Australia’s ANZAC Day commemorates the anniversary of Australia’s (and New Zealand’s) first major military action during World War One, and remembers their sacrifice of all men and women who have played a part in war for this nation, through it’s wonderful Dawn Remembrance service and commemoration march (Sunday 25th April each year).

However it is also a big public holiday that is celebrated through melbourne’s bustling social and party scene. We’ve got the lowdown on some of the best events to be at this ANZAC long weekend.

Friday 23rd April

It’s the girls that kick off festivities this ANZAC long weekend with Girlbar, one of the biggest and best all girl parties that luckily aren’t just for girls. This party has a uniform theme and military flavour. The action all takes off at Upstairs at the Prince Of Wales from 10pm with awesome DJs Little Shan, Jason C, and Kista with special guest showgirls and pole divas.

Or if you’re feeling like something a bit more cultural then this is the ticket for you. Melbourne’s Drags Aloud, aka Amanda Monroe, Jessica James, Linda Lamont and Kris Del Vayze, have been a hit on the gay scene for years as well as kicking major entertainment butt in Comedy and cultural festivals around the country and the world.

Remember that amazing video clip they were in? Check it out below:

Catch these loved divas in Drags Aloud At The Movies at the Shell Theatrette, at 1 Spring street this Friday 23rd April and Saturday 24th April. It’s their final two shows before heading off to Edinburgh, Ireland and beyond, so book in early at moshtix.com.au.

Saturday 24th April

Disgraceland is the hot new weekly addition the Melbourne’s queer scene that keeps going from strength. This ANZAC long weekend it moves to a brand new venue, Jett Black (formerly Club Valve) in Greville Street. Pop along on Saturday to welcome Disgraceland to it’s awesome new home and be treated to awesome performances from host and gender illusionist extraordinaire, Courtney Act and her dancers as well as the hottest pop electro sounds in town. With a new stunning venue, new shows and a super hot new night full of Melbourne’s cool kids… How can you say no!?

The Market Hotel as always has a wicked long weekend in store for you. Setting your dancing feet alight will be none other than international hit singer Katherine Ellis who will grace the Market hotel for a very special performance at 9pm on Saturday night. The voice behind hits by the Freemasons and Bimbo Jones will be joined by awesome Melbourne DJs Miss Elenie, Queen Martine and Tony Svehla. Then come back to the Market on Sunday for Manouvers, featuring another awesome DJ line up of Phil Mezza, Queen Martine, and the DJ king of pop, Mike Evans.

A very special happy birthday to the boobilicious partyzilla Suzy Green, who enters her 3rd decade this Saturday.

Sunday 25th April

The Dawn Remembrance is a beautiful and moving experience and it’s what ANZAC Day is really all about. Join thousands of Melbournians in commemorating the lives and sacrifice of those men and women who went to war for our nation.

Arrive at the Shrine of Remembrance by 5:45pm for the Dawn Service. After the service, at around 8:30pm view the Anzac Day Commemoration March. There are a range of events that continue till 12:45pm. Lest We Forget.

Back to the parties, sexy alternative types and leather boys will be in heaven this long weekend. First up is the notorious, sexy and just a bit artsy Trough X party at Club 80 in Peel Street, Collingwood. The last Trough party is still being talked about as being one of the best party events held at the venue. This installment of the party has an army / camouflage theme and celebrates camaraderie in it’s own sexy way, so get your privates in order soldier!. You’ll be moving to the sexy man on man sounds of Sydney’s Ben Drayton, with Melbournite DJ’s Phil Mezza and the sexy Kam Shafaati. Be as naughty or as nice as you want.

Then later on Sunday night is Melbourne (and Australia’s) best gay leather party, Beyond Black. Set in Geddes lane this time, it is set to be bigger, better and hotter than ever. Beyond has a strict leather dress policy with a minimum of full black or military clothing if you are to gain entry. The men are delicious and the DJ’s are even more so, and includes Dan Wilson, Frisky, Tim Graham, Luke Bowditch and Scott Anderson. I’m sweaty already for some reason.

Melbourne is bursting with this and many more fun and cultural things to do this ANZAC long weekend. Check out our What’s On guide for all the latest.

See you out there!