How to Organise A Melbourne Cup Event at Work

The country loves Melbourne Cup day because there’s something special about the event that captivates the whole nation. It might be the anticipation of a public holiday or the chance to dress up and enjoy a glass of champagne. Still, whatever it is, the Melbourne Cup always manages to get everyone excited.

For many Australians, the Melbourne Cup is more than just a horse race—it’s a national event that symbolises the country’s spirit. It’s a time to come together and celebrate, regardless of whether you’re a racing fan.

Ideas for Throwing a Workplace Melbourne Cup Party


This year, the Melbourne Cup falls on Tuesday, the 1st of November. If you’re looking to get into the spirit of the Melbourne Cup this year but want to avoid the crowds, why not organise your event at work? Here are a few ideas to get you started.

  • Have a Best-Dressed Competition 

Encourage your colleagues to get into the spirit of things by holding a best-dressed competition. The person with the most creative, stylish or outrageous outfit will win a prize.

  • Set Up a Betting Station

Set up a betting station at your party for those interested in having a punt on the big race. This can be as simple as putting a few coins or notes in a hat and letting people pick their horses.

  • Enjoy Some Races on TV

Of course, no Melbourne Cup day would be complete without watching the race! Set up a TV in your office or break room so everyone can enjoy the excitement.

  • Serve Up Some Traditional Australian Fare

Get into the spirit of things by serving traditional Australian food at your party. Think savoury pies, sausage rolls and lamingtons for dessert.

  • Have a Sweepstake

A Melbourne Cup Randwick sweepstake is a fun way to involve everyone in the race, even if they don’t know anything about horse racing! Put all colleagues’ names into a hat and randomly draw them out. Assign each person a horse running in the race. The person whose horse wins gets a prize!

  • Decorate Your Office or Party Space

Get into the festive spirit by decorating your office or party space with Melbourne Cup-themed decorations. Think bunting, streamers, and balloons in the colours of the Australian flag.

  • Play Some Fun Games

Add some extra excitement to your party by playing some fun games. Try a game of Two-Up, or have a go at Pin the Tail on the Horse.

  • Make It a Dress-Up Day

Encourage your colleagues to get into the spirit of things by making it a dress-up day. Whether they come as their favourite jockey or racehorse or simply don their best racing outfit, everyone will have a great time getting dressed up for the occasion.

  • Have a Photo Booth

Set up a photo booth at your party so everyone can snap some fun memories of the day. Decorate it with Melbourne Cup day props and backdrops, and print out copies of all the photos for everyone to take home.

  • Give Out Prizes

Make sure everyone goes home a winner by giving out prizes for various Melbourne Cup-themed activities. Everyone will love getting their hands on a prize, whether for the best-dressed competition, the sweepstake or the games.

How to Make Sure Your Party Is a Hit with Everyone

Every party is fun, but how can you be sure it’s a hit?

  • Make sure to send out invitations well in advance so that everyone can plan their outfits and make arrangements for the day.
  • Decorate your workspace with streamers and balloons in race colours and set up a TV or laptop near the area where people will congregate so they can watch the race.
  • Set up a betting table where people can place wagers on the race, and ensure plenty of food and drinks.

  • Encourage everyone to dress up for the occasion by offering prizes for the best-dressed male and female.
  • Make sure to have a backup plan if the weather is not ideal on race day.

Remember to have a backup plan in case the weather doesn’t cooperate!

Benefits of Hosting a Melbourne Cup Party at Work

  1. Build team morale.

Hosting a Melbourne cup day at work is a great way to build team morale and get everyone in the festive spirit. It’s also an excellent opportunity to bond with your colleagues over food and drinks.

  1. A way to show appreciation for your employees.

One way to show appreciation for your employees is to host parties like the Melbourne Cup. It shows that you are willing to invest in team-building activities and value their company.

  1. An opportunity to network.

The Melbourne Cup day party is also a great opportunity to network with other businesses and professionals. It’s a great way to make new connections and build relationships.

  1. A way to promote your business.

Want to promote your business? Then the Melbourne Cup Randwick is a great opportunity to showcase your products or services to a wider audience. 

  1. A great way to have fun!

Finally, hosting a Melbourne cup party at work is a great way to have fun! It’s a great opportunity to let loose, enjoy good food and drinks and celebrate the occasion.

Eventpod: Corporate Hospitality Experiences Like No Other [H2]

Planning an event can be a lot of work, but it’s a great way to unite people and celebrate what’s important to you.

That’s where we come in—Eventpod is here to take the hassle out of event planning and make your life easier. We’re experts in creating experiences for corporate hospitality events, so you can focus on what matters—celebrating with your colleagues! The team offers various corporate event ideas and even team-building activities. 

Contact us today to get started on planning your perfect event!