Hotel Esplanade, fondly known as The Espy, is bringing St Kilda the ultimate party line-up this summer with its annual Pride March Afterparty and St Kilda Festival Laneway Party. The iconic Melbourne live music institution kicks off the FREE events on Sunday 2 February with the Midsumma Pride March Afterparty before Sunday 16 February sees the third edition of The Espy’s St Kilda Fest Laneway Party.
Midsumma Pride March Afterparty, Sunday 2 February
The free event will serve up an incredible line-up of Melbourne’s dance community, with performances lighting up three rooms across the venue – Main Bar, The Gershwin and Sunroom. Guests can expect a party with over-the-top decor, rainbow inspired cocktails and non-stop entertainment from midday until later into the night, including Poof Doof taking over The Gersh and DJs from across the country.
Since 2018, the event has seen names like Big Wett and Sunshine & Disco Faith Choir take to the iconic Espy steps for a headline performance. Rainbow inspired cocktails with a cause will see $2 from every slushie sold going directly to Espy neighbour, Victorian Pride Centre.
Afterparty Acts:
- Hosted by Frock Hudson
- Surprise headline act on the Espy staircase
- Supporting sets from Deb Walters, Gavin Campbell, Gay Roberto, Jake Judd, Mz Rizk, Post Percy, Sugar Plump Fairy, Tanzer, Tomboy DJs (Bangerz N Mash vs Renee)
- Gershwin Room x Poof Doof takeover featuring sets from Alex Morris, Bettie Rose, Cerulean, Duchess Kay, Dujour, Isis Avis Loren (winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under S3), Jawbreakers, Jesse Boyd, Jimi the Kween (live show), Jxn Miles, Lenni Vibe (NZ), MRC, Ruby Slippers, Tonky
The Espy’s St Kilda Fest Laneway Party, Sunday 16 February
The third edition of The Espy’s free St Kilda Fest Laneway Party kicks off at midday and takes over Pollington Street. Fitted with its own pop-up bar and outdoor Live Stage showcasing a bumper line- up of artists,
St Kilda Fest Laneway Party Acts:
- Espy Live Stage – The Southern River Band, Full Flower Moon Band, Kat Edwards, Sleepazoid, Lewis Ciavarella
- The Gershwin – Young Franco (event headliner)
The Espy is the best place to be this summer with two events full of fantastic entertainment, great drinks, delicious bites and lively atmosphere that the iconic pub has become synonymous with.
