Inflatable unicorns race in Canberra's kinder Melbourne Cup alternative
Compassionate Stakes returns as a free festival. Inflatable animals race instead of horses.
The Compassionate Stakes Festival returns on Sunday 1 November in Glebe Park. It's free and made for families.
The festival gives people a choice beyond the traditional Melbourne Cup. Inflatable unicorns and dinosaurs will race through the park instead of thoroughbreds.
Kate Luke started the event in 2019. She fights for animal welfare.
She runs a 273-acre sanctuary near Braidwood. It cares for 335 rescued farm animals.
The festival covers more than just racing. It includes everyday choices about food, clothing, and entertainment.
Workshops and demos will show how to make plant-based cheese and sushi. Vegan food vendors and clothing swaps will run alongside the races.
There will be activities like dino dance-offs. Kate says the event won't change minds in an afternoon.
Most visitors come for fun and community. Conversations about animal welfare happen naturally.
- Sunday 1 November
- Festival date
- Free
- Entry cost
- 335 rescued farmed animals
- Sanctuary animals cared for
- 273 acres near Braidwood
- Sanctuary property size
Why it mattersIt gives people who don't like horse racing a fun choice. It brings animal welfare into everyday conversations.
AustraliaCanberra locals now have a proven alternative to the Melbourne Cup on race day.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
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