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CUP DAY • CUP WEEK • SPRING RACING
Cup Day 2026
Celebrate The Race That Stops a Nation
From the Melbourne Cup to the celebrations of Cup Week, discover where to celebrate, what's on and inspiration for making the most of the Melbourne Cup Carnival and spring racing season.
Find Your Cup Day Experience
Cup Day celebrations stretch well beyond Melbourne, with venues around Australia getting into the spirit of the race that stops a nation. Explore our city guides to find places to celebrate Cup Day, make the most of Cup Week, or turn the racing action into a full Cup Weekend.
Latest News
The Latest on Cup Day throughout Australia
News, announcements, event updates and ideas for celebrating Cup Day across Australia. Including Cup Day lunch and after party updates from restaurants and hotels that have events to get together at and celebrate Cup Day around Australia.
The Melbourne Cup crowns champions, but their legacy doesn't stop at the finish line.
Discover how past winners like Makybe Diva found new purpose beyond the track.Jean Shrimpton shocked in 1965. Princess Diana dazzled in 1985. Today, bold colour reigns.
Discover the best Melbourne Cup fashion moments.Here's how to celebrate the race that stops a nation - without stopping your wallet.
Host a Classy Cup Day Lunch on a Budget!Melbourne Cup Carnival
Four Race Days. Four Different Experiences.
The Melbourne Cup Carnival is about much more than one race. Across four famous race days, Flemington comes alive with world-class racing, fashion, food and celebration. Discover what makes each day different and find the Carnival experience that suits you.
Saturday 31 October 2026
Derby Day
Racing Tradition Meets Monochrome Style
Derby Day opens the Melbourne Cup Carnival with elite racing and one of its most recognisable traditions - black and white fashion.
Explore Derby Day
Tuesday 3 November 2026
Cup Day
The Race That Stops a Nation
Melbourne Cup Day is the centrepiece of the Carnival, bringing together famous racing, fashion, hospitality and celebrations across Australia.
Explore Cup Day
Thursday 5 November 2026
Oaks Day
Fashion Takes Centre Stage
Oaks Day combines Group 1 racing with one of the Carnival's biggest days of fashion, stylish hospitality and a distinctly social atmosphere.
Explore Oaks Day
Saturday 7 November 2026
Stakes Day
The Carnival Finale
Stakes Day brings the Melbourne Cup Carnival to a close with top-class racing and a more relaxed atmosphere after a huge week at Flemington.
Explore Stakes Day
Make More of Cup Day
Cup Day Ideas & Inspiration
From what to wear and where to celebrate to race-day traditions, entertaining ideas and spring racing inspiration, discover everything you need to make Cup Day one of the biggest days of the year.
Get Inspired
History
A History of the Melbourne Cup
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Entertaining
Hosting a Melbourne Cup Day Party from Home
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Tradition
How to Run a Melbourne Cup Sweep: A Simple Cup Day Guide
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Fashion