The Mardi Gras, which was due to kick off on Saturday afternoon, is the first cab off the rank in a long list of big name events in the next several weeks that won't go ahead as the city grapples with the threat of coronavirus.

Mayor Greg Conkey said it was becoming clear that "it's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when the first case (of COVID-19) will be detected" and that there were concerns that "large numbers of people from outside Wagga gathering here create a greater risk."

The strain such an outbreak would put on the city's health resources was a factor in making the call to cancel the events.

Here's what was planned for the big event:

All the glitz, glam and golden action of the Wagga Mardi Gras is returning for round two after last year's inaugural event changed the lives of many.

Organiser Holly Conroy has worked tirelessly preparing to bring back the event at a bigger and better scale.

"If people thought last year's event was good, what they will experience this year is going to blow their minds," she said.

"I've taken on board all the feedback for what I could have done better last year to make sure we really get it right this time around."

Miss Conroy said the response to last year's Mardi Gras was inspiring, and she hoped to continue on making a difference to Wagga's LGBTIQ community.

"I got a message the other night by someone who was contemplating suicide up until a year ago, and he said the only reason he's still here is because of the Mardi Gras in Wagga last year, because it brought him so much more confidence in himself," she said.

"It's already saved lives in one year, and at the after party last year I had a young man come up to me who said he'd been waiting all night to see me and say he'd actually come out of the closet that day, he felt it was safe for him to do it.

"He got a great reaction from his friends who supported him at the Mardi Gras, and that's really why I do this."

Get the party started:

While the main parade is scheduled for Saturday, you don't have to wait until then to start the fun.

Que Bar will be hosting the Mardi Gras Eve celebration on Friday, March 13, with drag queen Aja featuring Shilow putting on a show to remember alongside five of Melbourne's top drag queen personalities.

Doors will open from 7pm as the fun begins.

A range of other activities will be hosted on the Saturday of the main parade before floats take to the streets.

Starting at 10am at Wagga Marketplace, little ones can get hands on with face painting, a glitter, makeup and nail bar, and finger bun decorating, leading into 12pm where Miss Poppie will run a drag queen story time session.

Main event details:

The piece de resistance of Wagga Mardi Gras - a parade of all things rainbow down the main street - will begin at 5pm Saturday, March 14.

Attendees can line Baylis St from top to bottom to catch a glimpse of bold tutus, sequins galore and a cyclone of glitter raining down on the city.

The parade will end with speeches in the Victory Memorial Gardens as floats park in the Council Chambers car park.

Best seat in the house:

Holly Conroy has shared her tips on where to get the best view of the parade down Baylis St, and it seems that height is key.

For those not fortunate enough to tower over the other heads in the crowd, Miss Conroy says Que Bar's deck is your best bet.

"They will open their doors at 4pm Saturday, and aren't taking bookings so I'd get in quick if I were you, it's first in, best dressed," she said.

"On top of the good view though, one of our speakers will be based at Que Bar too so you'll be up close with all the music and commentary."

Keep the party going:

The action won't stop with the parade as Wagga prepares to descend on Victory Memorial Gardens where the after party will take place.

Food, drinks and live entertainment will be on site from 5pm to 9.30pm, including a drag queen performance to the theme of Sesame Street which Miss Conroy says "the kids will eat it up".

Food vendors include:

Recuperate:

Mardi Gras is set to be "the biggest party Wagga has ever seen", meaning many will be in need of a pick-me-up the next day.

A Recovery Breakfast and Market will be held Sunday, March 15 from 10am in the Victory Memorial Gardens.

"We've got more than 40 market stalls at the gardens already lined up so it will be a great morning," Miss Conroy said.

Road Closures:

Baylis St between Morrow St and Wollundry Lagoon will be closed between 1pm to 11pm Saturday, March 14, and between Morgan St and Morrow St from 4pm to 7pm the same day.

Detours in place will be signed.

Filling up:

Wagga's hotels, motels and other accommodation services are filling up fast as people come from far and wide to attend the Mardi Gras celebrations, according to a council spokesperson.

"Staff from the Visitor Information Centre [have fielded] a number enquiries. The event organiser is expecting a good crowd based on the success of last year, with strong visitation numbers expected from our Visiting Friends and Family market," they said.

Destination Riverina Murray general manager Richie Robinson said they were also confident in a strong turnout.

"We are always a big fan of the event, and obviously it exceeded expectations in the first year so we are confident this year will be bigger and better," he said.

"It's a great show of diversity for Wagga and the wider region."

Float order: