Maximum Joy

Overview

The impact of Sydney's lockout laws might have held down partygoers in recent times, but that's not holding back Sydney promoters Picnic Music and their first foray into the festival scene. Taking over the entire six levels of the Kings Cross Hotel, Maximum Joy is a one-day event encompassing everything music, art and fashion.

Headlined by nine international house and techno heavy hitters making their Australian debuts, including Americans Joe Claussell and Veronica Vasicka, it's a worldly affair with Germany's Dopplereffekt hitting the stage, as well as Japan's Dip in the Pool and Kuniyuki Takahashi. There'll also be 25 local DJs, so something is bound to get you dancing.

The six levels have each been curated by a local or international music and fashion label, with Amsterdam's Music from Memory taking over the rooftop till close, while Sydney's Midnight Swim hosts the Disco Diner and Balcony room.

In the Dive Bar, Maurice Terzini — admired hospitality guru and director of fashion label Ten Pieces — has teamed up with leading drag performers, plus local visual artist Dreamcatcher and musician Kali, to present an all-encompassing creative space called The Rude Club, which will also showcase the label's recent clothing collection.

"Right in the middle of lock out dead zone Kings Cross we've set our sights on your comfort... in the cosy and rambling surrounds of the epic Kings Cross Hotel," says Picnic Music director Carly Roberts.