While the Spring Racing Carnival is fabulous to attend, we’re often left wishing we had a list of the best parties to attend before and after. We’ve rounded up the best pre and after parties of this year’s spring races and tossed in the best places to sip on some sparkling post-race for good measure.

PRE & AFTER PARTY VENUES 

The Deck at Circa
Derby Day, Cup Day & Oaks Day

This is where the Regina Georges, Blair Warldorfs and Naomi Clarks of Melbourne come to play. Be part of ‘The Winners’ Circle’ as you mix and mingle with VIP guests and other race day attendees. Snag some flowing espresso martinis and grab a drink at the Aperol Spritz Bar or Moet & Chandon Gold Lounge before you hit the dance floor. Don’t forget to take a snap at one of the Mr. Boothy photo booths, because pics or it didn’t happen.

Campari House
Cup Day

Celebrate your wins of the day (or just the fact you get a day off work) with a FREE glass of bubbly! –Just bring your race ticket. Pair it with some oysters for a winning combination. Looking for something a little different? Campari House bartenders will also be mixing up a selection of some delish Melbourne Cup themed cocktails.

Miss Collins, On The List Melbourne

Miss Collins
Oaks Day

Oaks Day is typically for the ladies but this is one event both guys and gals will love. FREE entry? Check. Roving canapés? Obviously. Lychee martinis for a couple of fivers? Oaks Day after party sorted. Be sure to pull your pals or your man (or gal) onto the dance floor as B-Love & Mark Pellegrini pump out some sexy beats.

Spice Market
Derby Day, Cup Day, Oaks Day

Spice Market will make sure the party never ends and get you from trackside to the party in a blink of an eye. Grab a general entry pass that includes an express shuttle transfer, priority & complimentary entry plus a free drink. If it’s #treatyoself day, snag the VIP express pass that’ll have your whisked into Spice Market with VIP access and a $100 drink card to spend. Cheers!

Melbourne Cup, On The List Melbourne

 

FEELING BUBBLY
If you’re simply looking for your Champagne fix, look no further.

State of Grace
Derby Day, Cup Eve, Cup Day, Oaks Day, Stakes Day

  • Mumm Champagne & Mumm Cordon Rouge & Rose ($15/glass $90/bottle)

Mr. Mason
Derby Day, Cup Eve, Oaks Day

  • Mumm Cordon Rouge ($16/glass $80/bottle)
  • Mumm Rose ($18/glass $90/bottle)

Bank on Collins
Cup Eve & Cup Day

  • $1 sparkling for the ladies
  • $15 PIMMs, $6 Lillet Spritzers, $12 cocktails

 

If you’re looking to enjoy the races in the comfort of a stylish restaurant, check out our Melbourne Cup Carnival article.

 

Looking for something else to do in Melbourne this weekend? Here’s everything that made it On The List.

 

Written By:
Nadine is a recent graduate of media communications and psychology from the University of Melbourne. In her spare time, you’ll typically catch her reading a good book, hitting up Melbourne’s coolest restaurants and bars, or finding her next adrenaline rush. She also can’t say no to a good scoop of gelato or pizza slice. See what she gets up to on her Instagram.