Ready to indulge in the region’s best flavours, fashion and fanfare? Photo: Photox.
Spring is finally here, and with it comes Thoroughbred Park’s freshest festival race day.
Hops & Hooves 2026 is bound to be a big one. Patrons can expect a huge variety of beer, wine and spirits to explore, alongside sumptuous eats from Canberra’s favourite food trucks, live music from local artists, and a spot of friendly competition via Fashions on the Field.
Tying it all together is the biggest AFL Grand Final watch party in the capital, and of course, the very best of local thoroughbred racing.
Thoroughbred Park’s head of commercial and communications, Robbie Ringland is proud to announce Hops & Hooves has grown into their second biggest race day on the calendar.
“We attracted more than 4000 people in 2025 and are looking to smash that record this year,” he says.
“You can expect around 20 really high-quality food and drink vendors wowing the crowds all day. Just a few local names include Hold Fast Distillery, Beerded Bro Brewing, Ambrosia Distillery, Choc Rum Australia, MXTology, Cypher Brewing Co, and Intrepidus Wines.
“AFL fans won’t have to choose between their favourite sports on grand final day. Head down to our watch party next to the betting ring and catch all the action, live and loud on the big screen.”
Fashions on the Field will be run a little differently this year. For the first time ever, winners of Best Dressed, Best Suited and Best Look will be decided by their fellow patrons.
To get involved, keep an eye out for Thoroughbred Park’s content creator on the day. They’ll be roaming around the park snapping the most stylish singles, couples and groups.
The top outfits will be posted to Instagram between races three and four, and from there, it’s up to the polls!
Also happening between races three and four is a chance to go onto the course proper and kick a ball for a share in $1000. No rego needed, just line up at the mounting yard after race three for your turn.
Thoroughbred racing has been popular in Canberra for decades, but historically, punters were part of an older crowd. Not anymore – at last year’s festival, a whopping 71 per cent of Thoroughbred Park racegoers were aged 18 to 25.
“I think it’s because Hops & Hooves really feels like a celebration of springtime,” Robbie says.
“People want to get out in the sun and enjoy amazing food, drinks and music with their friends. The bright, youthful, happy atmosphere is just as important as the horses nowadays. Getting dressed up to the nines and cheering on the best local racing is a bonus!”
Hops & Hooves Festival Race Day 2026 kicks off on Saturday 26 September at Thoroughbred Park, 1 Randwick Road, Lyneham. Gates open at noon with local racing from 12:38 pm.
For more information and tickets, visit Thoroughbred Park.
