Deagon Community Picnic Race Day

The Deagon Community Picnic Race Day is one of the bayside’s best days out for all ages, held at a 110 year old race track* with a colourful history.

More than just another day at the track, The Deagon Community Picnic Races are an event in themselves, with The Emeri Fashions of the Field, non-stop live trackside entertainment, food stalls, roaming performers and plenty of free children’s activities. And keen racing fans are well looked after, with 7 thoroughbred and 3 harness races throughout the day.

Meanwhile annual picnic traditions – Footraces for the Fillies, Fellas and Families’ and the wheel barrow race add to the fun of the day and are open to anyone who wants to enter.

In keeping with the theme, attendees are invited to bring along a picnic basket and blanket and soak up the atmosphere from a space on the lawn or snaffle up some delicious street food from the myriad of onsite stalls, including freshly caught seafood straight from the bay.

For a more upmarket experience, check out the VIP Courtyard (strictly for 18+ years) and enjoy the races in style. Located infield trackside, the VIP experience includes non-stop bands and DJ’s, a giant screen to view the days races, an ‘Espresso Martini by Di Bella’ chill-out lounge and tastings by Whiskey Hunter.

And for children, all of the action is located in the Children’s Entertainment Area under a big shady oak tree, where children can have a great view of the thoroughbreds and jockeys as well as a host of fun including a jumping castle, petting zoo, face painting, visit from clowns Peebo and Dagwood and the Mr Hooker Bear as well as a special visit from the Brisbane Roar Players between 1-3pm.

*Deagon racecourse started life in 1890 when the land was gifted by Queen Victoria 'for purposes of a racecourse' and in the early days was owned variously by 3 private individuals, Sandgate Town Council and, in 1899, a trustee for Tattersall's Club, Andrew Thynee. From 1912 it fell under the ownership of racing king pin John Wren, who operated it as a private racetrack known as 'Sandgate Racetrack'. Then in 1948 it was purchased by the Brisbane Amateur Turf Club and subsequently passed on to their successor the Brisbane Turf Club. In 1999 it was sold back to the State Government and, in 2006, its administration returned to the racing industry.

The last race that occurred here was in 1941 before being resumed again in 2013 with the inaugural Deagon Community Picnic Race which were a roaring success and the rest is history.

Need to know - Race Day Marquee Packages for tables of 10+ are available for $150, including premium buffet dining and beverages.

BUY TICKETS HERE

The Deagon Community Picnic races are a valued sponsor of Must Do Brisbane.com