Oxford Street’s annual celebration ‘Oxtravaganza’ is back for its 4th year, with a full calendar of events, from day to night-time. And in addition to the special deals offered by Oxford St retailers, restaurants and bars, this year sees a cabaret component programmed especially for Oxtravaganza, starring some of Australia’s most radical and entertaining underground performance artists.
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. Why not shop for your Mardi Gras outfit at one of the many vintage and specialty stores around Oxford Street and Crown Sts and afterwards, have a drink 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, an art walk, rainbow cakes and slushies and two-for-one cocktails and meal deals.
Lock-outs Begone! Local Member Alex Greenwich MP acknowledging Oxtravaganza and the vibrancy of Oxford St said “this is an exciting time for Oxford Street with the long awaited repeal of the lockouts set to boost this already amazing retail, hospitality and entertainment hub. I love Oxford Street and work and shop there; it remains an important iconic inner city centre and I’m committed to seeing it thrive”.
DBP - Represent 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. And the area, which has faced its challenges, is looking forward to a resurgent night-time economy.
"Oxtravaganza is the day to celebrate and experience Darlinghurst’s independent retail and hospitality as they put their best feet, faces and butts forward,” he said. “Oxford Street endured 5 years of unnecessary state government idiocy in the lockouts, needlessly creating fear of a street that thrives on love. It has always been a welcoming space, a cultural hub for queers, bohemians and creatives. Now the misguided lock-out laws are lifted we’re expecting a resurgence of people rediscovering the area”. In the rich and diverse community of the Pink Mile anything goes and everyone is welcome.”
Golden Mile Gallery 20 Shops in and around Oxford St will be hosting the Golden Mile Gallery (yes it was the Golden Mile before it was Pink!). The Gallery focuses on t4he rich cultural history of Sydney’s early Mardi Gras and gay scene, centred on Oxford St, which sprang out of a period of great social and political ferment in the late 70’s and early 80’s, with the emergence of a strong gay activism and culture. The Golden Mile Gallery is a snapshot celebrating this time, transforming shop windows into an outdoor exhibition.
WHAT : OXTRAVAGANZA a one day event on Oxford Street
WHEN : the weekend before Mardi Gras Parade, Saturday 22nd February
WHERE : greater Oxford Street, from Taylor Sq to Whitlam Sq (and surrounds) Darlinghurst
WHY : an opportunity to celebrate the Pink Mile and everything it has to offer, raising funds for ACON
HIGHLIGHTS : free make-up samples, chilled doggie fundraisers, live music, sausage sizzle, cabaret shows, drag story-time, bike pimping, rainbow cakes and rainbow slushies, plus cocktail deals, art walk + more!
DATES: from 12pm Saturday 22nd to 4am Sunday 23rd February 2020 Venues: Participating venues on Oxford Street and across Darlinghurst More Information: www.oxtravaganza.com