Absolut will mark its seventh year as a partner of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras in 2026.
The global vodka brand will support multiple touchpoints across the festival calendar from February 13 to March 1, including the Absolut X Dance Floor at Fair Day, the Fair Day Official After-Party, the Heaps Gay Mardi Gras AfterParty and the Poof Doof Big Gay Block Party.
For more than 40 years, Absolut has positioned itself as an ally of the LGBTQIA+ community globally.
In Sydney, the brand continues to align itself with events that centre queer celebration, culture and self-expression.
Fair Day and after-dark activations
The Absolut X Dance Floor will return to Fair Day at Victoria Park on Sunday 15 February, featuring DJ sets from Jarred Baker, ATOMIC KISS, NATE and Adam Love.
Festival-goers will also be able to take part in the “Recycle a can for a fan” initiative, exchanging recycled Absolut cans for branded hand fans.
Later that evening, Absolut will present the Fair Day Official After-Party at The Beresford, with DJ sets from Emme, Queen Shirene and Alex Taylor, alongside performances from Minnie.
The brand will also support Heaps Gay’s Mardi Gras AfterParty at Manning Bar on Saturday 28 February, which will span five stages, as well as Poof Doof’s Big Gay Block Party takeover of the Ivy precinct, headlined by a DJ set from Melanie C.
Cocktail menu with Merivale supports community partners
In partnership with Merivale, Absolut will roll out a limited-edition Mardi Gras cocktail menu across 49 venues.
Four classic Absolut cocktails will be available for $18 each, with $1 from every cocktail donated to ACON and the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation.
The initiative extends the brand’s support beyond festival stages and into Sydney’s broader hospitality footprint during Mardi Gras season.
New partnership with fbi.radio Dance Class
Beyond Mardi Gras, Absolut has confirmed a 2026 partnership with fbi.radio Dance Class, a FLINTA-focused DJ skills and mentoring program designed to support emerging electronic music talent.
The program matches up-and-coming DJs with established mentors from the Eora/Sydney scene and includes masterclasses and on-air training, with a dedicated club night planned for May.