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Melbourne Cup in The City Centre

Celebrate the race that stops the nation

The race that stops the nation returns on 3 November 2026 and we have rounded up some fantastic city centre spots where you can take the celebration to the next level.

Dress up, get together with your friends and enjoy some fun times with fashion, champagne, delicious food and more.

Aka Rooftop

3 NOV | 12 - 6PM | From $99

 

Melbourne Cup is coming to Aka Rooftop for the first time! Expect a glass of G.H. Mumm on arrival, the race broadcasted live, a live band, and an MC. Aka's kitchen sends Pan-Asian canapés through the afternoon, with a set lunch for Premium and VIP guests. There are prizes for Best Dressed in two categories, spot prizes, and a sweepstakes.

Aka rooftop

Soul Bar & Bistro

3 NOV | 12 - 6PM | $290pp - $350pp

 

SOUL’s legendary Melbourne Cup celebration returns this November, bringing its style, excitement, and electric atmosphere to the Viaduct. Expect a lush afternoon, bringing you closer to the action with the welcome, feast, TAB, fashion, and fun needed to kick off cup day in style.

Soul Bar Melbourne Cup

Rydges' Rooftop Terrace

3 NOV | 4 - 6pm | $99pp

 

Celebrate Melbourne Cup in style this November at Rydges Auckland’s Rooftop Terrace. Enjoy sweeping city views from the 10th floor, soak up the vibrant atmosphere, and catch every thrilling moment of the race live on the big screen. Your ticket includes a two-hour beverage package with a glass of champagne or Heineken on arrival, plus a walk-and-fork menu featuring race-day grazing favourites to keep the celebrations flowing.

 

Melbourne Cup at Rydges' Rooftop Terrace

Rooftop at QT

3 NOV | 3 - 5.30pm | From $215pp

 

Cup Season at Rooftop at QT is turning up the glamour, and you’re the star of the show. Expect a stylish afternoon of indulgence with roaming canapés, a sparkling Champagne welcome, and live race coverage on screen. Be in to win an exclusive QT prize package with their 'Best Dressed' competition on the day.

Rooftop at QT Melbourne Cup

 

Saint Alice

3 NOV | From 2pm

 

Melbourne Cup doesn’t finish at the final race at Saint Alice.

Gather your friends for an afternoon of live Melbourne Cup action, delicious food, refreshing drinks, and plenty of atmosphere. The action continues after the main race ends, with a DJ playing hits to keep the celebrations flowing.

Saint Alice

 

Bivacco

3 NOV | From 4.30pm 

 

While Bivacco's popular Melbourne Cup lunch is sold out, you can still get involved in the action with Bivacco's afterparty! From 4.30pm, join Bivacco for aperitivo specials and take in the race day atmosphere live on the big screens. As the sun sets, the party continues with an epic DJ lineup playing into the night, headlined by Paris is Burning and Tim Phin.

Bivacco Melbourne Cup Afterparty

 

Dr Rudi's

3 NOV | From 2pm 

 

With panoramic views, live race coverage, and venue sweeps for the main event, Dr Rudi’s offers a standout Cup Day experience. All Melbourne Cup races broadcast live and loud with venue sweeps throughout the day and a full à la carte menu. Soak in the atmosphere and the harbour backdrop well into the night with live music keeping the party going after the main race.

dr rudi
Enjoy two hours of free parking or $5 evening and weekend rates. Find out more. Ride on public transport from as little as $2 each way. Find out more.
Last updated: 15 October 2026

In the neighbourhood