Sydney Racing Carnival, also known as the Sydney Everest Carnival and Sydney Spring Carnival, is something you shouldn’t miss. Fun and celebration amped up by gorgeous fashions — what’s not to love?

If you’re planning on attending this year, you’re in luck! Here’s everything you need to know about this series of events, including what to wear to feel and look your best.

What’s the Sydney Spring Racing Carnival about?

Run by the Australian Turf Club (ATC), the Carnival is held from mid-September to early November. In 2026, the series of events will run from 19 September to 7 November at both Royal Randwick and Rosehill Gardens.

Sydney Everest Day

There are lots to look forward to during Racing Carnival — more on that in a little bit — but the crown jewel of the Australian 

Sydney Spring Racing Carnival 2026 Calendar

What to wear

If it’s your first time to celebrate and take part in the festivities of the Sydney Everest Carnival, it’s important to note that dressing up is just as important as living it up trackside. There are dress codes for different venues, so make sure you’re on top of them.

READ NEXT: The Ultimate Guide on What To Wear to the Races

The ATC operates in two major locations: Royal Randwick and Rosehill Gardens. For both venues, a rather strict dress code is enforced. While there has been some leniency in terms of cut-outs and mid-riffs for women’s attires for general admission areas, there are some rules to be followed for members’ areas. 

One major must-do: Dress smart! The Carnival is a special occasion, much like other events in your life such as weddings and special dinners. A good rule of thumb to follow is that if you won’t wear it as a wedding guest, it probably isn’t something to wear to the races.

You can find out which specific items to avoid wearing to Royal Randwick in our guide here.

Themed dressing for events

On top of the dress codes, another thing you should take note of is themed dressing. Some events during the Carnival require a particular colour (or colours). Here’s a quick guide on this.

TAB Everest Day

Everest Day calls for a touch of blue. You can definitely go for just a colour accent for your outfit. We think accessories in your favourite shade of blue would do just the trick! But you can also opt for a monochromatic or tonal blue ensemble. All of these are gorgeous options.

READ NEXT: Nail the Everest Day Dress Code With These Tips and Picks

Moet & Chandon Spring Champion Stakes Day

Make sure your outfit for Stakes Day has a rosy touch! Wear a dress in rosy pink or carry a bag in the same shade. Top off your look with a rosy headpiece, perhaps? The possibilities are endless!

Golden Eagle Day

This event’s theme is kind of a giveaway. Yes, a gold accent is what you need for Golden Eagle Day! Accessories in gold are always winners in our book, so we’re definitely recommending heading that route. 

The Big Dance on Cup Day

For the race that stopped a nation, it’s only fitting to wear something bright and bold! As they say, go big or go home. And we totally agree! From bold prints for your dress to captivating, head-turning headwear pieces — the sky’s the limit for dressing up on Cup Day!

Five Diamond Ladies Day

Sydney Spring Racing Carnival will cap off with a day for the ladies. That means one thing, of course: going all out in fashion. When we say you need to end your style streak with a bang, we mean it. And because it’s a day for the ladies, we recommend embracing your femininity and going loco for pastels and florals.

Headwear for Sydney Spring Racing Carnival

Sydney Spring Racing Carnival is one of the very few events where you’re encouraged to wear headwear to complete your outfit. It’s your excuse to get dressed up literally from head to toe! So we say take this opportunity with gusto. But don’t just settle for any kind of headwear — trust us, not all of them are created equally. 

READ NEXT: The Anatomy of A Spring Racing Outfit

Opting for a designer headwear brand like FORD MILLINERY is the way to go. Aside from the piece being aesthetically pleasing, you’ll also be happy to know that it’s designed to be worn comfortably. (Yes, we take design seriously and don’t focus on just the looks although we can assure you that they do look great.) The headwear pieces are also handcrafted by Australian artisans in our Sydney studio, using only the best-quality materials. So you can wear your headpiece not just to this year’s Sydney Everest Carnival but for the next one and the next and so on.

Explore our Spring Racing collection here.