Poof Doof Sydney has revealed details for its final night at Arq Sydney while also announcing it will return to Kinselas for “one night only” to host its Red Rave party later this month.
Furthermore, Poof Doof revealed it will host its upcoming Dua Lipa concert after-party at Surry Hills venue Hotel Harry, which it used during Mardi Gras for its “Homo House” activation.
The gay club night’s final party at Arq under the Darlinghurst nightclub’s current management will be held on Saturday, March 22, and is titled “GET THE FARQ OUT” with the tagline “End up at ARQ one last time”.
DJs Jarred Baker and Sveta will be headlining the night celebrating the venue’s 26 years of existence as a gay nightclub under its current name.
Gay Sydney News asked Arq’s incoming management whether they would be open to hosting Poof Doof on Saturdays or Fridays in the future.
“We are most definitely going to be speaking with the team behind Poof Doof along with other promoters from the LBGTQIA+ community about future events,” responded Dave Auld, the co-founder of Oxford Street nightclub Noir and co-owner of boat-for-hire businesses Seadeck and Oasis.
Auld intends to take over Arq, rename it Aura nightclub and launch it in autumn (March-May) this year.
Poof Doof’s last night at Arq will run from 10pm until late, with pop bangers on the ground floor and house, rave & dance music on the first floor.
Early-bird tickets are $25, first release $30 and second release $35. However, Poof Doof is offering Gay Sydney News readers $5 off entry with the code “GSN” for 48 hours from 5pm on Thursday (we will not be profiting from this).
Founder and owner of Poof Doof Anthony Hocking said Arq had been “an institution for our community – a space where generations have danced, connected, and celebrated who they are”.
“We’re incredibly grateful to have been part of its history and to have the honour of hosting the last dance.
“While this marks the end of an era, it’s also the start of a new chapter for POOF DOOF in Sydney. We can’t wait to celebrate this moment together and continue bringing unforgettable nights to our community – wherever we go next!”
Poof Doof Sydney operations manager and resident DJ Tosh Lanyon added that while change “is never easy, it’s also what keeps nightlife fresh and exciting”.
“POOF DOOF has always been about pushing boundaries, and I’m thrilled for what’s next. We hope the community embraces this new era with us, and in the meantime, let’s give ARQ the farewell it deserves!”
Poof Doof said its April 5 Red Rave event, which is moving from Arq to Kinselas, will be a full venue takeover of the Taylor Square venue.
The venue will be transformed into an “electrifying Red Rave”, Poof Doof said, “complete with a techno dungeon in the Basement bar”.
Red Rave is billed as celebrating sex positivity with a black and red theme and was inspired by the underground scene in Berlin. Attendees are encouraged to don harnesses, leather, or whatever else they find most comfortable. This could include wearing just underwear.
Cloakroom will be $5 on the night.
Meanwhile, this Saturday Poof Doof is hosting its second last party at Arq, Club Gaga, which will be celebrating pop star Lady Gaga’s new album Mayhem.
Poof Doof said the event is currently outselling the previous Club Gaga from Pride Month 2024.
Ben Grubb is the founder and editor of Gay Sydney News, an independent publication covering LGBTQIA+ news. A journalist with more than 15 years' experience, he has reported and edited for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, WAToday, Brisbane Times, The Australian Financial Review, News.com.au, ZDNet, TelecomTimes and iTnews, primarily on the topic of technology. He previously hosted The Informer, a queer current affairs program on Melbourne’s JOY 94.9 radio station, and contributes to LGBTQIA+ media including Stun Magazine. Ben has also appeared as a technology commentator on Channel Ten's The Project, ABC RN’s Download This Show and commercial radio stations 2UE, 2GB and 6PR. Contact Ben: [email protected]
