The Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix is finally here in Melbourne this week, and there’s lots of cool events happening 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 The Jungle Giants on Friday March 29, then party on through the weekend with performances from Hayden James, Sneaky Sound System, Birds of Tokyo and more. There will be live music from March 29 to April 2. See who’s playing here.
2. Have fun at The Super Mario Bros. Movie Family Zone
You’ll find plenty of events and activations to keep the whole family happy during the F1 Australian Grand Prix. Gamers will be delighted by a retrofitted life-size Mario Kart. Kids can also put their driving skills to the test with driving simulators, and enjoy views on the Ferris wheel. Let some energy loose on the bungee trampolines and stay active with the AFL Auskick team. And, if you’re looking for something adorable, definitely check out the Puppy Pit Stop. Meet sweet puppies, watch puppy races, enjoy face painting and learn all about assistance dogs.
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 line-up of events and entertainment. In the Lawn Bar outside the hotel, you can enjoy beer or wine before, during or after the race day events. Inside the lobby, you’ll find plenty of live music for entertainment, as well as cocktails and delicious food. And finally, if you want to go the extra mile, hire a hospitality suite and enjoy unrivalled views over the track. Graze on canapes throughout the day, as well as flowing beverages from Heineken and Audrey Wilkinson. For more information about all the Grand Prix events happening at Pullman & Mercure in Albert Park, including dates, times and prices, click here.
5. Dance your way through the GP Drivers After Party at Ms Collins
Celebrate the end of the Grand Prix with the 6th annual GP Drivers After Party. Head to Ms Collins in the CBD, and party through the night with world-class entertainment, DJs, VIP experiences and more. The party starts at 8pm on Sunday April 2, and will continue until 3am. Tickets are $75. See more here.
6. Celebrate at Grazeland
Drive over to this foodie paradise in Melbourne’s west, and check out the ‘Pit Stop’ pop-up bar. From now until April 9, you can enjoy a range of Jack Daniel’s cocktails and drinks. After that, scratch and wine a range of prizes, including McLaren merchandise.
7. 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, and food. This party will run from Thursday March 30 to Sunday April 2. See more here.
8. Enjoy cocktails at Prince Alfred Hotel
Relax in the beer garden at this pub in Richmond, and enjoy special cocktails in celebration of the Grand Prix. Try the El Defensor, made with Patrón Anejo, pineapple juice, lime, agave and bitters, or the Pole Position Paloma, which features Patrón Reposado, grapefruit soda and agave. See the race live on TV. More info here.
9. See the race from Newmarket Hotel
Watch the races live on TV at Newmarket Hotel in St Kilda. They’ve got a F1 activated courtyard just for the occasion. Sip on the special Tommy’s Margarita and Grapefruit Paloma while you’re there, and enjoy live music and interactive experiences. Check it out from March 30 to April 2. More info here.
10. Take part in the Pit Stop Lunch at Botswana Butchery
Botswana Butchery on Flinders Lane is celebrating the Australian Grand Prix with a specially-curated lunch, paired with St Hugo wines. Entrée options include smoked buffalo curds, duck liver pâté or Hiramasa kingfish. For mains, choose between chickpea socca, grilled king salmon or Wanderer sirloin. And for dessert, end your lunch with a petit four orange madeleine with passionfruit icing.
This Pit Stop Lunch is served daily from 12pm to 2:30pm, from now until April 2. Bookings are essential, and it costs $95 per person. More info here.
11. Fuel up at Oakberry Acai
Feel refreshed at the Oakberry Acai x Formula 1 pop-up store at the Grand Prix. Then, on March 30, head to their Windsor store from 6pm to 7pm for the chance to meet some special guests from the Haas racing team. If you can’t make it, every Oakberry Acai location in Australia will have Grand Prix merchandise available on April 2. Each store will also have 50 limited-edition Formula 1 posters to giveaway.
12. Find all the excitement at Crown Melbourne
Crown Melbourne is full of exciting events and activations for the Grand Prix. Journey along the Riverwalk and check out the Motorsport Fan Zone, which features vehicle displays, entertainment and merchandise. Then, pop in to the Atrium, learn all about the event’s history and admire premium car installations. Finally, head to the Crown Metropol lobby and feel the thrill of racing with two racing simulators. See what’s on at Crown here.
13. Watch the race at Pètanque Social
After visiting Crown, head to Pètanque Social nearby and watch the race on the big screen. While you’re there, listen to live DJs outdoors, and purchase Heinekin products for the chance to win a trip for two to the F1 race weekend in Las Vegas. Read more about the competition here.