Australia’s largest LGBTQI+ celebration will culminate this weekend in the 2021 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade, taking place on Saturday 6 March.
Venues and hotels across Sydney and Australia have been celebrating in the lead up with special events, campaigns and activations, and will continue the celebrations well into March.
Here are a couple of our favourites to check out this weekend:
W Hotels
Luxury, lifestyle hotel brand W Hotels is teaming up once again with the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras as a major partner in 2021.
The hotel brand will showcase a playful twist on an Australian favourite: the Mr Whippy van.
Over the weekend, W’s Witty & Whippy van served up complimentary soft serve waffle cones across Sydney. This Saturday, the W Hotels float will join hundreds for the official parade, hosting a range of talent from the LGBTQI+ community.
“Inclusivity and equality and that sense of acceptance remains at the core of the W DNA, our doors at W Hotels are always open to all,” said Sean Hunt, area vice president – Australia, New Zealand & Pacific – Marriott International.
“I am beyond excited to see Witty & Whippy van and campaign come to life, with co-workers, guests and friends of the brand marching, dancing and loving out loud and proud.”
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Merivale
Merivale has teamed up with vodka brand Absolut for their 2021 campaign, We Are Stronger Together.
The hospitality giant is “championing the ones who give us strength and raise us up” through sharing stories, a range of Mardi Gras events and signature cocktails across Merivale venues.
Venues such as The Beresford, The Paddington, The Ivy and Vic on the Park are hosting pre- and post-parade celebrations with various special guests. Find out more here.
Applejack Hospitality
Applejack’s latest venue, Forrester’s, is inviting you to “Dine Like A Queen” during Mardi Gras weekend at its special bottomless rosé lunch on Saturday 6 March.
Enjoy a shared banquet menu, unlimited rosé for 2 hours plus Absolut cocktails to start. There’ll even be roaming face painters on hand to add some glam. Book here.
Hyde Hacienda
Hyde Hacienda Sydney is inviting allies to celebrate at the Basic Babe Mardi Gras Party, in partnership with the seltzer brand.
Alongside the Basic Babe seltzers are a range of exclusive Mardi Gras cocktails, including ‘Love Wins’ made with a mix of Blue Curucao, Malibu, pineapple juice, grenadine and lime juice, and ‘Hyde’s Crowing Jewel’ with Drambuie, Amaretto, apple juice and lemon juice.
Available from 5-19 March 2021. Book online.
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Trippas White Group
To continue the celebrations, Trippas White Group is hosting a “spectacular, glitzy brunch” in the Yallamundi Rooms at Sydney Opera House on Saturday 13 March.
The event, dubbed Drag the Harbour Dry, will take place by the harbour and feature Sydney drag icons Charisma Belle, Carmen Geddit and Vybe.
Ticket are available here.
