St Kilda’s most colourful post march celebration returns this weekend, with Hotel Esplanade hosting its iconic Pride March Afterparty on Sunday 1 February from midday until late.
A much-loved fixture of Melbourne’s Pride calendar, The Espy once again becomes a lively hub of music, performance and community as revellers roll straight in from the Pride March to keep the celebrations going. Best of all, entry is free all day across the venue.
The historic St Kilda pub will be decked out with bold themed decor and plenty of photo-ready moments, setting the tone for a full day and night of dancing, drag and joyful chaos. From staircase performances to packed dance floors, the party spills across multiple rooms with something happening at every turn.
In the Main Bar, Kieynan Lonsdale will headline with a staircase performance, joined by BVT on the stairs. The lineup also features Debra Walters, Jake Judd, Gavin Campbell, Frock Hudson, Marcelo De Faria, Jesse Boyd and Sugar Plump Fairy.
Over in the Sunroom, guests can catch performances by Miss Katalyna alongside Marcelo De Faria, while the Gershwin Room hosts a Poof Doof takeover from 5pm until 1am. That late-night lineup includes Rosie Rai, Jawbreakers, Jimi The Kween, Joey with the Mustache, Mislav and more.
As always, The Espy’s famous frozen cocktails will be flowing throughout the day, alongside plenty of other drinks to keep spirits high.
Hotel Esplanade’s Pride March Afterparty is open to anyone keen to celebrate Pride ’26 once the march wraps up, offering an inclusive, high-energy way to finish the day by the bay.
The event runs at Hotel Esplanade, 11 The Esplanade, St Kilda, with free entry across all areas from noon until late. More details are available via the Espy website.
