It may have changed from the Queen's Birthday to the King's Birthday, but you can still have a royal long weekend at the city's best restaurants, festivals, free events and more.

When is the King's Birthday long weekend?

In 2025, the King's Birthday public holiday falls on Monday 9 June.

Free things to do

The Story of the Moving Image
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The Story of the Moving Image

An ongoing exhibition that journeys through the past, present and future of the moving image.

Ayoung Kim – Delivery Dancer's Arc: 0° Receiver
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Ayoung Kim – Delivery Dancer's Arc: 0° Receiver

Korean artist Ayoung Kim creates a multiverse that blurs boundaries between space, time and self.

The best long weekend events

NGV Friday Nights: French Impressionism
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NGV Friday Nights: French Impressionism

Enjoy an after-hours exploration of French Impressionism at NGV International.

Beetlejuice The Musical
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Beetlejuice The Musical

The hilarious five-star musical must leave Australia on 11 September.

RISING: Swingers — The Art of Mini Golf
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RISING: Swingers — The Art of Mini Golf

The art of mini-golf, for anyone who swings outside the lines.

Footloose: The Musical
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Footloose: The Musical

This smash-hit musical will leave you on your feet and cheering for more.

Martin Grant
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Martin Grant

A major exhibition of work by Australian-born Paris-based fashion designer Martin Grant.

Family-friendly events

LEGO Star Wars: The Exhibition
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LEGO Star Wars: The Exhibition

Step into a world of epic battles, spaceships and landscapes from a galaxy far, far away.

House Down Under

House Down Under

Australia’s favourite inverted house photo experience brings topsy-turvy fun to Melbourne.

Joy
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Joy

Experience an emotive adventure where creativity, colour and storytelling join forces.

Plans For The Planet: Olaf Breuning For Kids
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Plans For The Planet: Olaf Breuning For Kids

Created by artist Olaf Breuning this exhibition invites kids to explore the natural environment.

Mr Wolf Game
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Mr Wolf Game

An immersive 'play in real life game' for kids aged five to ten.

Monopoly Dreams

Monopoly Dreams

Enjoy a fully immersive and interactive Monopoly experience, featuring games and challenges.

Saboteurs
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Saboteurs

An 'Among Us' style game played in real life.

Where to eat and drink on the long weekend

Hotel Nacional

Hotel Nacional

An entirely gluten-free Mexican-inspired rooftop bar and restaurant.

Green Cup

Green Cup

Specialising in smoothies, acai bowls, smashed avo and raw snacks.

Hochi Mama

Hochi Mama

South-East Asian fusion, cheeky cocktails and street-style energy in the heart of the city.

Dodee Paidang Thai Bar and Cafe

Dodee Paidang Thai Bar and Cafe

Thai restaurant specialising in traditional-style street food dishes.

Ms Ava Bar

Ms Ava Bar

Ms Ava serves an elevated bistro-style menu, signature cocktails and plays Frank Sinatra.

Secret Kitchen

Secret Kitchen

An excellent spot for yum cha and Chinese delicacies.

Thai Tide

Thai Tide

Bold Thai regional cuisine, with a focus on local produce and Australian natural wines.

Bodega Underground

Bodega Underground

Bodega is a late night taqueria and underground mezcaleria in the basement of the Crossley Hotel.

Lobby Lounge

Lobby Lounge

Crafted cocktails and bar bites in the lobby of The Westin Melbourne Hotel.

D.O.C Pizza & Mozzarella Bar

D.O.C Pizza & Mozzarella Bar

The authentic flavour of a Rome-style pizza without the cost of a plane ticket.

Green Man's Arms

Green Man's Arms

Green Man's Arms is an enchanting pub serving vegetarian and vegan cuisine with Israeli flavours.

Karé

Karé

Serving delicious umami-packed Japanese curry creations.

Operator San

Operator San

A new Japanese brunch by Operator25 cafe, serving sweets, savouries, specialty coffee and drinks.

An Di

An Di

Showcasing the diverse and vibrant dishes of Vietnam.

Johnny's Green Room

Johnny's Green Room

A rooftop bar above King & Godfree with great views, tunes and Italian inspired food and drinks.

Yakimono

Yakimono

Yakimono is a high energy Japanese-inspired eating house.

Maison Bâtard

Maison Bâtard

Chris Lucas' Maison Bâtard heralds a grand new legacy for a heritage Bourke Street site.

Luci

Luci

A contemporary Australian restaurant set in the grand hall of historic Equity Chambers building.

The Douglas Club

The Douglas Club

Set within the Equity Chambers Building, The Douglas Club is the perfect spot for a city drink.

Stalactites Restaurant

Stalactites Restaurant

One of Melbourne’s longest established and best-known Greek restaurants.

Hella Good

Hella Good

A souvlaki shop from the owners of one of Melbourne's best-known Greek restaurant, Stalactites.

Ponyfish Island

Ponyfish Island

A floating bar on the Yarra River under the Southbank pedestrian bridge.

Grill Americano

Grill Americano

Offering Italian classics with signature Chris Lucas spin in sophisticated surrounds.

Chin Chin

Chin Chin

A fast-paced hawker-style dining sensation serving Thai-inspired food.

Maha

Maha

This opulent, award-winning restaurant brings Middle Eastern flavours to modern fine dining.

Note hours may vary and surcharges may apply. Check with the venue before visiting.

Last updated on Wed 4 Jun 2025

Only In The City

Only in the City

Only in the City

This city hums with energy - with hidden laneway cafes, rooftop bars, art and culture at every turn.

Listening Acts | Performance

Listening Acts | Performance

Two visionaries of live AV bend time and space in one transcendent night of sensory immersion.

Ryoji Ikeda ultratronics / CORIN presents DIWA

Ryoji Ikeda ultratronics / CORIN presents DIWA

Two visionaries of live AV bend time and space in one transcendent night of sensory immersion.

Discover more

CHARGE! Agincourt by Back to Back Theatre
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CHARGE! Agincourt by Back to Back Theatre

A new exhibition by Geelong's Back to Back Theatre brings fresh perspective to the story of Henry V.

Patrick Pantano: Trying to Bite the Wind

Patrick Pantano: Trying to Bite the Wind

An exhibition of new paintings by Patrick Pantano.

What's open in Melbourne on the ANZAC Day Long Weekend

What's open in Melbourne on the ANZAC Day Long Weekend

Best things to do on the ANZAC day public holiday and the long weekend

Making Memoir of a Snail
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Making Memoir of a Snail

Explore handmade sets, props and characters from Adam Elliot's claymation film Memoir of a Snail.