What's free and what's open on the January public holiday
When is the January public holiday in 2025
This year, the January public holiday and long weekend falls on Monday 27 January.
The best free events on the public holiday
NGV Architecture Commission: Home Truth by Breathe
The NGV's 2024 Architecture Commission is designed by architecture and design studio Breathe.
Kusama for Kids
Children and families can enjoy NGV's Kusama for Kids, a free interactive installation.
Int. Spaceship – Night
An immersive, text-based role-playing game experience inspired by cinema and ACMI's exhibitions.
Tipping Point
Be part of the studio audience for Tipping Point, hosted by sporting legend Todd Woodbridge.
Rekospective: The Art of Reko Rennie
Reko Rennie's largest presentation of work to date and his first-ever retrospective exhibition.
The best free events on the weekend before the public holiday
Making Memoir of a Snail
Explore handmade sets, props and characters from Adam Elliot's claymation film Memoir of a Snail.
The Sunday Market at Southgate
After decades positioned around the Arts Centre, the Sunday Market is now at Southgate.
The Outsiders Melbourne
An exhibition of the largest street-art collection in Australia, including a whole room of Banksys.
Ayoung Kim – Delivery Dancer's Arc: 0° Receiver
Korean artist Ayoung Kim creates a multiverse that blurs boundaries between space, time and self.
Fables and Folklore
Internationally renowned Australian decorator, Simone Haag, curates Craft’s summer exhibition.
Australia Day Open Day at Government House
Explore the State Apartments, picnic on the Western Lawn, and enjoy a variety of roving performers.
The best events on the public holiday
Yayoi Kusama
From polka dots to pumpkins, Yayoi Kusama comes to NGV with a world-premiere blockbuster exhibition.
Cats & Dogs
From cattle dogs to lap dogs, divine felines to cat superstitions, explore more than 250 works.
The best events on the weekend before the public holiday
Australian Open
An epic fusion of music, entertainment, brand new fan experiences plus blockbuster tennis.
Raiders of the Lost Ark in Concert
The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra bring to life Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Japanese Tea Ceremony with Harumi Oshitani
A chance to experience authentic Japanese Tea Ceremony in the heart of Melbourne.
Disney's Beauty and the Beast the Musical
Experience Disney's new enchanting musical, Beauty and the Beast.
The Wind in the Willows
Kenneth Grahame’s immortal story of life on the riverbank is brought to life.
The Outsiders Melbourne
An exhibition of the largest street-art collection in Australia, including a whole room of Banksys.
Penn & Teller: 50th Anniversary Tour
The world’s most legendary magicians return to Melbourne with their brand-new show.
Sumo Mainichi: Live Podcast Recording
Come along to a live podcast recording from Sumo Mainichi and watch all the sumo action.
Ants by Polyglot Theatre
A free interactive performance which brings children together to explore the landscape around them.
What's open on the public holiday
Ronnie's
Inspired by family dinners, where friends and family meet to dine, wine and have good times.
Grill Americano
Offering Italian classics with signature Chris Lucas spin in sophisticated surrounds.
Ms Ava Bar
In the evening, enjoy some of the best local Australian produced spirits and inspired cocktails.
Dodee Paidang Thai Bar and Cafe
Thai restaurant specialising in traditional-style street food dishes.
Code Black Coffee
The Flinders Lane cafe is the destination for expert service, coffee cocktails and brunch.
Luci
A contemporary Australian restaurant set in the grand hall of historic Equity Chambers building.
EziStreat
EziStreat transforms North Melbourne into a multicultural culinary melting pot of food and fun.
BKK
A turbocharged Thai canteen, serving Bangkok-inspired street food from a fiery open-concept kitchen
Her Bar Melbourne
A European restaurant and bar serving diverse wines, seasonal plates, and modern cocktails.
Il Bacaro Cucina e Bar
A fine dining experience, offering modern Italian cuisine in an intimate and relaxed setting.
More events in Melbourne
Melbourne's essential night-time events
From hidden laneway markets to epic pop-ups, Melbourne gets lit once the lights go out.
Melbourne's best outdoor events
Take the good times out into the fresh air with alfresco dining, summer events and epic pop-ups.
The best things to do under $20 in Melbourne
The best cocktail deals, cheap eats and low-cost activities in Melbourne.
Last updated on Fri 17 Jan 2025
Only In The City
Melbourne's best rainy day activities for kids
Find the best indoor family activities during the school holidays.
Check out these Melbourne experts’ top city picks
Curated lists of all the best restaurants and shopping spots in Melbourne.
Discover more
VR World Melbourne - Virtual Reality Arcade
Experience virtual reality in Melbourne. Solve mysteries, fight zombies, explore new worlds.