Queer Christmas is nearly upon us — it’s Mardi Gras 2022. Here we are, once again, planning our cocktails (and outfits!) as the official gin partner of this year’s festival, which is the greatest honour. Yes, yes you say, but what are we doing to celebrate? We sourced only the best intel from our team, from comedy shows to art after hours and the main parade, on every way to celebrate LGBTQIA+ pride this year.

Mardi Gras Film Festival — The Queen Frontier

This year’s Film Festival is half-half combo, with some being shown online, some IRL. We simply can’t choose a fave to watch out of the 110 screenings, but know we’ll be spending every possible moment consuming these beautiful, diverse and nuanced stories. You’ve got options too: On Demand from your couch or a night out at the cinema.

Fair Day

Ok, there’s no other way to start Mardi Gras than Fair Day. Fact. Drop into Victoria Park on Sunday February 20 and frolic in the sunshine, through the stalls, picnic on the grass and shimmy from day to night. (Yes, there will be dancing). At the Archie Rose Gin Bar we’ll be serving up a Fairside Gin Spritz as well as our delicious G&T and Gin Blackberry Spritz Canned Cocktails. Grab your drink and relax with your mates, gin cocktails in hand ready to also get involved in a couple of cool competitions featuring some amazing Archie prizes. Field Day begins at 10am, wraps up at 9pm.   

After Dark at the Hyde Park Barracks

After Dark at the Hyde Park Barracks is back for 2022 celebrating all of the wonderful things the LGBTQIA+ community has to offer. From 5pm-9pm Thursday 24th February, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed site will be revamped with live music, body-positive, queer and inclusive life-drawing classes, inspiring readings, performance art and tours. Find us at the bar for some delicious refreshments to accompany all this excellent energy.

Laugh Out Proud

We won’t split hairs on the best Mardi Gras event but this is definitely the best comedy sitch of the week. Laugh Out Proud sold out in 2020 and 2021 so you just know it’s going to be good. Essentially it’s a night of fan favourites, funny faithfuls  and  rising stars of the Australian queer comedy scene from Scout Boxall to Charlie Lewin. On Friday Feb 25 from 7.30pm, Enmore Theatre.

Little Miss Chin Chin Drag Pageant 2022

On Saturday 26th February, join Drag Queen Karen from Finance as she hosts restaurant Chin Chin’s first Drag Pageant. Enjoy Archie Rose cocktails alongside Chin Chin’s fiery best as you bear witness to Sydney’s first-class Queens strut their stuff for the judges. Limited tickets available, and may the best Queen win!

Queer Art After Hours

It’s a yes please to Art After Hours at the Art Gallery of NSW. Come 5pm, Wednesday March 2, to watch the gallery transform into a palace of innovative performance art, installations, collection stories, music and tours. One night only!

The Imperial - Archie Rose Cocktail Masterclass

The iconic home base of the LGBTQIA+ community in the Inner West, The Imperial Erskineville is staging a fun-filled and educational Cocktail Workshop hosted by Drag Queen Royalty Philmah Bocks and Jemima Handful, with spirits supplied by yours truly! Join us from 3pm on Saturday March 5th.

Mardi Gras Parade

The pièce de résistance! Saturday’s parade at the SCG is obviously the place to be. Get amongst the 78ers, Dykes on Bikes, general excellent vibes! A cute tip? Find our G&T and Gin Blackberry Spritz Canned Cocktails at the bar while prepping your lewk.

Laneway

Recoveryyyyy. Only the best of the best recoveries happen at The Beresford every year. This Sunday March 6 you can float through here, shifting between dancefloors, crying-not-crying as we say goodbye to Mardi Gras 2022.

Enjoy Mardi Gras, folks. See you on the dance floor. Shop our Limited Edition Mardi Gras Bottled Cocktails and Limited Edition Mardi Gras Tailored Label online, or pick them up at the now rainbow Archie Rose Bar & Cellar Door in Rosebery.