Race Around Melbourne To Every Formula One Themed Event And Pop-Up Happening This Week
The highly anticipated Australian Grand Prix is returning to the iconic Albert Park this week, and Melbourne’s gone all-out with things to do to get rev-heads in the mood. From themed-cocktails and huge street parties to photography exhibitions and racing simulators, we’ve curated a list of every F1-themed event you can race to.
Jim Beam Roadhouse Comes Down Under
Image credit: Village Belle Hotel | Instagram
Marking the Australian Grand Prix weekend is the opening of Jim Beam’s inaugural Australian Kentucky Roadhouse at the Village Belle. From Wednesday 4 to Sunday 8 March, the St Kilda hotel is bridging the on-track celebrations with the ultimate off-track race week hangout.
Belle-goers can expect the full ‘Roadhouse experience’ with the promise of live DJs, line dancing, bourbon bars, trivia nights and Kentucky-style comfort food. Taking the spotlight on their menu is The Golden Mullet, a Jim Beam Pineapple cocktail inspired by F1 star, Valtteri Bottas.
Marmont's DJ-Broadcast-After Party Fest
Image credit: Marmont | Supplied
Drop by Crown's Marmont on race weekend for an off-track hub hosting a lineup of DJs, a Main Race broadcast and a post-Grand Prix afterparty.
If that wasn't enough, Marmont is also releasing an exclusive line of vintage-inspired Motorsport Club merch, including long sleeves, crewnecks, and bomber jackets. These are only available online, while stocks last, exclusively on 7 and 8 March. Whether you’re looking for a place to keep the good vibes going even after the races are over, or you’re about to settle in under the big screen to watch the drivers battle it out, Marmont has all bases covered for the Aus GP weekend.
Lucia's $30 Trackside Burger and Beer Combo
Image credit: Lucia | Supplied
If you’re looking for a tasty pit stop from Thursday 5 to Sunday 8 March, then South Melbourne's Euro-inspired local Lucia is the place to be. Dealing out a $30 Trackside Burger and Beer Combo, located just a 1.5km stroll from the Albert Park Circuit, available daily from 12pm.
F1-Fuelled Specials At Bali Hai
Image credit: Bali Hai | Supplied
Bourke Street's Bali Hai is pulling up with a limited-time dessert and cocktail in celebration of the Grand Prix from Friday 6 to Sunday 8 March.
The Coconut Caramel Banoffee combines Thai-style banana with a crunchy cracker crumble, caramel and a coconut cocoa dusting. The elusive Final Lap is a high-energy cocktail of gin, blue curaçao, raspberry and lemon, topped up with Red Bull.
Hilton's McLaren Experience
Image credit: Hilton Melbourne | Instagram
Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street is home to a host of fan-first activities, helping to get F1 lovers in the spirit of the week.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be behind the wheel of the greatest cars to grace the Grand Prix, Hilton Hotel is the place to be, with its one-of-a-kind F1 simulators. The hotel will also host a live street art installation by local artist Rory Lynch, set to capture the city's energy. For Hilton Honors members, the newest Diamond Reserve tier offers greater access to highly exclusive experiences. With a partnership over two decades long, Hilton and the McLaren F1 Racing Team will bring the fun to this year’s Australian GP.
Jack Daniels' F1 Party Bus
Image credit: Jacks Daniels | Supplied
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind way to spend your Grand Prix week, then allow us to introduce Jack’s Bus: The Australian GP’s only celebration on wheels.
Like the most creative of celebratory cocktails, the bus is part tasting room, part shuttle and part mobile hub, turning travel between venues into a ‘party on wheels’. Stationed at Middle Park Hotel during the day between 12pm and 3pm, the bus plays host to a whiskey and cocktail session.
From 4pm, the wheels get moving, transporting attendees to The Espy, where free live music and karaoke competitions take over at 7:30pm. Free RSVP-only music appearances from The Presets, Slowly Slowly, Anna Lunoe, and Keli Holiday will command the venue’s Gershwin Room.
Quad Lock x Oscar Piastri Pop-Up Store
On Tuesday 3 March, Oscar Piastri and Quad Lock will unveil the 2026 McLaren Range ahead of the Grand Prix.
Fans of the award-winning F1 star will have access to an exclusive, first-of-its-kind installation including never-before-seen memorabilia and footage from Piastri’s rise to success. Pop-up attendees can test their skills on racing simulators and reflex tests, and shop from a range of merch. The pop-up will launch at 7:30pm on 3 March and will remain open until Tuesday, 10 March.
Crown's Red Bull Fan Zone Returns
Image credit: Crown | Website
Running Wednesday 4 March through to Sunday 8 March, Crown’s Red Bull Fan Zone to bring the F1 energy to the Riverwalk, taking over the riverfront and transforming it into a playground of live DJs, big-screen race broadcasts, drink specials, and a stacked lineup of driver and team appearances (yes, Max Verstappen, Isack Hadjar, Liam Lawson, and Arvid Lindblad are all set to attend).
And to make all the F1 festivities a little easier, Crown is operating a complimentary post-shuttle bus service between 5pm–9pm from Gate 1 at Albert Park back to Crown after each race day. Catch the Crown action from 12pm to 8pm, Wednesday to Thursday, and 12pm–9pm on the weekend.
OverTake: The After Party
Revolut is set to host an Australian GP weekend club night at The Timber Yard in Port Melbourne on Saturday 7 March at 9pm.
Headlining the event is Indo-Aussie DJ, Baby J, who has recently made headlines for her upcoming gig supporting Harry Styles in his stadium tour. The 18+ event highlights Aussie artists with the country’s most exciting up-and-coming electronic talent set to take the stage.
OverTake tickets sit at just $30, with the inclusion of two drinks.
Ignition Beach By PUMA x McLaren
PUMA and McLaren are teaming up to bring the thrill of the race to the sandy of St Kilda with Ignition Beach—an all-out hub where revheads can test their racing skills, see the 2026 McLaren Mastercard MCL40 showcar up close, and check out the PUMA x McLaren Racing replica kit.
Snack and sip on F1-inspired specials by the beach, take in the buzz of the season and maybe even find a surprise guest or two along the way. Head to the West Beach Pavillion between 10am and 11pm from 5 to 9 March to get in on the action.
Main image credit: Supplied