Kia Friday Night Racing Returns for Free Trackside Family Fun

November 17, 2023

Kia Friday Night Racing returns this Summer, trackside at Canterbury Park. Free entry for all, includes racing, entertainment, music, and kids’ rides inviting families to spend their summer nights trackside from Schweppes Opening Night on Friday 17 November until Friday 23 February.

Free family friendly activities will be available each Friday night throughout the series and will include pony rides, petting zoo, jumping castle, and amusement rides, which will be sure to keep your little ones entertained. The best news is you can come straight from the office with free parking and an array of food markets and dining options.

The 10-week program is kindly brought to you by Kia and the Australian Turf Club. Each night there will be two vehicles for racegoers to get up close and personal with. “Over the past five years we have seen the Friday Night Racing grow into a free staple community event that race goers and local families alike look forward to. From the racing to the foodie markets and kid’s activities, it’s always a great night out. Kia is proud to have played a part in this growth and are excited to be involved in yet another series” said Melissa Gray, Events and Partnerships Manager, Kia.

The Australian Turf Club is giving away the chance to win $10,000 in cash this year to those who enter when attending a race night. This year, Canterbury Park has partnered with Cambridge Markets, to offer up an amazing variety of food market stalls for families to choose from. Up to 35 delicious stalls will be available with something to cure everyone’s cravings, including, Bao & Duck, Miss Focaccia, East Blue Seafood, Cut the Crepes, THICC Cookies and BIGG Brownies and many more.

Cambridge Markets Director and Manager Madelienne Anderson said: “The night food markets at Canterbury Park Kia Friday Night Racing will be incredibly popular because Sydneysiders love a chance to eat outside without the hassle of having to cook. The food on offer at these markets is world class, with so many things for people to try. There will be plenty of global food represented across a variety of cuisines, from Thai to Middle Eastern to Chinese, Malay and Turkish, plus plenty more. There really will be something for everyone. Summer is the best time to get outdoors and enjoy the Sydney climate and lifestyle.”

Free entry on the night includes access to the Canterbury Social Beer Garden which offers an opportunity for racegoers to enjoy The Smokehouse, James Squire Bar, live acoustic music and front row seats to the Parade Ring and Winning Post. Elevate the dining experience by booking a table in The Guineas Restaurant or host a private party in the Open Terrace spaces to celebrate a special occasion.

NOVA’s Tim Blackwell returns for another year as our Friend of Kia Friday Night Racing to promote the exciting Canterbury Park fun there is to be had, alongside his wife and their young family. “What’s not to love about Kia Friday Nights with the kids at Canterbury Park. It’s the perfect place for young families to enjoy a summer evening together. The kids love to immerse themselves in the free activities and we can’t wait to share in the trackside fun again this year,” said Tim.

Donna Forbes, Australian Turf Club Head of Commercial, said the club is thrilled to showcase Kia Friday Night Racing. “Kia Friday Night Racing is one of our favourite summer offerings at the Australian Turf Club. We have seen a growing interest in family friendly racing offerings and Canterbury Park really does provide something for everyone. As Sydney continues to solidify itself as the destination for racing, we look forward to continuing the Kia Friday Night Racing initiative and providing affordable race day experiences for the whole family.”

In a further show of support for the local Canterbury Community, The Australian Turf Club and partner Quayclean will again team up for charities as twelve of Sydney’s best jockeys compete across the Kia Friday Night Racing season. Kicking off on the first night of racing at Canterbury Park, Jockeys will be allocated a local community group or charitable cause and compete in a series based on points for each win or place.

At the end of the ten-night season, jockeys who compile the highest totals will earn their allocated causes: $7,500 (leading rider), $3,500 (second high total) $2,000 (third highest) and $1000 for each charity of the remaining riders. In addition, any jockey not in the selected 12 riders but who takes out individual riding honours on any Friday night will receive a donation of $1,000 for their selected charity. The Australian Turf Club and leading Australian cleaning and waste management firm Quayclean will fund this $22,000 total in partnership.

For more information on Kia Friday Night Racing at Canterbury Park, or to book a group dining experience, please visit: https://www.australianturfclub.com.au/kia-friday-night-racing