Best Eats
Best pre-parade drink spots for Sydney Mardi Gras
26/02/2025
More than just a dazzling parade, the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is an all-day (and night) celebration of love, pride and community, and the pre-parade party scene is as colourful and energetic as the event itself. Whether you’re after flowing cocktails or contagious energy, or colourful entertainment, these lively spots will set the perfect tone for your Mardi Gras adventure.
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Darlo Bar
Darlinghurst, Sydney, New South WalesDarlo Bar is bringing the glitz and glam for Mardi Gras until March 2. Festivities kick off with Acoustic Anthem Sundays, featuring live acoustic tunes and $12 cocktails on the rooftop. Queer Icons Trivia struts its stuff on February 25, Drag Bingo with the always-fabulous Charisma Belle brings chaos on February 26, and drink raffles on February 27 make sure everyone’s a winner. But the real showstopper? The Parade Party on March 1 – think DJs, drag queens, face painting, and parade action on every screen.
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Backyard at The Alex
Alexandria, Sydney, New South WalesBackyard at The Alex invites you to ease into Parade Day with a full lineup of Mardi Gras magic on Saturday, March 1st, from 2 pm. Strut your pup in the lively Dogs in Town show, let Shimmer Squad’s roving artists paint you in Mardi Gras brilliance, or hit the yard for a round of Rainbow Basketball. DJs and dancers will keep the beats pulsing into the night across the bar and backyard. Sip $18 Absolut cocktails – $1 goes to ACON & Bobby Goldsmith Foundation—because revelry tastes better when it gives back.
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Paddo Inn - Bar & Grill
Paddington, Sydney, New South WalesDon’t miss the party at Paddo Inn, perfectly located on Oxford Street’s vibrant parade route. The venue will be buzzing all weekend with DJs spinning from 5pm Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and the fabulous Queen Charisma Belle bringing her signature flair from 5-8pm. Friday. Sip on curated Archie Rose Signature Dry Gin cocktails, crafted just for the occasion. With bold energy, delicious drinks, and non-stop dancing, Paddo Inn is the ultimate spot to soak up Mardi Gras magic.
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Jimmy's Rooftop
Sydney CBD, Sydney, New South WalesGet ready for POOF DOOF’s iconic Saturday Drag Brunch by The Ivy Pool this Mardi Gras. Hosted by the fabulous Marilyn Mootrub, this high-energy event brings RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 10 winner AQUARIA and Drag Race Down Under divas VYBE + COCO JUMBO and more to the stage. Enjoy 1.5 hours of complimentary mimosas (11:00am-12:30pm) at the event on Saturday, March 1, and a live performance by Australian Idol winner Royston Noell as he launches his EP Sunrise. Food is available à la carte, and the fun keeps going, rain or shine.
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Universal Sydney
Darlinghurst, Sydney, New South WalesSituated smack bang in the middle of the Mardi Gras action on Oxford Street, Universal is kicking off Mardi Gras at 5pm with a glittering pre-parade party, featuring DJ tracks, face painting, and photo booths. At 7:30pm, catch Vybe from Drag Race Down Under. The party continues upstairs at Déjávu from 10pm, where international club DJs and a lineup of dazzling divas will keep the energy high. It’s a night of non-stop fun and sparkle, so don’t miss out! $20 cover. Door sales only.
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