Time to get fancy, Brisbane. Fasten your fascinator and don your freshest suits, because the Melbourne Cup is just around the corner. We’ve scoured our beloved city to bring you the most glam Melbourne Cup events in Brisbane. From rooftop extravaganzas to luxe restaurant affairs, we’ve found them all. So mark your calendars for Tuesday 7 November and get ready to make it one for the books.
Donna Chang
Brisbane CBD
If there was ever a venue that epitomises the springtime luxury of the racing season, it’s Donna Chang—so it’s only fitting that they’re hosting one of the best Melbourne Cup parties in Brisbane. Featuring a lavish, four-course Chinese banquet, there’s also a four-hour bevvy package that includes Taittinger Champagne. Do we even need to mention the live music, entertainment, charity sweepstakes and prizes for best dressed?
Boom Boom Room
Brisbane City
Join Boom Boom Room beneath the streets of the city for the ultimate race day celebration. Engage the senses with an Omakase banquet, take in the electric atmosphere and sip away on a 4-hour beverage package. You are invited to head on down to watch the race live on their screens, take part in charity sweepstakes, and best-dressed prizes. This is going to be a party with a thumping atmosphere that you do not want to miss.
Iris Rooftop
Fortitude Valley
Say ‘hola’ to a sensational Spanish soirée for Cup Day this year. Join in on this pumping party for the ages, way up high above the streets of Brisbane. Prepare yourself for an agenda stacked with canapes and a four-hour beverage package of Veuve Clicquot, premium wines, beer and cocktails. Sip in style all afternoon and don’t forget to suit up for the best dressed prizes.
The Prince Consort
Fortitude Valley
Straighten up the old bowtie, it’s time to unleash your inner glamour at The Prince Consort. Get swept away in the spectacle and let their premium drinks package leave you feeling like royalty. Pour over a mouth-watering cocktail list and quench your thirst with a bubbly glass of champagne (courtesy of Mumm). Don’t worry, you won’t be braving this on an empty stomach—they’ve got you covered with a grazing station jam-packed full of canapes, sliders and larger bites to enjoy. The party doesn’t start until the sun sets, when the festivities will amp up with a live band, so you and your crew can boogie the afternoon away.
Soko Brisbane
Fortitude Valley
Welcome to the jungle, otherwise known as Soko’s Rooftop in the Valley. They are calling all glamazons to take Tuesday afternoon off for an unforgettable day of celebrations. Go wild for their eclectic set menu of Peruvian and Japanese cuisine and wash this down with a three-hour drinks package with beer and wine a-plenty. Or why not treat yourself to their premium beverage package and upgrade your choices to their divine cocktail list, or indulge in a glass of Moét?
Price: $190pp-$225pp
Lina Rooftop
South Brisbane
Join the lovely team at Lina Rooftop for their Spring Chic daytime event. Round up your friend group for a sparkling beverage poolside and indulge in the roaming canapes on offer. Let Flemington racecourse come to you, while you bask in the warm Brisbane air. Take in our gorgeous city views and don’t forget to check out the live oyster, grazing and dessert stations.
Bacchus
South Bank
The latest tea is that a gorgeous afternoon in the luxe surroundings of Bacchus restaurant is where it’s at, and we can’t help but agree. Gather your besties to celebrate in style with an elegant Melbourne Cup High Tea. Your ticket includes a glass of bubbly on arrival and a bespoke High Tea menu. We have been warned that this event is piping hot and sells out year after year, so get in now to avoid disappointment.
Summa House
Fortitude Valley
Giddy up Brisbanites, Summa House has Cup Day fever, so this is a deal you are not going to want to miss—they’ve even promised to put the bubbly on ice for your arrival. We recommend taking advantage of their POW WOW package which guarantees you and your mates a table for two hours of cocktail jugs, beer, wine and sparkling. Your ticket also includes canapes, breads and dip to soak that all up. Still thirsty? That’s not a problem because they are hosting kick-ons from 2pm. Keep the party going well into the evening and strut your stuff to the epic lineup of DJs.
Massimo Restaurant
Brisbane City
Eat Italian while watching the stallions (yeah, we went there), and sip from a stunning wine list. Massimo’s bottomless banquet lunch will have you drooling for more, with a taste of Italy on our very own Brisbane River. If the two hour package doesn’t satisfy you, there’s always the option to extend your drinks for another hour at $35pp. Don’t forget to upgrade your wine to their boutique option for an additional fee, if you’re feeling extra.
Howard Smith Wharves
Brisbane City
Struggling to figure out your lunch plans for Tuesday? Meander down to Howard Smith Wharves, who have your back (and appetite). For all of you dreaming of a hot girl summer in Italy, Ciao Papi is the place to be, with a garden party feast on the cards that sounds bellissimo. If you’re after a more sophisticated affair, head to Stanley Restaurant for an exclusive three-course banquet. There’s always the classic Mr Percivals, for those of you who love to pick from a long list of cocktails, seafood and canapes, while Yoko’s banquet promises a delectable miso caramel dessert for all you sweet tooths and an afterparty upstairs for all you d-floor fiends. Next door Greca is calling your name, with a tempting welcome glass of Tattinger and mouth-watering shared menu of succulent grilled prawn, lamb shoulder and tiropita. We know it sounds like a tough choice, so feel free to check out all of the details here.
