Cheltenham festival gold cup 2025

Question

Hi all.

My friends and I will be in Boston in March.

Are any bars open, or would they open early to show the Cheltenham festival?

Mainly the Friday or just the Gold Cup?

I'm sure we will spend the rest of day in the bar after the racing?

Answer

It sounds like you and your friends are planning a fun time in Boston while catching the Cheltenham Festival! March is a great time for sports fans, and you’ll likely find a few spots that will accommodate early morning or midday racing events, especially for the Gold Cup.

1) Are any bars open or would they open early to show the Cheltenham Festival?

Yes, there are definitely some bars in Boston that open early for sporting events, and many of them cater to a crowd that enjoys events like the Cheltenham Festival, particularly for big races like the Gold Cup. Some of the most popular sports bars or British-style pubs will often open early for major international sporting events, especially those with a large following like the Cheltenham Festival. Some venues that are likely to show the races include:

The Eliot Lounge – Known for showing sports, this place might be a good bet to catch the races early in the morning.
The British Beer Company – This chain has a more British feel and often broadcasts rugby, football, and other international sporting events, so they may show the Cheltenham Festival.
The Lansdowne Pub – This Irish pub in Fenway is another popular spot for early morning sports, especially for racing events.
J.J. Foley’s Bar – A classic Boston bar known for its Irish roots, they might cater to any international events that people are tuning in for.
Time Out Market Boston – This venue often broadcasts a variety of sporting events and may open early to cater to the crowd for Cheltenham.

2) Are they likely to show just the Gold Cup or the entire festival on Friday?

Most places will definitely show the Gold Cup, as it’s the main event of the festival. Some bars may even choose to show the entire day’s races leading up to the Gold Cup, particularly if there is enough interest. However, it depends on the venue and the crowd, so it’s worth calling ahead or checking with them online to confirm. Since the Gold Cup takes place in the afternoon in the UK, it may be a bit earlier in the day in Boston, so plan accordingly for an early start!

3) Suggestions for the rest of the day after the racing?

Once the races are over, you and your friends can continue the fun in the bar or explore other local spots. Here are some ideas to extend the day after the Gold Cup:

Head to a nearby pub for drinks and food: Boston has no shortage of lively pubs where you can keep the celebration going. The Harp and the Silhouette Lounge are both great options for a post-race pub vibe.
Check out a local brewery: Boston is home to some fantastic craft breweries, like Trillium Brewing and Harpoon Brewery. You could take a brewery tour or just hang out and sample the local beers.
Visit the Seaport District: For a more relaxed vibe, the Seaport District offers a variety of waterfront bars and restaurants with great views of the harbor.
Catch live music: If you’re in the mood for some entertainment, consider heading to a live music venue like House of Blues or Paradise Rock Club.

4) Final Tips:

Call ahead: It’s a good idea to call ahead to your chosen venue to confirm if they’ll be showing the races, especially if you’re planning to watch early in the morning.
Plan for transportation: Boston’s public transportation system can help you get around easily, but if you plan to drink, consider using a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft, especially after a long day of festivities.
Arrive early: To get a good seat and ensure the race is on, try to arrive early, especially for the Gold Cup, as it’s the most popular race.

Enjoy your Cheltenham experience in Boston! It sounds like it’ll be a memorable trip with plenty of great racing action and post-race fun!