It's all happening at The Park

24 October 2024 • Written by Nine

While the race that stops a nation® is the shining centrepiece of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, there’s a whole World of Excitement throughout Cup Week, beginning November 2, and offering punters great times from go…to whoa! And there’s only one place you need to be – The Park.

We’ve had a sneak peek at The Park, the destination bringing together must-see live entertainment, incredible food and drink and the perfect showcase for head-turning racing fashion. Here’s what to expect.

Ready to step inside The Park?

ENTERTAINMENT

It’s not just on the track where you’ll find plenty of thrills – The Park Live Stage will feature incredible performances from some big names throughout the Cup Week. You’ll be wearing your favourite shoes – so kick up those heels.

SATURDAY 2 NOVEMBER

PENFOLDS VICTORIA DERBY DAY

On Penfolds Victoria Derby Day, US superstar Anastascia will revisit her smash hits and get everyone on their feet – while international DJ extraordinaire Sam Feldt will also be mixing things up.

TUESDAY 5 NOVEMBER

LEXUS MELBOURNE CUP DAY

Homegrown electronic music talent Empire of the Sun, known for their hit 'Walking on a Dream', light up the The Park live stage with a DJ set on Lexus Melbourne Cup Day! And pop icon Sophie Ellis-Bextor (UK) is set to get the crowd on the dance floor with her hit ‘Murder On The Dancefloor’.

THURSDAY 7 NOVEMBER

CROWN OAKS DAY

Aussie favourite Ronan Keating heads to our shores to light up the stage for Crown Oaks Day, with Ricki-Lee also commanding the crowd with some big numbers of her own.

SATURDAY 9 NOVEMBER

TAB CHAMPIONS STAKES DAY

You don’t want to miss Australian legends The Temper Trap who are set to supercharge The Park. Plus, rising singer-songwriter Mia Wray whose powerful vocals and emotive lyrics have made her a standout in the local music scene. All this and more on TAB Champion Stakes Day.

FAB FOOD AND DRINK

When it comes to all the excitement of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, amazing food and drink are pretty much as vital as the magnificent horses who take part, and you’ll find so much for all tastes at The Park, from a special activation by a buzzy international name to an exciting new destination for Melbourne foodies.

One unmissable venue at The Park is the very first pop-up on our shores from one food icon familiar to so many Australians. Bali favourite BO$$MAN Burgers is ready to deliver its reputation-making fare for Racing Carnival attendees. These are burgers that Aussies literally write home about – and now you can have them right here.

Other tantalising options include the most excellent Ebby Street Food (their trademark chicken and gravy rolls will be in high demand); comedy trio Sooshi Mango are bringing their signature Lygon Street restaurant Johnny, Vince and Sam's to The Park; souvlaki brilliance from Mary & A Little Lamb; and lip-smacking schnitzels from You Little Schnit (who else?)

Of course, with all that cheering, you can’t go thirsty. There will be a plethora of alfresco bars located around The Park so that you can wet your whistle while you keep track of what’s happening on the track thanks to the surrounding big screens. Kick back with a beer, celebrate with sparkling – there’ll be plenty of non-alcoholic options too.

Put simply, The Park provides the tastiest food options for a perfect day out.

Bossman in The Park

Johnny Vince & Sam’s

Ebby Street Food

Mr Miyagi

Meat Frankie

400 Gradi

STYLE LIKE NO OTHER

Top hats, designer outfits, phenomenal headpieces, there’s no occasion where the city dresses to impress more than during the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

Whether you’re working the classics, giving a fresh twist to casual style or making a bold dash in something unique you’ll want to head to The Park. Because that’s where you’ll find the home of all things sartorial – the Fashion Garden.

It’s in the Fashion Garden that the Best Dressed and Best Suited competitions will be held – get set to be impressed and inspired. With over $222,000 in the prize pools for the impeccably groomed and dressed, this could be just the right time to put your best foot forward.

THE ULTIMATE PARTY

Life is way too short to miss out on an experience like The Park.

The Park is where all the most fun aspects of the Melbourne Cup Carnival come together for a party like no other, spread over Cup Week. Come with a bunch of friends or be prepared to make some brand-new ones at the place that’s going to be the most talked-about social event of 2024. One location, a million memories.

GETTING THERE

The Park is located on The Hill adjacent to the train station and entry is FREE with your Melbourne Cup Carnival Ticket.