Cloudland
Fortitude Valley
Do Cup Day at Cloudland with a majestic carnival of colour, champagne, cocktails and culinary delights. There is something for everyone to enjoy, with various unique package options spanning across the entire venue. Are you feeling like indulging in a G.M. Mumm Champagne beverage package in the Rose Room? Or perhaps a relaxed approach to Cup Day better suits your style? Then there’s the rooftop bar serving up stunning views and delicious brews. To top it all off, this is a totally photogenic venue for all you Insta-baddies to get the perfect fit pics. Check out some pictures from last year to get the vibe. The point we’re trying to make is, if you want it, Cloudland has got it.
Babylon
Brisbane City
We know you’re pretty much spoiled for options now, but let us make sure we’ve covered all of our bases. Step into a world of luxury and indulgence amidst the enchanting Gardens of Babylon. Choose between two packages that both promise three hours of delectable canapes and drinks meticulously crafted by their renowned chefs and bartenders. There are limited spaces available, so book in now.
Cielo Rooftop
Fortitude Valley
Put a spring in your step and celebrate carnival style at Cielo Rooftop. Join them for a 12pm start, where you’ll be offered a refreshing spritz on arrival. The three-hour beverage package of wines and beers will keep your spirits high throughout the afternoon. Don’t forget to snack on the mixed grazing board and roaming canapes that have been skillfully curated to tantalise your tastebuds.
Hunter & Scout
Graceville
Join Hunter & Scout in their leafy surrounds for an exclusive race day event this year. Hosted by Richard Champion, this event will be rolling out the red carpet with fashions on the field, lucky door prizes, and a live stream of the day’s events. Expect a warm welcome with a glass of champagne, followed by three hours of premium beverages. They have even organised a specialised three-course banquet, so you can sit back and focus on your picks for the sweepstakes.
Rodd & Gunn
Fortitude Valley
Rodd & Gunn are putting on a decadent take on ‘Flemington-to-Fortitude Valley’ that will stop you in your tracks. Start your day off right with a glass of Pol Roger Champagne and sip on the all-inclusive drinks package—think fine champagne, crisp New Zealand wines and funky cocktails all afternoon. Executive Chef Matt Lambert will take very good care of you with a generous three course set menu. We have our eye on the Bundaberg golden potato agnolotti and smoked ricotta, drizzled with fig leaf oil and vincotto. Save room for dessert though, because the fresh passionfruit pavlova topped with rosé jelly, milk chocolate tarte, and dark chocolate brittle is to die for.
The Aviary Terrace
Brisbane City
Fly high this Cup Day at Brisbane’s very own Birdcage Cocktail Garden Party. Head up to The Aviary and experience the latest take on a subtropical Terrace bar in the city. Glasses of Laurent Perrier Champagne, premium wines, and beer with a stunning view sounds like a pretty ideal three-hours to us. Don’t worry about going hungry on a few stingy party snacks, you will be spoiled with substantial canapes to fuel your day of race coverage, charity sweepstakes, and dancing to their live DJ.
Newstead Social
Newstead
If you like to celebrate with loud and live coverage, this garden cocktail party sounds right up your alley. Newstead Social is promising good times, plenty of bubbling Veuve Clicquot and a substantial roaming canape menu. Bring your A-game and enter in style with a red carpet media wall, which is the perfect way to capture your fit pics in all their glamorous glory. Join them for a three-hour all-inclusive package with endless entertainment including DJs, live artists, and nine big screens.
OASIS
Brisbane City
All aboard, this inaugural event by OASIS is our favourite equation. Sea breezes + delicious canapes + free-flowing bubbles, wine & beer = the perfect day on our beloved river. This unique take on Cup Day promises to transport Fashions on the Field, to the sea. The formula is simple. Gather your besties and dress to impress for a three-hour beverage package complete with roaming canapes.
Tillerman
Brisbane City
Foodies unite. Come to the riverside to enjoy an eight-course (yes, eight) banquet at Tillerman. This promises to be a sophisticated dining experience with fresh seafood and world class service. It wouldn’t be a race day without a three-hour drinks package on offer, so make the most of the many fine wines and crisp Sapporo Lager. This leisurely lunch will be complemented by prizes for best dressed, sweeps and live race coverage.
Essa
Fortitude Valley
We have a truly exclusive experience available at Essa you don’t want to miss. Be spoiled with champagne on arrival and a three-hour Nixon spritz, wine and beer package. Indulge in offerings from their harvest driven dining experience, with signature dishes and snacks available. Of course, there will be caviar bumps and oysters included. The afternoon will fly by with DJ music and live displays of the race. Don’t want the good vibes to end? We’ve got a tip-off for you. The cup after party continues at The Nixon Room next door.
If you’re Christmas party planning, check out our favourite silly season venues here.
Image credit: Urban List archives