The Melbourne Cup is a super famous horse race that happens every year on the first Tuesday in November. It’s such a big deal that the whole state of Victoria gets a day off to celebrate!
In 2025, Melbourne Cup Day will be on Tuesday, November 4. In 2026, the holiday will be on Tuesday, November 3. It’s a fun day to watch the horses race and join in the excitement!
| Year | Date | Day | Holiday | States |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4 Nov | Tue | Melbourne Cup Day * | VIC |
| 2026 | 3 Nov | Tue | Melbourne Cup Day * | VIC |
| 2027 | 2 Nov | Tue | Melbourne Cup Day * | VIC |
Melbourne Cup Day is a super exciting day in Victoria, Australia, when everyone gets a holiday to celebrate a famous horse race called the Melbourne Cup! It happens on the first Tuesday in November. In 2025, it’s on Tuesday, November 4, and in 2026, the holiday will be on Tuesday, November 3. Some towns in Victoria might have a different local holiday instead, if their council decides.
This big race started in 1861 and became a public holiday in Victoria in 1877. It’s called “the race that stops a nation” because almost everyone in Australia stops to watch it on TV or bet on their favorite horse. The race is 3,200 meters long and happens at Flemington Racecourse with up to 24 horses, all older than three years.
On Melbourne Cup Day, it’s hard to tell if people are more excited about the horse race or the fancy hats and cool clothes! Everyone, from high society to regular folks, joins in the fun. The day feels like a big fashion parade in the city. Even though only Victoria gets the day off, people all over Australia stop work at 3 p.m. to watch the race, have lunch, drink champagne, and join “office sweepstakes.” That’s when people, even those who don’t usually bet, pick a random horse for a $2 ticket and cheer for it.
At the race, owners, trainers, jockeys, and bettors are super nervous and excited. Lots of horses from other countries join the race now, and the prize money is huge—over $6 million! The top 10 horses win money, but win or lose, the day is always full of energy and fun. People across Australia go to restaurants with friends and family to celebrate this special part of Australian culture and enjoy a break from their usual routine.
Previous Years
| Year | Date | Day | Holiday | States |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 Nov | Tue | Melbourne Cup Day * | VIC |
| 2023 | 7 Nov | Tue | Melbourne Cup Day * | VIC |