Your Off-Track Guide to Melbourne’s Race Week

Melbourne’s favourite race week is set to return this March, bringing fans (and their fashion) to the heart of the city. But it’s not just the Albert Park track that’s seeing the action. 

From Thursday, March 5, through to Sunday, March 8, Jack Daniel's is bringing four days of racing, food, drinks, and entertainment to the city. Whether you’re a die-hard fangirl (us too) or just want to soak up the atmosphere of a Melbourne sporting weekend, here’s your guide to what’s on. 

Running Thursday, March 5 to Sunday, March 8, Middle Park Hotel is the no-ticket-needed spot to watch the racing live and loud on mega screens and TVs. Expect a pop-up bar, delicious food, and DJs and live music across the weekend, and all just minutes from the circuit.

The venue will also be styled for maximum fan-energy. The McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team and Jack Daniel's (one of McLaren's official partners) are taking over the venue, complete with replica uniforms and helmets, plus games, competitions and prizes. 

Don’t miss Jack’s Hour, which takes place from 5–6pm daily, and features drink specials, merch giveaways and a major prize draw: a driver-signed copy of a bespoke McLaren x Jack Daniel’s x Melbourne artwork by local artist, Glen Downey.

Jack’s Bus will be parked outside of Middle Park Hotel during the day, hosting on-board sessions from 12–3pm. Expect a welcome cocktail, a guided deep-dive into Jack Daniel’s and McLaren, tastings of a limited-edition drink, and exclusive merch giveaways.

Once the day’s racing wraps, the bus switches gears and becomes your ride between Middle Park Hotel and The Espy, where more fun is scheduled. 

Looking to channel some main character energy over the weekend? Jack Daniel’s is hosting Jack’s Karaoke, a live and loud competition, at the Espy’s Engine Room during race week. 

Get up on stage on Thursday, March 5 and Friday, March 6 for a fun practice session. On Saturday, March 7, the qualifying heat will narrow the singing superstars down to the final four. 

On Sunday, March 8, the finalists will take part in the ultimate karaoke showdown: The Loudest Lap. The winner of which will get to perform as part of Jack Daniel’s live band, take home $5K in cash and all participants will receive a Jack Daniel’s prize pack for memory's sake. It’s set to be a loud weekend, so get your dream karaoke song queued up.

You don’t have to spend a heap of money over the racing long weekend to make the most of it. Jack Daniel’s is presenting four nights of free and live music in the Espy’s Gershwin Room all weekend long.

Electronic duo, The Presets, kick things off on Thursday, March 5, followed by indie rockers Slowly Slowly on Friday, March 6. If you’re out on Saturday night, DJ and producer Anna Lunoe will get the dance floor going with her mix of house, electro and pop music. Finally, off the back of his triple j Hottest 100 success (and during his headline tour), “dancing2” singer Keli Holiday, will be taking over the Gershwin Room for the night on Sunday, March 8.

Given the free nature of these hot gigs, they may book out quickly. If that’s the case, don’t sweat as each gig will be broadcast live and free on screens across the venue so you can still enjoy some of Australia’s favourite musicians whilst dancing with your friends over race weekend. 

Crown Melbourne is another race weekend hotspot as it transforms into Jack’s Pit Stop. Simply head to The Pub, Sports Bar and Jackpot and you could win a free trip to Las Vegas by purchasing any Jack Daniel’s product. You can also pick up a Jack Daniel’s Pit Crew customisable t-shirt* with any Jack Daniel's product, cementing your racing fangirl status.

No track pass? No problem. Between Middle Park, The Espy and Crown, your race weekend itinerary is ready to go. See you there.