What’s on this Melbourne Cup
It’s the race that stops the nation, but it shouldn’t stop you from going out this long weekend. This Melbourne Cup weekend is packed full of gay events and there’s something available for everyone. Take a punt on one of the themed parties, which could have you heading out as ‘80s-styled Oprah, a ‘90s-style raver or maybe just in your Sunday-best. There’s Wynter Gordon, Sneaky Sound System and many more are in town, so don’t horse about this weekend.
You don’t have to be in Melbourne to enjoy a piece of cup glory either. Sydney and Brisbane are getting in on the action with a number of events on the day where you can watch the race that stops a nation, as well as party the afternoon away – public holiday or no.
Check out Star Observer’s top picks from all three cities below.
MELBOURNE
CLOSET – First Floor
Friday, November 2
We’re not sure how the theme, Oprah’s Favourite Things, lines up with the Melbourne Cup, but the CLOSET crew know how to throw a party so you should just go with it. Entry is $10 and doors open 10pm.
Hardwear – Laird Hotel
Saturday, November 3
It’s the Laird Hotel’s 32nd birthday and, boy, do they have a party planned. Hardwear is your chance to gear up, like a costume party: sports gear, leather, work wear, etc. DJ Spunky and special guest Butch le Butch will be spinning some groovy tunes throughout the night and Team Laird have splashed out with custom lighting which will amaze. Of course, it wouldn’t be a party without prizes, so drink giveaways are up for grabs. Free entry, three areas to roam and open until 3am. What more could you want. Bar opens from 5pm and Hardware from 8pm.
Spitfire – Chasers Nightclub
Sunday, November 4
Wynter Gordon (pictured) will be setting your Melbourne Cup weekend alight when she guest stars at Rogue Dance’s latest day party, Spitfire. Spitfire’s DJ crew will be dishing out the best tunes to all three dancefloors. Kicking off from noon, the party also will be putting on an extravagent laser, light and fire show. Gordon, who rose to international stardom with Dirty Talk will be presenting an exclusive performance just for Spitfire audiences in Melbourne. Visit www.roguedance.com.au for more info.
Sundaylicious – The Wharf Hotel
Sunday, November 4
For a more chilled out and relaxed evening on your Melbourne Cup weekend, the Sundaylicious crew will be generating good music and good vibes. It’s free entry and kicks off from 4pm, making it the best queer Sunday session in town. DJs Jason Conti, KDJ and Mike Evans are putting on a stellar playlist, so you can sit back and chat or get up for a dance. Don’t worry about Spring Carnival pressure here, just come dressed as you are.
Pump 3 – 90’s Party – GH
Monday, November 5
It’s all about the 1990s at the GH Hotel on Cup Eve as they dish out those inescapably catchy tunes and deck out the joint with the decor that marked decade: fluoro. DJ James Frasier, of ‘90s 3 Faces Nightclub fame, will kick off proceedings from 8pm. Sydney’s DJ Adam Love will keep the night pumping afterwards, undoubtably with some of cheesiest tunes from the much-loved era of music. Think Spice Girs, Venga Boys and maybe even Backstreet Boys, who knows? It’s free entry so what have you got to lose?
Poof Doof Big Doof – The Bottom End
Monday, November 5
The Poof Doof team have got Sneaky Sound System (pictured) , Kitty Glitter, Horse Meat Disco plus more for their Cup Eve shenanigans this weekend. They’ve got a 24-hour license and say they’ll be partying through right up to the horses leave the gates. Doors open 10pm and tickets are $50.
The Peel
Monday, November 5
‘Dress to impress’ is the final word from the Peel Hotel as it takes advantage of this year’s Spring Carnival long weekend. We all know how important Spring Carnival fashion is and this is no exception. DJ Bunnie Deane and Guy DJ will be fixing tunes for the night, leading you into the country’s biggest race the next day. It’s free entry and the doors are open from 9pm until dawn, if you can last that long.
SYDNEY
Newtown Hotel
Tuesday, November 6
You can bring your friends down to the new-look Newtown Hotel on King St for a casual lunch at The Animal upstairs to celebrate Melbourne Cup day. It’s $79 per-head for a set menu.
INFO: call (02) 9557 6399 or email [email protected]
Stonewall Hotel
Tuesday, November 6
Stonewall are hosting a lunch fit for a queen hosted by the fabulous Maxi Shield (pictured). Chicken and champagne lunch is $20. There’ll be sweeps, races on the big screen, prizes for Best Hat and Best Dressed and lots more. The evening we will have Go Go Boys, Karaoke and Tom Pritchard DJ in the Cocktail Bar. It starts from 1pm.
BRISBANE
Wickham Hotel
Tuesday, November 6
The Wickham will host a Melbourne Cup event from noon with MC Miss Synthetique and a performance by Candy Surprise. There’ll be a drag race, finger food, big screen race action and sweeps.
DJ Sammy Superstar and DJ ACraig will also be on hand to provide tunes. There’s no cover charge.
Know of an awesome event happening this Melbourne Cup that you’re really excited about? Tell us about it in the comments section and don’t forget to give venue, time and city details.
