Just a hot, skip and a jump from where Midsumma’s iconic Pride March will be taking place, The Espy will be kicking the party on with three rooms across the venue hosting the Pride Party.
From midday until late on Sunday, February 9, a slew of iconic artists, DJs, dancers, drag performers and even a secret special guest will be bringing some colour to the Espy for their Pride Party.
Around the corner from where the famous Midsumma Pride March takes place on Fitzroy Street in St Kilda, the historic Hotel Esplanade is providing the afterparty for anyone down to kick on. Write Monday off work – this one’s bound to be bumping all night long.
The Espy’s Pride Party
- Sunday, February 9, from 12pm to late
- Hotel Esplanade, St Kilda
- Free entry
- More info here
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here.
View this post on Instagram
The Espy will dedicate three of its rooms to the Pride Party. The party’s order of events includes a surprise performance on the famous Espy staircase at the main bar. There’ll also be a party going down in the basement and a Poof Doof takeover of the Gershwin Room.
Last year’s Pride Party saw a special appearance from iconic cheeky lady BIG WETT. This year, it’s anyone’s guess which star-studded superstar will be strutting the staircase come February 9.
While this year’s surprise performer is still under wraps, in the meantime you can feast on details about the Gersh room Poof Doof takeover. Partiers can expect a deluge of fierce drag performances and the most desirable of DJs spinning tracks well into the night.
Word on the street is that some big names from Naarm’s queer dance community will also be dropping by. Come with your dancing shoes strapped on.
For any thirsty punters, there’ll be rainbow cocktails on offer with a wholesome twist. For every slushie purchased, $2 will be donated to the good folk at Victorian Pride Centre. VPC is Australia’s first purpose-built centre for LGBTIQA+ communities, providing services and support to organisations, groups and individuals. So, drink up.
The Pride March’s home in St Kilda remains a significant location in Naarm’s long and storied queer history. Now, almost three decades since its inception, the Pride March continues to cement its status as the premiere event and heartbeat of Victoria’s Midsumma.
The Espy echoes that heartbeat once again this year, serving up a brighter, louder and more colourful party than ever to keep the celebrations going until dawn.
Completely free, punters can head to the Espy after the Midsumma Pride March wraps up to grab the best boogie spot in the house.
Check out the Espy’s Pride Party here.
