Where to go if you don’t want to watch the Melbourne Cup horse racing cruelty

If you’re after an ethical alternative to the traditional Melbourne Cup boozy lunch and horse racing cruelty, here are some of the venues that will be offering some horse-free fun.

New South Wales

Compassionate Stakes - T Rex Races
Petrie Plaza | Tuesday, 7^th November from 12 pm to 4 pm

Canberra: Are you ready to Rex & Roll? Gear up for an amazing afternoon full of fun, laughter and some delicious food as you say 'Nup to the Cup' this year with like-minded people. Sign up to participate in an exciting race wearing a giant inflatable T-Rex costume or bring your friends along to watch the fun unfold at this cruelty-free, amazing alternative to watching or supporting horse racing.

Mama B's Nup To The Cup at Chippo Hotel
The Chippo Hotel | Tuesday, 7th November at 12 pm

Sydney: Join for a fantastic day full of yummy vegan food and some great company as you give horse racing cruelty a miss. Mingle with other animal lovers as you enjoy a special 8-course degustation menu, bingo, lucky door prizes, raffles and compete for a prize for the worst hat. What’s more, a portion of proceeds go to the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses and the Kind Farm Inc., a sanctuary and rehabilitation place for rescued horses.

Nup To The Cup At The Sanctuary
The Owl & The PussyCat Farm Animal Sanctuary | Sunday, 5^th November from 2:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Crabbes Creek: Spend a lazy Sunday afternoon with the rescue residents at the sanctuary as you learn about their unique personalities and individual rescue stories at the 130-acre paradise in the north of Byron Bay. What makes this fundraising event even more special is that it’s held in celebration and honour of the life of Gemma, an ex-racehorse and all those who’ve lost their precious lives to horse racing cruelty. All proceeds go directly to supporting nearly 70 of the rescue residents and ongoing life-saving work.

Nup The Cup At U Jelly
Corbett Plaza | Tuesday, 7^th November at 1 pm

Bowral: This exciting event shows you just how much fun you can have without watching horse racing cruelty. Book your spot now to enjoy a delicious set Mexican tasting menu that is sure to tickle your taste buds. Chips and salsa, Stuffed Peppers, and Not Chicken mini Quesadillas are some of the yummy dishes offered. You’ll be making a meaningful difference by attending this event as $10 from each meal will be donated to Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses.

NUP At No Bones Ocean Shores
No Bones Ocean Shores | Tuesday, 7^th November 7th at 12:30 pm

Ocean Shores: Join in to say ‘nup’ to the cup with a scrumptious lunch that will have a positive impact on horses. You’ll be enjoying an amazing afternoon with like-minded animal lovers at this Cup-free event and making a meaningful difference while you’re at it. $10 from your every will be donated to the Kind Farm horse rescue, so hurry up and book your spot.

Queensland

High Tea Fundraiser Featuring The Canine Cup
Cominos House | Sunday, 5^th November from 1 pm to 4 pm

Brisbane: Come along for a fun afternoon to watch ‘The Canine Cup’ – pre-recorded cruelty-free videos of dogs running (or not running if they don’t want to) from one owner to another in a massive game of recall that does not involve whips, drugs, or any added weight. Join in on the fun and enter the sweeps to try and pick the winner (or loser) as you enjoy delicious canapes and tea and take part in some exciting games and activities. You will also be making a meaningful difference as all proceeds raised on the day will be donated to the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses.

Brisbane Nup To The Cup! Fashion, Food & Music
Plant Vibes Café | Tuesday, 7^th November from 1:30 pm

Brisbane: Looking for an alternative, ethical celebration on Melbourne Cup Day? Come, join us for some great food and celebrate spring fashion as you avoid cruel horse racing and support a worthwhile cause. It includes delicious canapés and drinks, inspiring guest speakers, live music, a sustainable slow fashion competition and a floral photo wall for you to snap some amazing pictures. There will be lots of prizes to be won and all proceeds from the event will be donated to animal charities.

Just Another Drag Show
Ohana's Cafe and Bar | Tuesday, 7^th November at 1:30 pm

Surfers Paradise: Fancy a day out with your divas? Come join us for a fabulous time on Melbourne Cup Day by saying 'Nup’ to horse racing cruelty with Gorgeous Drag Queens as they bring Miami drag show vibes to Surfer's Paradise at the vibrant Ohana's bar. Feel glamorous as you walk the red carpet and make your way to the event to enjoy some delicious tapas and drinks while you watch some fierce shows.

Victoria

Plant Based High Tea Fundraiser
Selby Community House | Tuesday, 7^th November from 1:30 pm to 4 pm

Melbourne: Prepare to savour a wide range of sweet and savoury treats made with love and compassion at this vegan high tea event. What’s more, you’ll get to enjoy a complimentary glass of sparkling wine, tea, or coffee. So come along with friends and family to relax in a festive and friendly community atmosphere with music, games for kids and a chance to win some great prizes in the raffle.

Cup Eve At Good Love
Good Love | Monday, 6^th November from 11 am

Melbourne: Celebrate saying ‘nup’ to horse racing cruelty in style with great music, extravagant cocktails and scrumptious vegan food. And remember, $1 from every Pink Gin Fizz sold goes to the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses, so be sure to order one when you’re at this exciting venue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of horses.

Nup The Cup!!! At Glou
Glou | Monday, 6^th November and Tuesday, 7^th November from 3 pm

Melbourne: Come along with your friends to try out a specially crafted ‘NUP C(O)UP’ cocktail to celebrate giving horse racing cruelty a miss. But remember, this exclusive drink will only be served on the 6^th and 7^th of November, so make sure to grab it while it’s available and show the cruel horse racing industry that having fun doesn’t have to involve cruelty.

Nup to the Cup Drag Brunch
Evies Disco Diner | Tuesday, 7^th November at 11 am

Melbourne: Calling on all foodies to join in to say a loud and proud ‘nup’ to the cup at this fabulous drag brunch. Devour a delicious bottomless brunch while being wowed and entertained by drag shows and bingo. At this event, you’ll also have the chance to win some fun prizes and free booze and participate in some exciting lip-sync battles as you say ‘nup’ to horse racing cruelty.

NUP at Red Sparrow Pizza
Red Sparrow Pizza | Tuesday, 7^th November from 2 pm to 10 pm

Melbourne: Get ready for a fun-filled day at this annual Nup to the Cup event with half-price Not Wings (including special flavours for the day), $5 cans of Heaps Normal, $6 cans of Fixation Brewing and a Humane Animal Rescue stall with merch, information and dogs looking for their forever home. And the best part? 10% of sales for the entire day will be donated to Humane Animal Rescue.

Nup to the Cup Events are alternative events to the Melbourne Cup and are designed to show that there can be entertainment and glamor without exploiting animals.