
What's free and what's open on the June long weekend
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. Check individual events and venues for exact opening hours.
When is the King's Birthday long weekend?
In 2023, the King's Birthday public holiday falls on Monday 12 June.
Free things to do
Night Trade
Reality bends in St Paul’s Cathedral’s car park of curated chaos and everyone’s invited.
Melbourne Now
Explore the talents of over 200 Victorian-based creative practioners in Melbourne Now 2023.
NGV Architecture Commission: Temple of Boom
An outdoor installation in the NGV garden inspired by the The Parthenon.
C=O=D=A: Cerith Wyn Evans
Cerith Wyn Evans’ installation returns to NGV, suspending neon light in Federation Court.
The Story of the Moving Image
An ongoing exhibition that journeys through the past, present and future of the moving image.
Fitzroy Gardens Outdoor Adventure
A free fun outdoor seek and find adventure around the Fitzroy Gardens.
Family-friendly events
More of the best long weekend events
The Raclette Igloo Experience
Melt into a winter wonderland of French cheese and wine in your own private igloo.
Shadow Spirit
An exhibition of First Peoples’ spirits, time travel and memory within Flinders Street Station.
Goddess: Power, Glamour, Rebellion
An exhibition of on and off screen trailblazers, nonconformists, rebels, agitators and instigators.
Melbourne Vixens v Collingwood Magpies
Watch the Vixens unleash live at John Cain Arena for the 2023 season.
Last updated on Tue 2 May 2023
Discover more
Mirror: New Views on Photography
Step into this immersive experience, celebrating the power of great photography and story.
Spirits Of The Land
First Peoples’ spirit stories in a new large-scale projection by Aunty Zeta Thomson.
MECCA x NGV Women in Design Commission: Bethan Laura Wood
An installation that delves into the gendered history of education and transfer of knowledge.
NGV Triennial
NGV Triennial returns in 2023 with a powerful and moving snapshot capturing the world today.