No parade, no worries: How you can celebrate spirit of Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras

Sydney’s doing Mardi Gras differently this year. No parade officially means no worries; Merivale and Absolut Vodka are stepping-in.

Score a package by Merivale – huge Sydney hospitality group – to celebrate pride and diversity in style with a fabulous line-up of drink, dine and stay options on Saturday 6 March.

Complete with cocktails, festivities, DJs, drag shows and live entertainment it’s all on offer at some of the group’s most popular venues, like:

The Beresford – $95pp

There’s nowhere better to have a pre-parade party than The Beresford – Sydney’s iconic destination for the LGBTIQA+ community. Assemble your gang and get into the rhythm of the day with an Absolut Banger cocktail on arrival, before settling in for a three-course brunch and drag show.

Also included:

?  Three-course set menu

?  Live ‘Spice Girls’ drag show

?  Live DJ set from DJ Dan Murphy

The Paddington – $129pp

Kick things off with an Absolut Banger cocktail on arrival, before launching into an absolutely bangin’ shared-style banquet from head chef Ben Greeno. Just a stone’s throw from the SCG, it’s the perfect spot to start your Mardi Gras.

Also included:

?  Shared banquet dining experience

?  Live DJ sets & entertainment

Queens Hotel – $129pp

Head to Queens Hotel for a pre-parade smorgasbord of delicious Queen Chow favourites and live entertainment to get you warmed up for the big parade. YAS QUEENS!

Also included:

?  Set menu dining experience

?  Live DJ sets & entertainment

Bar Totti’s – $139pp

With DJs on deck to get the party started, the CBD is the place to be this Mardi Gras. Shift into gear with Mike Eggert’s antipasti menu featuring creamy burrata, cured meats and that famous wood-fired bread. Then, hitch a ride on the light-rail directly to the stadium for the main event.

What’s included:

?  Share-style antipasti menu

?  Live DJ sets & entertainment

POOF DOOF Drag Brunch at Pool Club – Tickets on sale next week

This POOF DOOF drag brunch will be like no other – a super-charged, double-shot of madness, and the best way to get lubricated pre-parade. The line-up will include our local legends plus special interstate guests, limited edition souvenirs and a raft of surprises.

HOTEL PACKAGES

Establishment Hotel – $585-$1,810

Stay and play in the CBD this Mardi Gras with these ultra-luxe packages which include two stadium tickets for the parade, a Merivale gift card, and an Absolut party pack for your very own hotel room. Roll out of bed the next day for an all-inclusive breakfast and late check out. For every booking, Merivale will donate $5 to Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

Studio Room $585:

?  2 x Official Mardi Gras Parade tickets compliments of Absolut Vodka

?  Absolut Party Pack including Absolut Rainbow Limited Edition Bottle 700ml

?  Merivale gift card valued at $150

?  Saturday night stay with breakfast included

?  Late check-out

Establishment Room – $685:

?  2 x Official Mardi Gras Parade tickets compliments of Absolut Vodka

?  Absolut Party Pack including Absolut Rainbow Limited Edition Bottle 700ml

?  Merivale gift card valued at $200

?  Saturday night stay with breakfast included

?  Late check-out

Loft Penthouse – $1,710:

?  2 x Official Mardi Gras Parade tickets compliments of Absolut Vodka

?  Absolut Party Pack including Absolut Rainbow Limited Edition Bottle 700ml

?  Merivale gift card valued at $500

?  Saturday night stay with breakfast included

?  Late check-out

Duplex Penthouse $1,810:

?  2 x Official Mardi Gras Parade tickets compliments of Absolut Vodka

?  Absolut Party Pack including Absolut Rainbow Limited Edition Bottle 700ml

?  Merivale gift card valued at $500

?  Saturday night stay with breakfast included

?  Late check-out