Created in Partnership with Jack Daniel’s
Jack’s Garage, a four-night free live music series, is returning this racing season, with some heavyweight headliners.
From Thursday, March 5th to Sunday, March 8th, the Espy in Melbourne’s St Kilda will transform into a hub of late-night celebrations, featuring one Australian headliner and support act each night, with free entry (you must RSVP). Curated by Jack Daniel’s, it’s shaping up to be one of the easiest, and most fun, ways to keep the March weekend alive long after the checkered flag. Here’s who’s performing.
The Presets will kick things off on Thursday, March 5th, bringing their electrifying synths and high-energy live show to the beloved venue. The ARIA-winning duo are fresh off a blockbuster summer run, which included a standout set at the Australian Open, Field Day 2026, and Harvest Rock festival.
Friday, March 6th will see Slowly Slowly deliver their signature indie sound, including tracks from their most recent album, Forgiving Spree, which became their fifth consecutive release to chart within the ARIA top 10. It received positive reviews, with some critics noting the group have “crafted something special”.
Then, DJ and producer Anna Lunoe is guaranteed to get the dance floor moving on Saturday, March 7th, with her infectious mix of house, electro, and pop. She recently reimagined her debut album Pearl with a fresh batch of remixes ready for the club. Originally released in May last year, Pearl explored Lunoe’s fascination with movement – a sonic trip through techno, garage, bass, rave and indie dance, rooted in emotional catharsis.
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Wrapping things up, Keli Holiday – riding high off a sold-out Melbourne headline show and second place in triple j’s Hottest 100 for “Dancing2” – will bring the ultimate closing party on Sunday, March 8th, sending race week out on a high. The show complements his biggest headline tour to date, which kicks off in Sydney on March 6th.
Holiday followed up the viral success of “Dancing2” with “Ecstasy”, as well as a Live a Version cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “I’m On Fire” – both of which also placed in the recent Hottest 100 countdown.
Taking place in the Espy’s Gershwin Room, spots are limited and going fast, so RSVP and be sure to head down to the Espy early. If you do miss out, don’t sweat, as each gig will be live-streamed on screens throughout the venue, so you can still feel the electric energy of some of Australia’s best acts.
Register via the links below.
JACK’S GARAGE 2026
Thursday, March 5th – The Presets
Hotel Esplanade, Melbourne VIC
RSVP here
Friday, March 6th – Slowly Slowly
Hotel Esplanade, Melbourne VIC
RSVP here
Saturday, March 7th – Anna Lunoe
Hotel Esplanade, Melbourne VIC
RSVP here
Sunday, March 8th – Keli Holiday
Hotel Esplanade, Melbourne VIC
RSVP here
If you’re looking for other unofficial race week events, Jack Daniel’s is also hosting Jack’s Street Party at Middle Park Hotel. From Thursday, March 5th, through to Sunday, March 8th, Jack Daniel’s is bringing four days of racing, food, drinks, and entertainment to Middle Park Hotel, no track pass required.
Located just minutes from the track itself, you and your friends can soak up the atmosphere (and race sounds), watch the races on mega screens and TVs, enjoy the pop-up bar and delicious food menu, and dance to live music and DJs every day.
As a homage to the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team, Jack Daniel’s (one of McLaren’s official partners) is taking over the entire venue with replica uniforms and helmets on display throughout the hotel, as well as race games, competitions, and prizes.
From 5–6pm each day, Jack’s Hour will take place, complete with drink specials and exclusive merch giveaways. Jack Daniel’s has also collaborated with artist Glen Downey to produce a bespoke McLaren-Jack Daniel’s-Melbourne-inspired piece of artwork. One lucky punter will win a driver-signed copy of the artwork by entering the competition during Jack’s Hour each day.
Like Jack’s Garage, the weekend is free to attend and unticketed. Simply show up (first-come, first-served) and enjoy the atmosphere of race week at Middle Park Hotel.
McLaren will bring speed to the Albert Park racing track, but Jack Daniel’s is making sure Melbourne feels the energy. Between fan parties and four free live music gigs, there’s no better way to enjoy the March weekend.
