What's open on the grand final long weekend
Kick goals on the long weekend at the city's best restaurants, live gigs, free events and more. Check individual events and venues for exact opening hours.
When is the grand final public holiday in 2025?
The public holiday will be on Friday 26 September, the day before the AFL Grand Final. The MCG will once again host the AFL Grand Final, on Saturday 27 September 2025.
Free events on the long weekend
AFL Maccas Footy Fest
Immerse yourself in a world of activities for all ages; footy, music, food, fashion and fandom.
Eddy Current Suppression Ring Live
Catch Melbourne underground rock legends Eddy Current Suppression Ring live and free at Fed Square.
Queen Victoria Market Moon Festival
The Moon Festival at Queen Victoria Market celebrates culture, food, and family fun.
Toyota AFL Grand Final Parade
Showcasing both Grand Final teams to their fans as we all prepare for the big game!
65,000 Years: A Short History of Australian Art
An exhibition featuring more than 450 works by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.
Distraction
An exhibition that plugs into the torrent of content and places we go when craving distraction.
RESET: A Free Festival for Greener Living
Slow down, reconnect with nature, and explore sustainability in creative ways this spring.
Tschabalala Self: Skin Tight
The first solo exhibition in Australia for renowned American artist Tschabalala Self.
Free and cheap for families
Grand Final Long Weekend at Queen Vic Market
Catch the footy fever at the market, with exciting activities for the whole family.
A Butterfly Story: A Garden Activity for Kids
Flap your wings to find your way to the Test Garden at Fed Square, to learn all about butterflies.
Fitzroy Gardens Outdoor Adventure
A free fun outdoor seek and find adventure around the Fitzroy Gardens.
Plans For The Planet: Olaf Breuning For Kids
Created by artist Olaf Breuning this exhibition invites kids to explore the natural environment.
Shrine Kids
Embark on a family adventure with this engaging program designed for discovery at every turn.
Melbourne markets on this weekend
Creative Society Markets
An exciting new market where you can meet Melbourne's best creators, designers, makers and foodies.
Queen Victoria Market
This beloved Melbourne landmark is the largest open air market in the southern hemisphere.
The best long weekend events to book
Melbourne Royal Show
Get up close to animals, enjoy tantalising tastes, see world-class entertainment and much more.
French Impressionism
The Melbourne Winter Masterpieces exhibition from the Museum of Fine Arts Boston.
LEGO Star Wars: The Exhibition
Step into a world of epic battles, spaceships and landscapes from a galaxy far, far away.
Martin Grant
A major exhibition of work by Australian-born Paris-based fashion designer Martin Grant.
State Library Victoria Unlocked
On this exclusive tour, gain access to State Library Victoria before the doors open to the public.
Oktoberfest at Munich Brauhaus
Dust off your dirndl, press your best lederhosen – it’s time to prost, party and platter.
Oktoberfest at Hofbräuhaus
Get ready to embrace your Bavarian spirit – Oktoberfest returns to Hofbräuhaus for the 57th year.
NGV Friday Nights: French Impressionism
Enjoy an after-hours exploration of French Impressionism at NGV International.
Where to watch the AFL Grand Final in Melbourne
Riverland Bar
Book a table to watch the game live and loud from 1.30pm with a post-game DJ.
Imperial Hotel
Enjoy the match live and loud then head to the rooftop for an after party with a band and DJ.
Hickens Hotel
Book a table or booth package to watch the game live and loud, with a live band after the siren.
Beer DeLuxe
Experience the game live and loud downstairs or book a bottomless drinks and BBQ package.
The Boatbuilders Yard
Watch the game live and loud on 11 screens with free entry from 8am, prizes and food specials.
The Cliveden Bar & Dining
Head to the Pullman for a street party with gourmet food stalls, live music and bars.
The General Assembly
Watch the game live and loud from 11am with burger specials and a meat raffle.
Venues open over the long weekend
Grill Americano
Offering Italian classics with signature Chris Lucas spin in sophisticated surrounds.
Hofbräuhaus
Delivering hand-selected German beer, authentic food and classic hospitality since 1968.
Ministry of Crab
Internationally acclaimed Sri Lankan restaurant with a focus on Northern Australian mud crab.
Johnny's Green Room
A rooftop bar above King & Godfree with great views, tunes and Italian inspired food and drinks.
Hella Good
A souvlaki shop from the owners of one of Melbourne's best-known Greek restaurant, Stalactites.
Yum Sing House
Modern Asian dining and a late-night bar with the hedonistic spirit of 1960s Hong Kong.
Grossi Florentino
Grossi Florentino has set the bar for Italian fine dining in Melbourne since 1928.
Mill Place Merchants
A cocktail bar hidden behind a vintage dressing room in a building dating back to the 1840s.
Lexy Restaurant and Bar
Where high-glam sophistication meets the electric spirit of modern Asian fusion.
Fleet Rooftop Bar
Soaring 68 metres above Flinders Street, Fleet promises sweeping views of the Yarra and beyond.
Last updated on Fri 19 Sep 2025
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