Enjoy Spring Racing Week Bayside and Trackside – A Guide to Racing Week

Local Community

The sun is out and the fascinators are plentiful – yep, you guessed it! It’s time for Spring Racing Week. Not only is Melbourne Cup (and the associated public holiday) coming up on Tuesday 3rd November, the entire week is packed with fun racing events. C&G have picked our highlights for Flemington, and some alternative celebrations in the Bayside area if you’re not keen on the bustle of the events. 

With hats and headpieces lining the shopfronts of every store across the city, you’d be hard pressed not to realise it’s time for racing season once again. Whether your mantra is ‘bet big or go home’, you prefer a little flutter on the horse with the best name, or you just love getting dressed up for something other than a wedding – everybody enjoys the races. If you’re not sure which day you fancy this year – or you’re a newbie to the party – we’ve lined up the pick of events. Don’t fancy battling the crowds? Don’t worry. There’s some great parties going on around the city, so you can celebrate the day off without the stress.

Victoria Derby Day – Saturday 31st October

Noted as one of the most prestigious race days, the curtain-raising Derby Day welcomes an elegant crowd of black and white attire – with the glow of the official cornflower the only deviation. The tense four races in elite group 1 will whet your racing appetite, and the Myer Fashions on the Field competition kicks off – awarding the best dressed of the day. 

Melbourne Cup Day – Tuesday 3rd November

It’s the big one – the one that nabbed us the public holiday. The home of the brightly coloured and most flamboyant of fashionable guests, the Melbourne Cup Day sees thoroughbreds from across the globe competing for the historic title. 

Crown Oaks Day – Thursday 5th November

The elegant and glamorous aftermath of cup day, Crown Oaks Day concludes the Myer Fashion Festival, and is represented by a flower as polished as its attendees – the pink rose. 

Emirates Stakes Day – Saturday 7th November

Drawing a close to an exciting week of racing, Stakes Day welcomes families and children of all ages. With tons of free events and live entertainment from well-loved characters Dora the Explorer and SpongeBob Squarepants, it’s the perfect way to end the week at Flemington.

The Railway Hotel South Melbourne

If you’re not so keen on the fast paced events – and you just want to show off your best dress and hat – then the Railway Hotel party on the Cup Holiday is for you. With unlimited drinks, sweepstakes, raffles and espresso martinis, it’s the perfect place to celebrate from the sidelines.

Brunch on the Bridge, Docklands

Celebrating Oaks Day on 5th November, Bar Nacional is hosting Brunch on the Bridge. With free flowing champagne, breakfast delights and racing fever in abundance, there’s no better way to start a racing Thursday. 

Melbourne Cup at Republica, St Kilda

Screening the races, serving an oyster laden four-course lunch, and washing it all down with champagne is Republica at St Kilda Sea Baths. Join the most glamorous location on St Kilda beach on Thursday 5th November for an all day party.