How come this is Part 1 you ask? It’s simply because the whole of Australia turns on the Melbourne Cup fever in a serious way, so we figured that the horse-fest really deserved a section all of its own. Part 2 will let you know what else is going on in Melbourne this November.
Melbourne Cup Carnival
This is the highlight; the sporting, cultural and national highlight of the year, not just the month. The weeklong festival runs 1 – 8 November and revolves around the Melbourne Cup Race which always takes place on the first Tuesday in November. The whole of Australia stops for the race and if you want to learn more about it check out our previous Melbourne Cup post.
But the Melbourne Cup Carnival is about far more than the Cup – so here’s a breakdown of all things carnival related in Melbourne this November:
- Breakfast with the Stars
This year the celebrations kick off on Thursday 30 October with Breakfast with the Stars at Werribee Race Track where for $99 you can get the low-down on the international runners, listen to interviews with key players and get the chance to have your picture taken with the cup.
- Annual Fraternity Mass
The 56th Annual Fraternity Mass will be held at St Francis Church on the corner of Lonsdale and Elizabeth Streets on Sunday 2 November and will bring together people from all aspects of the race as well as the parishioners to offer prayer to everyone touched by the race. Find further details about mass times here.
- Emirates Cup Parade
On Monday 3 November the Emirates Cup Parade will wend its way through Melbourne between 12 noon and 2pm. This free event, now in its 31st year, will see thousands watch the runners, riders and celebrity guests pass along the length of Swanston Street and into Federation Square. Here’s a map of the parade route.
- Emirates Melbourne Cup Eve Charity Ball
Feeling flush? Take your deep pockets to the Emirates Melbourne Cup Eve Charity Ball on Monday 3 November. Starting at 7pm and going on until late, the ball will set you back $280 for a single ticket and a corporate table for 10 will cost a cool $2800. That price includes a three course meal with matching wines, a live big band, a phantom race call and interviews with the top trainers. Not surprisingly formal wear is required. You can find more about the charity ball here.
- Sportsnet Cup Day Gala Breakfast
Is it just us, or is it ironic that a sporting event centred around jockeys who face a constant battle to make the weight should offer so much food? Anyway, it’s time for another meal…On Tuesday 4 November, race day itself, the Sportsnet Cup Day Gala Breakfast will offer breakfast, music and a comedian as well as interviews and a live auction of racing memorabilia. There are millinery shops for that last chance to buy the perfect hat; nail bars and hairdressers, plus prizes, souvenirs, and your coach transfer to the racecourse.Tickets cost $195 although packages are available with prices starting at $309. You can find full details of the gala breakfast here.
- Horse racing
Ah yes, the reason we’re all here, and the reason all are eyes are on Melbourne this November. On Saturday 1 November it’s AAMI Victoria Derby Day, on Tuesday 4 November it’s the Emirates Melbourne Cup, Thursday 6 November it’s Crown Oaks Day, with Emirates Stakes Day bringing things to a close on Saturday 8 November. All races take place at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne.
Away from the horse racing there’s plenty more to do in Melbourne this November. Find out what else is on here.
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