![\"What\u2019s](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/XPB_1330204_HiRes.jpg\")
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFans are expected to flock to Albert Park and events in Melbourne once again for the 2026 Australian Grand Prix. Image: XPB Images<\/p>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFans are expected to flock to Albert Park and events in Melbourne once again for the 2026 Australian Grand Prix. Image: XPB Images<\/p>\n
From Albert Park to the CBD and St Kilda foreshore, the city is set to be packed with fan zones, pop-ups and parties for the Australian Grand Prix.<\/p>\n
Running from Thursday March 5 to Sunday March 8, the race once again transforms the city into a motorsport playground, with no shortage of things to do outside of the intense on-track action.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s a guide to what\u2019s on and where to find it.<\/p>\n
Free F1 Fan Festival at Federation Square<\/p>\n
Federation Square will serve as a central gathering point across the race weekend, with a free fan festival running from Friday March 6 to Sunday March 8 between 10am and 10pm.<\/p>\n
Fans can catch live screenings of all on-track sessions, explore F1 activations, shop exclusive merchandise and check out car displays, alongside food and beverage options in the heart of the city.<\/p>\n
F1 Fan Zone at Albert Park<\/p>\n
Inside the Albert Park circuit precinct, the official F1 Fan Zone remains the main hub for entertainment between sessions.<\/p>\n
Among the attractions are Virtual Driver Selfies, an F1 Show Car, the F1 Blast Lane experience and Q&A sessions with drivers and notable team personnel.<\/p>\n
The Lakeside Festival stage will also keep fans entertained throughout the day, with the Lakeside Festival delivering three nights of headline entertainment.<\/p>\n
Friday night\u2019s concert at the Australian Grand Prix features Basement Jaxx and Jameela.<\/p>\n
Rita Ora and Rogue Traders will headline Saturday night, while Sunday closes with Duke Dumont and Shouse, rounding out a diverse weekend lineup.<\/p>\n
McLaren Mastercard F1 Team x Puma at St Kilda<\/p>\n
McLaren\u2019s new partnership with Puma will be on show at Ignition Beach, West Beach Pavilion in St Kilda from March 5 to March 9.<\/p>\n
The free, all-ages pop-up offers a 2026 show car display, racing simulators set to the Albert Park layout and exclusive merchandise, with ticketed upgrade options available for enhanced access.<\/p>\n
Atlassian Williams Fan Zone Presented by Kraken<\/p>\n
The Atlassian Williams Fan Zone Presented by Kraken returns to Melbourne to launch its 2026 world tour, running from Monday March 2 to Sunday March 8 at The Atrium, Federation Square.<\/p>\n
Fans can try racing simulators, test their reflexes on the Batak Machine, jump into Komatsu\u2019s haul truck simulator and shop exclusive merchandise.<\/p>\n
Driver and team member Q&A sessions are also planned, with times to be confirmed.<\/p>\n
Quad Lock x OP Pop-Up Store<\/p>\n
Home hero Oscar Piastri headlines the Quad Lock x OP Pop-Up Store, open from March 3 to March 10 at 362 Little Collins Street.<\/p>\n
The week-long activation features exclusive Piastri merchandise, rare memorabilia, competitions and the latest Quad Lock range.<\/p>\n
Piastri himself is scheduled to appear on Tuesday March 3 at 7:30pm AEDT.<\/p>\n
Crown Melbourne Formula Fun<\/p>\n
Crown Melbourne once again positions itself as an official Event Supporter, hosting \u201cFormula Fun\u201d from March 5 to March 8.<\/p>\n
Across its Riverwalk precinct, visitors will find live entertainment, interactive race car activities, dining options and bars screening the on-track action, providing pre- and post-session entertainment just minutes from the circuit.<\/p>\n
Red Bull Fan Zone at Crown Riverwalk<\/p>\n
Also at the Crown Riverwalk, the Red Bull Fan Zone runs from March 4 to March 8, offering five days of free access to Oracle Red Bull Racing and Visa Cash App RB activations.<\/p>\n
Live Q&As with both teams, a racing simulator, DJ sets and outdoor screenings of every session headline the schedule.<\/p>\n
Fans can also get up close to the Oracle Red Bull Racing car.<\/p>\n
Opening hours are 10am to 8pm on March 4 and 5, and 11am to 9pm from March 6 to 8.<\/p>\n
Jack Daniel\u2019s Jack\u2019s Garage at The Espy<\/p>\n
In St Kilda, The Esplanade Hotel hosts Jack Daniel\u2019s Jack\u2019s Garage from Thursday March 5 to Sunday March 8.<\/p>\n
Each night from 7:30pm, free live music takes over the Gershwin Room, with The Presets performing Thursday, Slowly Slowly on Friday, Anna Lunoe on Saturday and Keli Holiday closing on Sunday.<\/p>\n
RSVPs are required for entry.<\/p>\n
Overtake The After Party by Revolut<\/p>\n
For those wanting to continue celebrations late into Saturday night, Overtake: The After Party by Revolut lands at The Timber Yard on March 7.<\/p>\n
The Port Melbourne warehouse venue will host headline act Baby J in a club-style setting, with tickets priced around $30, making it one of the more accessible race-week nightlife options.<\/p>\n
McLaren Warm-Up Party at Middle Park Hotel<\/p>\n
Just outside the Albert Park gates, Middle Park Hotel becomes McLaren\u2019s Street Party HQ from Thursday March 5 to Sunday March 8.<\/p>\n
The Jack Daniel\u2019s-backed activation features merchandise giveaways, curated playlists and a surprise guest appearance to lead a celebratory toast on opening night.<\/p>\n
Daily \u201cJack\u2019s Hour\u201d runs from 5pm to 6pm with drink specials and prize draws, and no booking is required.<\/p>\n
F1: The Exhibition<\/p>\n
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