Mardi Gras is just around the corner. I’m sure I’m not the only person scrambling to stitch together last-minute plans. So in the spirit of being an unorganised mess, we’ve put together a number of last-minute Mardi Gras celebrations happening in Potts Point over the weekend.
Pride in Protest March
If schlepping it to Sydney Cricket Grounds for an intensely pro-corporate parade doesn’t strike a chord, consider attending the Pride in Protest March. The march is set to take over Oxford Street on Saturday, March 6th to pay respect to the tradition of the Sydney Gas and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
“We will be marching with pride behind these demands as we recognise that Pride began as a protest at Stonewall, and the 78 Mardi Gras that commemorated it,” organisers wrote the description. “Together we stand with pride against homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, and racism. And we invite you to join us at this protest march so we can take over Oxford Street together.”
The march will kick off at 2 pm at Taylor Square, it will then march down Oxford Street, turn to College Street and arrive at Hyde Park. For more information, head here.
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Queens Cross Hotel, Kings Cross
As is tradition, this Mardi Gras, Kings Cross Hotel will transform to Queens Cross Hotel. The effervescent drag queens Miss Danni Issues and The Liquor Sisters will be taking over the venue.
Danni Issues will be hosting her Studio 54-inspired ‘Danni’s Disco’ on level 2, whilst The Liquor Sisters will be transforming the ground floor to a trailer trash paradise with their “Trailer Trash But Make It Fashion”-inspired takeover.
There will also be a troupe of killer DJs and Mardi Gras-inspired cocktails.
What: Queens Cross Hotel
Where: Kings Cross Hotel, 244-248 William St, Kings Cross
Info/bookings: www.kingscrosshotel.com.au/queenscrosshotel
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Darlo Bar, Darlinghurst
Darlo bar will be screening the parade on the big screens all day. Drag king Marlena Dali and Cherry Kills will be taking over the bar as your beloved hosts for the evening, with live performances from Darlo DJs.
What: Rise And Shine Parade Watching Party
Where: Darlo Bar, 306 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst
When: 6 March
Time: 5pm – late
Info/bookings: www.darlobar.com.au
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NAS Queer Contemporary – SKIN DEEP
If parties are not your thing, National Art School is hosting an interactive exhibition exploring intimate stories of LGBTQI+ people through their tattoos, SKIN DEEP.
“For those who have been marked as ‘other’ for their gender and/or sexuality, the claiming of identity through tattoos is a powerful and cathartic ritual,” a description for the event reads.
“The LGBTQI+ community has a long and varied history with tattoos. In a time when it was illegal to be out and proud, many LGBTQI+ people tattooed their body to convey secret messages or as an act of defiance to authority.”
Location: Cell Block Theatre
Exhibition Dates: 19 February – 7 March 2021
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday, 10am–5pm
Entry: Free
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Protest, Parades and Polly Petrie at Dulcie’s
Dulcie’s will be hosting an in-conversation event with iconic Polly Petrie. The talk will delve into the origins and progression of Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Since witnessing the protest in 1978, Polly has carved out an impressive legacy as part of the community that brought Sydney’s LGBTQ+ scene to the world.
Polly is set to share stories about the genesis of the gay rights movement in Australia and how Sydney came to be one of the world’s gayest cities. Tickets will set you back $25 with a complimentary cocktail on arrival.
Location: Dulcie’s Kings Cross
Dates: Sunday, 7 March 2021
4:00 pm 6:30 pm
Entry: $25
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