How to Celebrate the Melbourne Cup in Style This Spring

The Spring Racing Carnival is one of Australia’s most popular events, and it’s coming up soon. The pinnacle of the carnival is the Melbourne Cup race, and now is the time to start planning how you will spend the big day on the first Tuesday of November. COVID restrictions will mean that the Melbourne Cup is going ahead with a limited capacity of 10,000 racing fans, meaning that tickets to the big day will be hard to come by. However, there are many other ways to celebrate the Melbourne Cup no matter where you are in Australia, or the world for that matter.

Celebrate the Melbourne Cup with a Work or Office Party

Many people will still be at home or heading to work on the big day, but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate. They don’t call it the ‘Race that Stops a Nation’ for nothing. If you can, work with your boss and colleagues to put together a small afternoon of fun at your workplace or via Zoom, if restrictions prevent face-to-face meetups. If you can get a few colleagues together in a responsible way, some essential tips include:

  • Plan in advance: Remember, offices all over Australia are preparing for the big day, and catering services will be stretched thin. Book well in advance to avoid disappointment.
  • Order gourmet catering: People will want to mingle at your office party, so sharing platters and finger food is the best way to go here. You can keep it simple with rotisserie chicken, salads and bread rolls, dips and chips and cheese plates or you can ramp it up a few notches and go for Spanish tapas, Middle Eastern mezze, sushi, charcuterie or anything else that is likely to be enjoyed by the entire team.
  • Games and activities: The office sweep is a given, but try to organise some other Melbourne Cup-themed activities to keep the mood lively, including options like trivia and desk decorating competitions.
  • Non-alcoholic beverages: Melbourne Cup is the perfect time to celebrate with a glass of bubbly, but remember it is still a work environment. There will be people who don’t want to partake in alcoholic beverages on the day. Get some of the finest champagne that you can, but be sure to include alternatives like sparkling water, soft drinks and juices so everyone can raise their glass and have a great time.

Come to the Race Track for Melbourne Cup

Many people may not be able to watch the race from Flemington, but racecourses around the country will hopefully still be able to celebrate the Cup with local track meets entertainment and Fashions on the Field (or Fashions on your Front Lawn). You can enjoy watching the horses race around the track, have fun with friends and family, and have a flutter. If you’re looking for something different than just sitting at home on your couch, this is an experience that will be worth it.

Flying solo? Head to a Restaurant, Bar or Event That is Showing the Cup

The Melbourne Cup is one of Australia’s biggest events, and in many parts of the country that allow for social gatherings, licenced venues (and many unlicensed ones) are going to be making a day of it. Put on your finest attire and head to your favourite restaurant, bar, pub, club or even rooftop venue that will be showing this year’s race. Be sure to plan in advance, though, as many venues have limited seating and special packages so they could sell out before you arrive at the door. So, get ready to enjoy a day with friends and loved ones cheering your sure thing home.

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