Melburnians love a day off. Whether watching the race or avoiding it, November’s (unofficial) long weekend is always one of the biggest of the year. From live music and free comedy to rooftop parties and champagne celebrations, read our guide of the best things to do over Melbourne Cup weekend.

Cup Eve: You am I at The Prince Bandroom

If you’ve not visited The Prince Bandroom can you really call yourself a Melburnian? This iconic music venue is hosting a huge night of local talent on Cup Eve, headlined by You am I with guests Glenn Richards (Augie March), Bananagun and Step Mother. Tickets: $62.25 per person.

WHERE: 29 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda

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Cup Eve: Comedy at the Espy

Melbourne’s long running comedy night is back with a jam-packed Cup Eve session and even better, it's free. Head to the Espy’s basement bar to discover Melbourne’s next generation of rising comedy stars, with host Ty Gray. Free entry.

WHERE: 11 The Esplanade, St Kilda, 3182

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Cup Eve: Liv Loud at Trinity

Vintage cool meets party atmosphere at Trinity, a relatively new addition to St Kilda’s buzzing bar scene, located in a transformed century-old church hall. Visit on Cup Eve for an epic night of Australian music, supporting a good cause. Running from 3.30 pm to 1 am, there’s a packed line up of local talent, including Jesse Boyd and house music DJ and producer Sgt Slick. Free entry.

Presented by CUB via the Accelerator program and in collaboration with Aus Music T-Shirt Day and Support Act.

WHERE: 2 Brighton Road, St Kilda, 3182

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Cup Day: Rooftop party at Bells Hotel

Soak up stunning views with drinks and three hours of continuous canapés as part of Bells Hotel's ‘Bell Monde’ Spring Racing rooftop package. With a retractable roof catering to all seasons and mega screens across the venue, you'll have the best seat in the house to watch all the action. Tickets $65 per person, including two drinks, exclusive rooftop access and three hours of roaming canapés.

WHERE: 157 Moray Street, South Melbourne, 3205

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Cup Day: Melbourne Cup lunch at Albert Park Hotel

Experience a classic race day lunch with a modern Chinese twist at the Albert Park Hotel. Begin with a glass of Taittinger, then feast on Peking Duck pancake, Guangdong- style braised beef, and an epic seafood platter of kingfish, king prawns, lobster and more. With best dressed prizes to be won, bring your best Cup Day glam. Tickets $140 per person, including Banquet lunch, glass of Taittinger on arrival and Sweepstakes ticket.

WHERE: 85 Dundas Place, Albert Park, 3206

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Photo: Paul Kristoff, The City Lane

Find more events happening over Melbourne Cup weekend.

Where to watch the Cup

Planning a Cup Day catch up? Catch all the race day action screening live at these locations. Bookings are required for many venues, check individual business websites for more information.