The Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix is almost here in Melbourne, and there’s lots of cool events on that will get your adrenaline pumping. Whether you were lucky enough to snag a ticket and get amongst the action at Albert Park, or you’d prefer to watch the race on TV, there’s fun activities and things to do, as well as plenty of stuff to eat and drink. Here are some of the cool events happening in Albert Park and beyond for the Grand Prix in Melbourne.
1. Listen to live music
Kick off the Grand Prix weekend by listening to Amy Shark on Friday March 22, then party on through the weekend with performances from Jet, Vanessa Amorosi, Empire of the Sun and more. See who’s playing here.
2. Have fun in the family zone
You’ll find plenty of events and activations to keep the whole family happy during the F1 Australian Grand Prix. This year, the reimagined family zone will be known as Pit Stop Park Powered by DC Super Heroes. Celebrate 85 years of Batman with a Batmobile, giant Batman slide, roving DC characters and a Gotham City climbing wall. There will also be golf simulators, obstacle courses and craft and play stations. Learn more here.
3. Treat yourself to some delicious food
With heaps of pop-up restaurants from some of Melbourne’s favourite venues at the Grand Prix, you certainly won’t go hungry. Grab a bite to eat from popular places like 400 Gradi, Mr Miyagi, Bistro Morgan and more!
4. Race over to Pullman & Mercure in Albert Park
Pullman & Mercure Melbourne Albert Park is pulling out all the stops for the Australian Grand Prix, with a stacked program of entertainment. There will be racing simulators and race cars in the lobby, DJs, masterclasses, a pop-up bar and much more. See the full details here.
5. Zoom over to the Grand Prix Street Party at Middle Park Hotel
Have fun moments away from the track at Middle Park Hotel. For four thrilling days, you’ll catch the Grand Prix on a grand screen, and enjoy live music, drinks, food, games, competitions and more. This party will run from Thursday March 21 to Sunday March 24. See more here.
6. Hitch a free ride with a supercar
Feel the energy of the race and enjoy a complimentary drive in a luxurious supercar with Jack’s Rides. In this partnership between Jack Daniel’s and the McLaren Formula 1 Racing Team, you’ll get to travel from the city to South Melbourne and back from Friday March 22 to Sunday March 24. Fans will get picked up in pairs from the Next Hotel on Little Collins Street to the Golden Gate Hotel, which is just a walk away from the Albert Park entrance. Then, until 10pm each night, fans also have the option to add a ride to either George on Collins or Good Heavens rooftop bar. To book, passengers can register their name with the Jack’s Host at the entrance of each designated venue.
7. Grab a free coffee on your way to the track
Need to fuel up? Collect a cup from leaselab’s Pit Stop crew, and present it to the barista at Clementine in South Melbourne for a free coffee. The giveaway starts at 9:30am on Saturday March 23, and there’s 300 coffees up for grabs. This includes milk alternatives.
8. Join the Grand Prix Street Party at The Espy
The Espy in St Kilda is throwing their very first Grand Prix Street Party. Entry is free, and you can look forward to outdoor bars, big screens, simulators and DJs. There’s also live music, with both free and ticketed gigs. Check it out from March 22 to 24. See more here.
9. Try a Formula 1-inspired pastry at Lune
Lune Croissanterie has teamed up with the Australian Grand Prix to create ‘The F1’, a traditional croissant inspired by lamingtons. It’s filled with coconut frangipane, dark chocolate ganache, vanilla sponge and raspberry gel. The pastry is topped with a tempered chocolate chequered flag. Find it in their Fitzroy and Armadale stores for the whole month of March, and in the Melbourne CBD store from March 21 to 24.
If you’re at the Grand Prix from March 22 to 24, you can also visit Lune’s pop-up store directly on the circuit. A selection of their classic range of pastries will be available on-site. As the focus is on their classic range, the special F1 pastry won’t be available at this particular location.
10. Grab a bite from Deli QT
QT Melbourne has launched a pop-up panini pit stop to help you prepare for the action. At Deli QT, you can fuel up with gourmet sandwiches, paninis and snacks. While you’re there, enjoy a glass of Daniel Ricciardo’s Ric Red by St Hugo. Deli QT is open from March 13 to April 1, Monday to Saturday from 8am to 3pm. Learn more here.
11. Sip on themed cocktails at Backroom
Backroom bar in South Yarra has teamed up with Patrón to create a limited-edition cocktail menu inspired by Formula One. Try drinks liked Checkered Flag Margarita, Pit Stop Paloma and more. These cocktails are available from Thursday March 21 to Sunday March 23.