What's free and what's open on the Easter long weekend
What's better than a three-day weekend? That would be a four-day weekend! Take your Easter break to the next level with the city's best comedy shows, exhibits, theatre and more.
When are the Easter long weekend public holidays?
In 2025, Good Friday falls on 18 April and Easter Monday falls on 21 April.
When do the Easter school holidays start?
The Easter school holidays start on Monday 7 April and end on Sunday 20 April 2025.
What’s free on the long weekend
Int. Spaceship – Night
An immersive, text-based role-playing game experience inspired by cinema and ACMI's exhibitions.
Making Memoir of a Snail
Explore handmade sets, props and characters from Adam Elliot's claymation film Memoir of a Snail.
Elissa Goodrich: Waves and Bubbles – Turbulent Waters
An exhibition of climate-science, sound and visual arts, for all ages.
Top Arts
The annual Top Arts exhibition provides a platform for emerging artists from across the state.
NGV Architecture Commission: Home Truth by Breathe
The NGV's 2024 Architecture Commission is designed by architecture and design studio Breathe.
The Sunday Market at Southgate
After decades positioned around the Arts Centre, the Sunday Market is now at Southgate.
Some of the best events on during the long weekend
Melbourne International Comedy Festival
Get ready to giggle at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival!
Disney's Beauty and the Beast the Musical
Experience Disney's new enchanting musical, Beauty and the Beast.
Yayoi Kusama
From polka dots to pumpkins, Yayoi Kusama comes to NGV with a world-premiere blockbuster exhibition.
Something Good: Improv Comedy Show
Enjoy long form improv at its finest, with famous faces dropping by each week.
Lukas Meintjes: If You're From Africa?
A dark satirical mix of clown and standup about growing up gay in Zimbabwe.
Amy Annette, Emmanuel Sonubi and Paddy Young: New Order
Hot from the UK – the ones to watch this Festival.
Flo & Joan: The Joan & Flo Show
Musical comedy duo Flo & Joan are taking to the stage for five shows only.
Blake Everett: Kindly Remove Your Shoes
Take off your shoes (slippers provided) and step into the cosiest show of the Comedy Festival.
Comedy at The Coopers Inn: The Early Show
A great value showcase of the best acts at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Taylor Griffiths: Sublime Avenue
A solo sketch character show that will make you feel nostalgic for a street you never lived on
Family activities during the long weekend
House Down Under
Australia’s favourite inverted house photo experience brings topsy-turvy fun to Melbourne.
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
Discover thousands of aquatic animals in four enchanting worlds at this top Melbourne attraction.
Titanic: A Voyage Through Time
An extraordinary virtual reality journey into history’s most famous ship.
Fitzroy Gardens I-Spy adventure
This autumn, send your little explorers on an exciting adventure to explore Fitzroy Gardens.
Cats & Dogs
From cattle dogs to lap dogs, divine felines to cat superstitions, explore more than 250 works.
Circus Oz Non Stop
Circus Oz returns to the iconic Melbourne Town Hall for a strictly limited season.
Tinkerbell and the Dream Fairies
Join the magical fairies as they go on an exciting musical adventure.
Kusama for Kids
Children and families can enjoy NGV's Kusama for Kids, a free interactive installation.
Where to eat and drink on the long weekend
Grossi Florentino
Grossi Florentino has set the bar for Italian fine dining in Melbourne since 1928.
Johnny's Green Room
A rooftop bar above King & Godfree with great views, tunes and Italian inspired food and drinks.
The Terrace
A little cafe in the Royal Botanic Gardens with picturesque views and scones to die for.
Good Heavens
Rooftop bar on Bourke Street serving fabulous cocktails, craft beer and Australian wine.
Maison Bâtard
Chris Lucas' Maison Bâtard heralds a grand new legacy for a heritage Bourke Street site.
Grill Americano
Offering Italian classics with signature Chris Lucas spin in sophisticated surrounds.
Brunetti Classico
Brunetti Classico Carlton boasts one of Melbourne's biggest arrays of cakes and pastries.
Central Club Hotel
Great craft beer and delicious market-to-table food, opposite the Queen Victoria Market.
EziStreat
EziStreat transforms North Melbourne into a multicultural culinary melting pot of food and fun.
Visitor centres open on Good Friday
Melbourne Visitor Hub
Stop by Town Hall for information and help planning your time in Melbourne and Regional Victoria.
Melbourne Visitor Booth
Booth in the Bourke Street Mall with information on shopping, attractions and events.
Fitzroy Gardens Visitor Centre
Stop by for free information on the heritage-listed gardens and surrounding attractions.
Last updated on Thu 17 Apr 2025
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