Across its 38 years of history, Sydney’s Mardi Gras celebration has grown far beyond the famous Parade that attracts the television cameras and crowds.
Now, the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is an all-encompassing festival season full of alternative events, not only on Parade night but across a wide span of dates and venues. Wondering where to start? Here are just a few of the many alternative Mardi Gras party ideas.
It’s called: Fruity
What to see and do: Both levels have DJs and shows all night.
Sights and sounds: In the bar we have shows from Menage A’Trois, Raine Ingmenn, the Gayme Of Thrones cast and DJ Frankie Shin. In the club we have the Barley Legal cast, Ms. Annie Mation as your hostess, and direct from Adelaide, Les Girls legend Vonni with DJs Kirby and Johny Blueboy.
Bevvy of choice: Cocktails!
Cost: $10 bar, $20 club or both levels $25.
Where: The Shift Bar & Club (Midnight Shift), 85-91 Oxford St, Darlinghurst
When: Saturday March 5
It’s called:Apollo The Party
What to see and do: You’ll enter through the Launch Pad where Kate Monroe and Adam Cox are keeping it fun and happy with their uplifting, vocal house. You can have a drink in our chill-out zone before making your way into the Apollo Arena – a high-octane dancefloor where hands in the air is the order of the day. Our DJs Ruby and Matt Bachl are well versed in keeping it silly with playful, uplifting, energetic remixes of the songs you love, the tracks you wish you had and ones you’ll remember for a lifetime.
Sights and sounds:This will be our biggest party ever – we are expecting a sell-out event. Apollo is a sensory overload that pushes the boundaries of sound and light. Two packed dancefloors, an incredible Apollo-designed lighting rig and a Funktion-One sound system that will blow your socks off. It’s an over-the-top dance party putting the F back into fun.
Bevvy of choice: Anything and everything – a soft drink to start, a wine to continue, a beer to top up and of course, water… you won’t stop dancing!
What’s the highlight: The final 15 minutes. It’s the climax of an extraordinary day of play and our signature Apollo finale is not to be missed.
Cost: Tickets are available online through Ticketek for $79 + Ticketek booking fees, or if you prefer to pay without fees, we have tickets available in store at Bang Clothing (Flinders Street) or Daly Male (Oxford Street).
Where: Metro Theatre, 624 George St, Sydney
When: Sunday March 6, 2-10pm
It’s called: Birdcage Mardi Gras Warm-Up
What to see and do: We have Tanzer flying up from Melbourne to headline the party, and supports from Sveta, Tanner Derby and resident Cunningpants. Drag queen PollyFilla is also flying up from Mebourne to host our early Mardi Gras drag bingo special with queen bee Felicity Frockaccino. Live shows from 10pm!
Sights and sounds: Rainbows, glitter, confetti, streamers and all things gay! Drag performances from 8-10pm, then DJs and live shows from 10pm-3am.
Bevvy of choice: $10 Sly martinis and $10 jugs from 8-10pm. You can’t go past the $5 tinnies all night either.
What’s the highlight: Two of Melbourne’s biggest queer stars will be performing under one roof, easing us into the biggest weekend of the year! Not to mention all your favourite locals. The energy at our annual Mardi Gras warm-up party is like no other – it’s one not to be missed.
Cost: Free
Where: Slyfox, 199 Enmore Rd, Enmore
When: Wednesday March 2, 8pm-3am
[Main Image: courtesy Apollo The Party]
