 2 levels at the Oxford Hotel. Live performances from Sammy G, Tiana as ‘Zola Fawn’ and Femme Fatales will keep the girls going all night. Tickets are $20 pre-sale from dirtytalksydney.com, $25 entry on the door from 9pm until 4am.

Men with a leather edge can check out WoofClub at Spectrum at the Exchange Hotel, for ‘Durty Dance Dogs’. Featuring DJs Matt Effect, Kylie Rose and Buck Naked, WoofClub is Australia’s original Bear party. Entry is $35 from 10pm until late.

BIG GAY SUNDAY – October 2

Big Gay Sunday is shaping up to be a huge one, with sold-out events Daywash at Chinese Laundry and after party Splash at Ruby Rabbit.

Tickets are still available to another huge party – Homesexual at Home, Darling Harbour featuring an exclusive, live, full-production performance by Sophie Ellis Bextor and DJs Jason Forbes, Alex Taylor, Adam Love, Dan Murphy and Kitty Glitter from 11pm until 6am. You can grab your tickets $52 + bf at inthedark.com.au.

At Nevermind on Sunday is ladies night Revolution with Australian Electro Pop sensation Radio Ink performing live and exclusive. 9pm until late, tickets are $15, for more info visit bitchnews.com.au.

Last but not least is Loose Ends at Phoenix Bar, where resident DJ Matt Vaughan and some special guests will ‘oblierate the mould’. $10 entry from 10pm.

The Lunchbox party originally planned for Luna Park on Sunday afternoon has now been postponed – find details here.

All official Big Gay Weekend events raise money for the Mardi Gras Parade 2012, so get out there and support a great cause.

Find out more about the BIG GAY WEEKEND here on its official website.