Queensberry Cup 2026: Billycart Race + Street Party in North Melbourne

Join me for the Queensberry Cup 2026, North Melbourne's billycart race and street festival! For one afternoon, Errol and Queensberry Streets close to traffic and fill with homemade billycarts racing down the Errol St hill, plus a dog show, music and dance from around the world, local food stalls and pop-up performances.

This year's festival also celebrates 50 years of the North & West Melbourne Neighbourhood Centre, which presents the event. The organisers say entry is free.

We'll meet outside Mörk Chocolate Brew House at 1:30pm, say hello, then wander the festival together – cheering on the racers, catching the dog show and Fashions on the Footpath, grabbing a bite, and staying for the billycart finals before we wrap up around 4:45pm.

This is a casual social meetup so we can head along together – it isn't run by or affiliated with the Queensberry Cup or the North & West Melbourne Neighbourhood Centre. No ticket is needed for this free event; your RSVP here just helps me know who's coming.

Who this is for

Anyone who enjoys a relaxed street festival and a bit of local community spirit
People keen to watch some gloriously homemade (and occasionally chaotic) racing
Food lovers – there are plenty of local stalls to graze through
Solo attendees are very welcome – it's an easy, low-pressure way to meet people

Links

Meetup start point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/RRnPQ2PszXYc5BX87
Queensberry Cup 2026: https://queensberrycup.org.au/
Event map: https://queensberrycup.org.au/ws/media-library/e8e69b6903ea18f897e75979cdb3b60f/qc26-map.png
Instagram video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/Dcm5VvGRvA5

Timeline

1:30pm – Meet outside Mörk Chocolate Brew House and say hi
~1:40pm to 4:45pm – Enjoy the festival together: billycart races, dog show, music, food and more
~4:45pm – Meetup ends (feel free to stay on – the festival runs until 7pm)

Tickets / cost
Entry is free, according to the organisers. Food and drinks are pay-as-you-go from the stalls and local businesses.

Transport
The organisers recommend public transport, walking or cycling, as parking is likely to be very limited and roads around Errol and Queensberry Streets will be closed for the day.

Tram 57 runs right into the festival, but the organisers note the city-bound stop at North Melbourne Town Hall (stop 12) will be closed all day.
North Melbourne and Arden stations are a short walk away; bus 241 connects with both.
Buses 241 and 402 get you to the lower entrance at Arden Street.

Bring

Water bottle
Sunscreen, hat and sunnies
A light layer or umbrella in case Melbourne's weather changes its mind
Comfortable shoes for walking and standing
Card or cash for food, drinks and any donations
A charged phone in case we get separated in the crowd

Expect

Difficulty: Easy – gentle walking and some standing to watch the races
Pace: Relaxed – we'll wander and stop wherever looks good
Vibe: Fun, colourful, family-friendly community street party
Group style: We'll stick together loosely; it'll be busy, so it's fine to drift off for food and regroup

Important notes

The program and timings are set by the Queensberry Cup organisers and may change on the day – check their website for the latest.
Billycarts move fast. Please stay behind the barriers, keep clear of the race track, and follow the instructions of event staff and traffic controllers.
Please take part within your own comfort level – you're responsible for your own safety, belongings and wellbeing on the day.
The organisers say half the site is licensed for alcohol and the rest is alcohol-free. If you're drinking, please do so responsibly and within the licensed area.
This is an outdoor event, so check the forecast before heading out. If the weather looks wild, I'll post an update in the Meetup comments.
If you're running late or can't find us, send me a message through Meetup.
If your plans change, please update your RSVP so numbers stay clear.

Other info
Billycart race schedule, from the official website:

1:00pm – Heats for 7–11 year olds
2:15pm – Heats for 12–17 year olds
2:45pm – Heats for the Open category
3:45pm – Celebrity races
4:00pm – Fashions on the Footpath
4:15pm – Finals
5:15pm – Awards presentation

A few other things worth catching:

The Famous Village Dog Show at 2pm on the Queensberry Street stage
The main stage on Queensberry Street (near Leveson Street), with music and dance all afternoon
The XYZ Youth Zone on Errol Street towards Arden Street, with a second food and drink area (including Mörk hot chocolate)
The billycart display along the tramline curve, giant Mah Jong near the city-bound tram stop, and a buskers' pitch near North Melbourne Library