Oxford Street’s annual celebration ‘Oxtravaganza’ is back for its 4th year, with a full calendar of events, from day to night-time. Oxtravaganza is when Darlinghurst celebrates Mardi Gras as only Darlinghurst can, as only around Oxford St in “Darlo” can you expect bands, burlesque and (naked) barbers!
On Saturday 22nd February this celebration of Oxford Street and the Pink Mile will see 100+ local businesses coming together to offer special retail promotions, live music, exclusive performances, outdoor music, art, plus food and drink deals. And this year, sees the addition of Cabaret shows to Oxtravaganza, with an all-star line-up.
Curated by John Allen, Failing in Love Again and Cabaret Oxtravaganza will prove to be crowd pleasers with riotous, entertaining and subversive performances guaranteed.
Why not shop for your Mardi Gras outfit at one of the many vintage and speciality stores on Oxford Street? and afterwards have a beer at one of the half dozen venues serving $5 beers for our charity fundraiser. Proceeds raised on the day go to ACON, NSW’s leading HIV and sexuality and gender diverse health organisation.
Other highlights on the day will include glitter bombing at hair + makeup salons, bike pimping, cabaret acts, book signings, an art walk and two-for-one cocktails and meal deals.
An initiative of the Darlinghurst Business Partnership (DBP) Oxtravaganza, is an official event of the annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival, and DBP Chairman Stephan Gyory says the area has always had a history of being a place to come to, have a good time, and feel welcome: “Sydney’s Oxford Street has historically been a stomping ground for oddballs, queers, bohemians, and artists, whose influences delightfully combine to form a unique cultural hub. Oxford Street is an unconventional and non-judgmental space where anything goes and everyone is welcome. Our event, Oxtravaganza celebrates the rich and diverse community of the Pink Mile.
“Our offering this year is as eclectic as you would expect from this vibrant, creative precinct of Sydney.”
According to Oxtravaganza producer Lorraine Lock, there is always something to be surprised and entertained by in Darlinghurst and the weekend of Oxtravaganza, which falls in the middle of the Mardi Gras program, ups the ante again.
“Everyone is in the mood for a celebration, tourists are in town and the pink mile comes into its own.”