Fireworks at a riverside carnival

What's on and what's open over the Labour Day long weekend

When is the 2026 Labour Day public holiday in Melbourne?

This year, the Labour Day public holiday (and long weekend) falls on Monday 9 March 2026.

Moomba, The Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix and opening round of the AFL season are all on in Melbourne over the long weekend, so it's going to be busy. Plan your journey into the city ahead of time to avoid delays and road closures.

The best free long weekend events

Play School exhibition with signature teddy and toys.
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Play School: Come and Play

A hands-on, playful exhibition where families can discover how the beloved TV show comes to life.

Designer Nipa Doshi standing in front of her installation of designed pieces at the National Gallery of Victoria.
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MECCA X NGV Women in Design Commission: Nipa Doshi

Designer Nipa Doshi explores beauty, plurality and diversity in her handcrafted cabinet.

Black and white photograph from the 1960s of model, Twiggy, wearing a mini-dress at the Melbourne Cup.
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Swinging 60s

Did the sixties really swing in Victoria? A new exhibition from the Old Treasury Building.

Three people interacting with a neon light installation in a gallery.
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Distraction

An exhibition that plugs into the torrent of content and places we go when craving distraction.

Market stallholder with her puppet toys, beside the Yarra River in the CBD.
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The Sunday Market at Southgate

Explore the Sunday Market at Southgate and meet the makers.

More of the best long weekend events

A performer with a standing audience looking on in the NGV, stained glass visible and purple lighting.
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NGV Friday Nights

Experience the NGV as it comes alive after dark

Elton John in the 1970s wearing large spectacles and satin suit with Cher wearing Bob Mackie midriff-revealing strappy gown and Diana Ross wearing feather and sequin gown.
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DIVA

From opera stars to pop icons, celebrate the power and creativity of the diva.

A person taking a photo of two mannequins dressed in colourful clothing in a fashion exhibition.
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Westwood | Kawakubo

NGV’s summer exhibition pairs two icons of the fashion world, Vivienne Westwood and Rei Kawakubo.

People sitting on cushions on a vast lawn in front of a large outdoor movie screen.
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Moonlight Cinema

Kick back with a film under the stars at Melbourne’s most spectacular open-air cinema.

Two people standing on the 'ceiling' of an inverted living room.

House Down Under

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

Three long narrow boats with people seated in them and a guide standing at the rear of each boat, punting on the lake at Royal Botanic Gardens.
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Punting on the Lake

Glide between the bays and islands of Ornamental Lake on a guided boat cruise.

The concrete arched entrance to the Grey Goose Racquet Club, with patrons standing on synthetic turf under the shade of trees.
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Racquet Club

A high-energy fusion of world-class padel, waterfront atmosphere and unmistakable Crown polish.

The full cast of the musical Book of Mormon on stage singing and dancing, with a painted sky coloured background and other theatre props.
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The Book of Mormon

Australia’s biggest ever musical comedy returns this February.

Four people wearing strapless voluminous dresses dancing the Can Can on a cabaret stage.
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Blanc de Blanc Encore

Experience an intoxicating blend of circus, cabaret, comedy and risqué glamour.

Magician balancing one finger on a globe, suspended updside down, wearing a white suit and hat.
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Piccolo Teatro: Magic Theatre

Specialising in astonishing magic shows and immersive live entertainment.

People dressed at F1 drivers with helmets on, leaning back as if seated.
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The F1 Exhibition

The F1 Exhibition makes its long-awaited debut in Australia.

Looking at a pathway with foliage leading up to a house with warm tones.
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Walsh Street Guided Tour

Explore Robin Boyd’s iconic residence at 290 Walsh Street on a guided tour.

Where to eat and drink on the long weekend

The interior of GLO Gelato with glowing menu board, a yellow counter top and people gathering outside.

GLO Gelato

GLO Gelato is serving up authentic hand-crafted gelato and specialty cakes on Lygon Street.

Plate of pasta with cutlery.

Universal Restaurant

Italian eatery serving comforting pasta, pizza and meat and seafood dishes.

Entrance to Brunetti's showing tables outside, large doors and the coffee bar counter.

Brunetti Classico

Brunetti Classico Carlton boasts one of Melbourne's biggest arrays of cakes and pastries.

The Westin Melbourne viewed from above, showing the facade and landscaping with city skyscrapers in the background and St Paul's Cathedral next door.

The Westin Melbourne

Welcoming you to discover an idyllic retreat in Melbourne.

The illuminated exterior of the Douglas Club, showing its classical architecture.

The Douglas Club

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

Restaurant interior with industrial styled concrete walls, visible pipes, red seating.

Frenchie

A fun and casual approach to Parisian dining where the lights are low and the energy is high.

Note: opening hours may differ and surcharges may apply. Check with businesses before visiting.

Last updated on Thu 26 Feb 2026

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A family of four standing in a grand library with antique desks, large white walls and a dome ceiling.

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A Ferris wheel in the city at sunset with colourful reflections on the river.

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A surprised looking man wearing a Tyrolean hat and holding a microphone in a large room with striped drapes on the ceiling and people seated at benches.
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Ben Sorensen's Game Show Experience

Join Ben Sorensen’s free weekly Hofbrauhaus trivia experience.

A man in a black t-shirt standing with a microphone in front of a presentation screen and two stools, inside a bar setting.
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Off Leash: Weekly Live Comedy Show

A weekly comedy residency that's exactly what a Wednesday should be: casual, funny, full of vibes.

A busy floating bar on the river at night with the city skyline lights in the background.

What's open on the Melbourne Cup Day public holiday

The Melbourne Cup Day public holiday falls on Tuesday 4 November, 2025.

Hands opposite each other bringing two tulip cocktail glasses together in a celebratory clinking motion.
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Autumn Sunset Cocktails at Walsh Street

Open the door to Robin Boyd’s iconic Walsh Street residence after-hours for Autumn Sunset Cocktails.