The first Tuesday in November gifts us a wonderful opportunity to gather with family and friends and watch the ‘race that stops the nation’. It also offers a chance to roll into that Tuesday with a little Melbourne Cup Eve celebrating.

If you’re looking to do just that, the Melbourne Greyhounds is the place to go. Monday November 2nd (Melbourne Cup Eve), is our ‘Family Funfest Night’ at our track. For those who’ve never attended this great calendar event before, Melbourne Cup Eve at The Meadows are nothing short of spectacular.

The Melbourne Greyhound Racing Association’s team really know how put on a great night of family friendly entertainment and roll out the FREEBIES, all centred around our favourite friends – the greyhounds!

This year’s event will again hold a number of awesome activations and plenty of give-aways. Put it in the calendar now, let some friends know, and get ready to have some FREE family fun with us on Monday November 2. For updates and to learn what’s planned be sure to return here or follow us on Facebook.

Event Details

DATE: Monday November 2nd 2026
TIME: Gates open from 5.30pm
COST: FREE Entry and Parking
RACING: Hume Cup Heats & Silver Bullet (Group 3)

Always a moving feast of entertainment options, there will no doubt be a few extra additional surprises on the night, here’s the list of FREE activities and food children (and parents) will get to enjoy on Family Funfest Night:

• Bounce around on a selection of Inflatable Jumping Castles (sizes to suit all age groups)
• Test yourself on our giant oversized games
• Get your Face Painted
• Snack on FREE Carnival Foods (Eg. Fairy Floss, Popcorn Cups and Snow Cones)
• Dine in the City View Bistro and enjoy $12 children’s meals (dining booking required)
• Grab an FREE entry into our Fabulous Family Funfest Prize Draw
• Take home a FREE ‘I Love the Dogs’ Showbag (Available to the first 300 kids on course).
• Pat and Cuddle cute and adorable GAP Dogs

And of course, there will be plenty of great dinner options (notably food & beverage trucks ) to grab a bite from. Our concourse level Midas Room Sports bar will also open and serving up great value food & beverages, including beverages specials from 5:30pm to 7:00pm.

Entry to our Melbourne Cup Eve Family Night is FREE as is parking. Entry tickets are not required, yet if you’d like to dine in our City View Bistro a table reservation needs to be made.