Melbourne Cup 2026 Events

We’ve got your Melbourne Cup day options sorted. Here’s what’s happening around Ballina this Melbourne Cup day:

Melbourne Cup & After Party at Ballina RSL

Ballina RSL are hosting a Melbourne Cup and after party event. Your ticket includes bubbles on arrival, house-made hot and cold canapes, watching the race LIVE on big screens, fashions on the field – wear pink!, live Music, $500 in hamper lucky door prizes, free & paid sweeps and a Calcutta style auction.

Melbourne Cup by the bay at the Shaws Bay Hotel

Celebrate Melbourne Cup by the Bay! Race into Shaws Bay Hotel on Tuesday, November 3rd and celebrate Melbourne Cup Day in style! After selling out last year, they’re back with an even bigger and better day.

You have 2 fabulous event options this year:

The Pavilion | 12PM
Enjoy a 3-course lunch + 3-hour beverage package

or  The Courtyard | 12PM
Soak up the sunshine, lush surrounds and buzzing atmosphere in The Courtyard while enjoying 3 hours of canapés & 3-hour beverage package.

Prizes for the best dressed race-day outfit, sweeps on the day & TAB facilities available in venue.

Melbourne Cup at Club Lennox Sports – Tuesday 3 November

Melbourne Cup Luncheon at Cherry Street Sports Club– $75 per person

Celebrate Melbourne Cup in style with a delicious three-course luncheon featuring an alternate-serve menu. Enjoy tempting dishes including seared scallops, crispy skin barramundi, chargrilled scotch fillet and indulgent desserts, with vegan options available for each course. Gather your friends, dress for the occasion and enjoy a special race-day dining experience.

Tickets: $75 per person for three courses.

Melbourne Cup at Plateau Bowls & Sports – Tuesday 3 November

Dress to impress and celebrate Melbourne Cup with a fun-filled day at Plateau Bowls & Sports! Enjoy grazing platters, a complimentary glass of bubbles, live racing on the big screen and live music by Milo Green. There’ll also be Fashions on the Field, raffles, sweeps and a photo booth, with fundraising supporting the Ballina Hospital Auxiliary.

Time: From 11.30am

Tickets: $55 per person (tables of eight).

Bookings: Essential. Phone reception on 6628 0497.

Melbourne Cup Luncheon at Crowley Care – Tuesday 3 November

Celebrate Melbourne Cup with a fun-filled luncheon hosted by the Crowley Care Auxiliary. Enjoy champagne on arrival, a delicious three-course lunch, live entertainment and lucky door prizes. Raffle tickets will also be available, with all funds raised supporting Crowley Care residents.

Bookings: RSVP by Tuesday 27 October to Crowley Care Reception on 1300 139 099.