Where to Watch Melbourne Cup in Melbourne

Melbourne Cup Day is more than a race. It’s the excuse Melbourne has been waiting for to dress up, gather the crew and turn a Tuesday into a long-weekend state of mind.

Whether you’re looking for where to watch the Melbourne Cup live, a bottomless brunch, a riverside race-day session or somewhere to keep the party going after the final race, these Melbourne pubs and bars have your Cup Day plans sorted.

The race that stops the nation runs on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, with venues across Melbourne opening early for live racing, food, cocktails, music and plenty of spring racing atmosphere.

If you’re searching for somewhere to watch the Melbourne Cup with a group, The General Assembly is bringing the race-day energy to South Wharf.

Doors open from 10.30am, giving you time to settle in with food and cold drinks before the Melbourne Cup gets underway. The race will be shown live and loud on the big screens, making it an easy choice for a full day of racing with your mates.

Book a table, gather the crew and make a day of it at The General Assembly.

Book at The General Assembly 👉

Bellevue Bar & Terrace: Cup Eve & Cup Day on the Southbank riverfront

For a more polished start to the Melbourne Cup long weekend, the brand-new Bellevue Bar & Terrace is hosting a Cup Eve edition of its Martini Mondays series on Monday, 2 November.

The evening includes mini martini flights, paired snacks and vinyl DJs from 4pm until late. You can settle in for a drink and a bite on the terrace while taking in the Spring Racing Carnival atmosphere along the Southbank riverfront.

Looking for a riverside Cup Day option? Make a day of it at Bellevue. Settle in from 11am with the race live on screen, live music on the terrace and a relaxed long lunch available to book.

Sip spritzes and champagne as Cup Day unfolds, with a live sketch artist capturing the energy of the day from 12–3pm. From 4pm, DJs take over.

Book Cup Eve at Bellevue Bar & Terrace 👉

Book Cup Day at Bellevue Bar & Terrace 👉

For a Cup Day with a view, head to Yarra Botanica for a Melbourne Cup brunch overlooking the Yarra River.

The floating bar and eatery will be open from early, with breakfast, flowing mimosas and DJs playing from early until late. It’s the kind of setting that works for a long lunch, a pre-race brunch or a full afternoon of riverside celebrating once the race is over.

If your ideal Melbourne Cup involves sunshine, river views and a drink in hand, Yarra Botanica is a strong contender.

Book at Yarra Botanica 👉

Cup Day and bottomless brunch were always going to make a good pairing. At State of Grace, the three-hour Cup Day brunch runs from 12pm to 3pm and includes spritzes, Pornstar Martinis, Espresso Martinis, beer, wine and mocktails.

The food lineup includes oysters on arrival, charcuterie, lamb skewers, pizza and salad, with live acoustic music running through to 5pm and pausing while the main race takes centre stage.

There’s also a Best Dressed competition, so this is your sign to commit to the outfit. The brunch is $140 per person.

Book the Cup Day brunch at State of Grace 👉

The Duke of Wellington is putting on a full day of racing, live music and rooftop celebrations in the heart of Melbourne.

Doors open from 11am, with Level 1 and the Rooftop opening from 12pm. The races will be shown live and loud across the Ground Floor and Rooftop, before live music keeps the celebrations going once the final race is run.

Round up your crew, grab a pint and settle in for a classic Melbourne Cup Day at The Duke.

Book at The Duke of Wellington 👉

Hopscotch: Breakfast, bubbles, big screens and beats

Hopscotch Southbank is opening from 9am for a full Cup Day that starts with breakfast and finishes with a late-night DJ set.

The Melbourne Cup will be shown live and loud on the big screens, with live music leading into the main race and returning afterwards. You can also choose from Spritz Paddles, Mimosa Paddles and a full spritz menu.

Whether you’re arriving early for breakfast, dropping in for the race or staying on for the post-race party, Hopscotch has the whole day covered.

Book Cup Day at Hopscotch 👉

Why limit the celebrations to one day? Prince Alfred Hotel is turning Melbourne Cup into a four-day excuse to get out.

The weekend starts with Friday knock-offs, happy hour, Spin the Wheel and live music. Saturday brings a DJ from 9pm until late, followed by live tunes on Sunday.

On Tuesday, Melbourne Cup Day moves to the beer garden, with the race shown live and loud, Best Dressed prizes and $20 themed cocktails, including Blackberry Gin and Strawberry Mint Spritzes. There’s also a non-alcoholic option, while live acoustic music runs from 4pm to 7pm after the racing wraps up.

Pick a day or commit to the whole Cup Weekend at PA’s.

Book Cup Weekend at Prince Alfred Hotel 👉

Fargo & Co: Cup Eve chaos in Richmond

If you’re looking for something to do on the Monday night before Melbourne Cup Day, Fargo & Co is starting the celebrations early with Cup Eve Chaos.

The full venue will be taken over with DJs, drink specials, fashion flash rounds and mystery cocktails. DJs will play party favourites across both levels until 3am, making it a lively option for after-work drinks, a pre-Cup catch-up or a full night on the dance floor.

Tomorrow might be for fascinators and form guides. Tonight is for sparkle, silliness and staying out .

Book Cup Eve at Fargo & Co 👉

For a more relaxed Cup Day, head north to BrewDog Pentridge for cold craft beers, good food and plenty of time to settle in with your mates.

The venue’s Long Weekend. Longer Sessions event is all about making the most of the public holiday atmosphere without overcomplicating the plan. Pull up a seat, order something from the kitchen and enjoy a long afternoon of food, drinks and catch-ups.

Sometimes the best Melbourne Cup plan is simply booking a table and letting the day unfold.

Book at BrewDog Pentridge 👉

The Exchange Hotel: Melbourne Cup live and loud in Port Melbourne

If you’re looking for somewhere to watch Melbourne Cup near Port Melbourne, The Exchange Hotel will be showing all the race-day action live across the main bar and lounge.

Doors open from 11am, with general bookings also available in the dining room and outdoor seating areas. It’s an easy option for groups who want to catch every race, settle in for a drink and make a full day of it.

Round up the crew and book your spot for Cup Day at The Exchange.

Book Cup Day at The Exchange Hotel 👉

From bottomless brunches and riverside cocktails to big screens, live music and late-night DJs, Melbourne has no shortage of ways to celebrate Cup Day weekend in 2026.

If you’re planning to watch the Melbourne Cup at a pub, book early. The best tables tend to go quickly, especially for venues offering brunches, rooftops, river views and live entertainment.

Find your next Melbourne Cup Day plan, book your table and earn rewards with The Pass.