Caloundra Cup Day 2026: Everything You Need to Know
Caloundra Cup Day 2026 takes place Saturday 4 July at Sunshine Coast Turf Club, Caloundra, and shapes up as the biggest edition of Queensland’s premier winter race meeting yet. With over $1.8 million in prize money across nine races including three Black Type contests, this is the race day that defines the Queensland winter racing carnival, and with dining and hospitality sold out, General Admission tickets and Members Guest Day Passes are all that remain.
THE RACING
Caloundra Cup Day is the centrepiece of the Queensland Winter Racing Carnival and one of the most significant provincial race meetings in the country. Nine races run on Saturday 4 July, including three Black Type races, with gates opening at 10:15am for Members and 10:30am for General Admission.
The Caloundra Cup has a proven record of producing champions. Back-to-back Melbourne Cup winners Knight’s Choice (2024) and Half Yours (2025) both spent their winter campaigns stabled on the Sunshine Coast and launched their Melbourne Cup preparations at this very race meeting. Sunshine Coast Turf Club has become a proven pipeline to the nation’s greatest race — and Saturday 4 July could produce the next one .
The Avenue: A Full-Scale Trackside Carnival
Beyond the track, Caloundra Cup Day delivers a full-scale trackside carnival through The Avenue at Sunshine Coast Turf Club. With Queensland school holidays in full effect and children under 18 free, it’s the Sunshine Coast’s biggest day out for every kind of racegoer.
The 2026 lineup includes:
🎡 26m Wheel of Oz — ride it, for free!
🎶 Matthew Charles live on the mic all day
🥁 Sammy on percussion from the afternoon, plus a 60-minute live set after the last race
🍹 Aperol Spritz bar
🥃 Canadian Club Highball House
🍺 Tap Truck by Tapped Productions
🏇 TAB Greenhouse Bar
🥟 Rice Boi pop-up on course
🍕 The coast’s best food trucks: Brazzo Boys, Pablo’s Tex Mex, The Pizza Viking, Calamari Kanteen
👗 Billy J Fashions on the Field: The Icon, The Moment, The Duo
After the last race, free courtesy buses run from the course to Caloundra and The Dock Mooloolaba for the official after party.
Prelude Events
Caloundra Cup Week begins before Saturday. Two prelude events are available to book now:
Breakfast with the Stars | Tuesday 30 June
A free trackside breakfast at the Members Terrace as $1.8 million worth of Cup contenders complete their final gallops. Barista coffee, a BBQ breakfast from Cotton Tree Meats, and racing insights from the track. Free to attend — registration required at sctc.com.au.
TAB Calcutta Lunch | Friday 3 July
The room that picks the Cup winner. Hosted by Channel Seven’s Jason “Richo” Richardson with special guest Tony McEvoy, trainer of 2025 Melbourne Cup winner Half Yours. Two-course lunch, four-hour premium drinks package, and the famous Calcutta auction where you can own a Cup runner. Tables of 10 from $170pp.
TICKETS
Dining and hospitality for Caloundra Cup Day 2026 are sold out. The following tickets remain available online now:
- General Admission: $37 online | $40 at the gate
- Four Mates Crew Pack: $130 (online only)
- Members Guest Day Pass: $95pp
- Children under 18: Free
