Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade will electrify the city on 28 February 2026 and drinks brands are teaming up with each other and venues across the city to celebrate.

Archie Rose Distilling Co. has revealed details of its new two-year partnership with Applejack for Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

Applejack is the official on-premise partner of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, while the announcement also marks Archie Rose’s sixth consecutive year as Official Gin Partner.

Across the 2026 festival, Archie Rose is activating in key Applejack venues including Opera Bar, Taphouse, Forrester’s, The Butler and Juanita’s Bar.

Highlights include fan favourite queen Kalin Klein hosting Drag Bingo and Trivia at The Taphouse, a Parade Day Viewing Party at Forrester’s, and a vibrant program at Opera Bar featuring sunset DJ sets, a live voguing contest honouring Harlem ballroom culture hosted by Sydney collective House of Silky, and a Drag Wheel of Fortune with prizes to win. All alongside a specially curated cocktail list showcasing Archie Rose’s award-winning gins, whiskies, rums and vodkas.

Archie Rose Head of Hospitality Harriet Leigh said: “This partnership with Applejack allows us to show up in a bigger and more meaningful way for Mardi Gras.

“This is the sixth year we’ve proudly supported Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras as Official Gin Partner, and
this next chapter brings our spirits into some of Sydney’s most iconic venues, creating spaces where people can connect, celebrate and raise a glass together.”

For full event details and dates, visit applejackhospitality.com.au/mardi-gras

Asahi and TWE announce new partnership

Asahi and TWE will march together in the iconic Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade. The collaboration will see them celebrate loud and proud with a joint float for the first time under the banner of “Thirsty for Love”. Around 80 staff will march in the Parade down Oxford St and beyond.

Treasury Wine Estates’ Squealing Pig is the official wine partner of the festival this year while Asahi’s Brookvale Union is the official beer, ginger beer and whisky partner, with Asahi’s 4 Pines Brewing Co also supporting the partnership.

Treasury Wine Estates Global Director Strategic Talent & Employee Experience Kirsten Dale said: “Together, we’re raising our glasses with an industry-first partnership that champions unity, expression, and one big cheeky celebration of it all…drink in hand,” said

“This collaboration between Squealing Pig, Brookvale Union, TWE Pride, and Pride@Asahi unites vibrant brands under one shared message; being thirsty for more than just a top-up. We’re thirsty for connection, for joy, for belonging and for every form of love that shines at Pride.”

Asahi Beverages GM, Employee Experience Rita Nador said: “This collaboration demonstrates genuine allyship in action, helping shape a culture across the industry where people feel safe, respected and supported.”

“Thirsty for Love celebrates everything that makes Mardi Gras unforgettable – the diversity and inclusion, the colour and energy, and the individuality. This exciting partnership is the love child of two great community-based and playful brands, Brookvale Union and Squealing Pig, and we’re proud to join the party.”

Learn more here.

Absolut & Merivale team up

Absolut will mark its seventh year as a partner of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras in 2026 and is once again partnering with Merivale to roll out a limited-edition Mardi Gras cocktail menu across 49 venues.

Five vibrant Absolut cocktails are available for $18 each, with $1 from every cocktail donated to ACON and the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation.

They are: Euphoria | Absolut, lychee, prosecco, Blue Curaçao
Bright, refreshing and built for celebration.
 
East 8 Hold Up | Absolut, rhubarb, pine-lime, passionfruit
A nod to Milk & Honey London, with a bold flavour profile that steals the show.
 
Harvey Wallbanger | Absolut, fresh orange, vanilla
Park the pretence and enjoy this ‘60s classic made properly.
 
Lemon Drop | Absolut, triple sec, lemon, sugar-crusted rim
Crisp, refreshing, and proof that not every great cocktail needs coffee.
 
Ruby Slipper | Absolut, Queen Garnet plum, tarragon, baked citrus, fizz (available at select venues).

Liquorland teams up with QSIC

As Mardi Gras takes over Darlinghurst, Liquorland has partnered with Audio Platform QSIC transforming its cool room into a pop-up Rave Cave.  

From 23 February to 1 March, the cool room will be reworked into a disco-lit pride party, complete with mirror balls, bold lighting and a curated Mardi Gras playlist.

Coles Ambassador and Drag Queen MisTy Delray will be on site on 25 February and 27 February from 4–6pm, while on 28 February a live DJ will be spinning inside the Rave Cave before the Mardi Gras Parade rolls past the store later that evening.

The space will also feature handmade parade costumes and a memorial music installation celebrating Sydney LGBTQIA+ community members.

Coles Liquor General Manager of Customer Loyalty Mia Horner said: “Mardi Gras is one of the most vibrant moments in Sydney’s calendar and this year’s theme of ECSTATICA speaks to the collective joy that defines it. Our Rave Cave at Liquorland Darlinghurst brings that spirit into store.

“Guided by our belief that everyone is welcome at our table, we’re proud to offer a safe, inclusive and fun environment for customers to enjoy as they prepare for the festivities.”

QSIC Retail Media Strategy Lead Jaclyn Shaw said: “We are committed to supporting LGBTQIA+ communities and are incredibly proud to partner with Coles to amplify their sponsorship of Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras through our Rave Cave activation.

“QSIC’s platform enables us to deliver hyper-targeted, locally relevant music, content and experiences, creating meaningful moments that connect with customers at a store level.

“In this case, it allowed us to celebrate community members and allies through curated playlists and an immersive in-store activation.”

25hours Hotel The Olympia partners with Mardi Gras

25hours Hotel The Olympia will be hosting a free parade day party in collaboration with Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras on 28 February from 3pm at 1 Oxford Street, Paddington. 

Expect an open-house celebration and a bold nod to Oxford Street’s party heritage, including the revival spirit of the iconic Grand Pacific Blue Room era, this is 25hours’ playful yet polished take on Mardi Gras.

There will be a full-building takeover from 3pm, with DJs and live performances across the ground floor before the party moves into The Mulwray cocktail bar until late. The line-up includes Dyan Tai, Charlie Villas, I Hate Kilimi and Tyrone Pynor.

The space will be anchored by an El Jimador pop-up bar, with a Lion bar in the atrium pouring beer and Chandon Garden Spritz. Food will include souvlaki, and falafel plates, designed for easy, social grazing.