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 2024?

The public holiday will be on Friday 27 September, the day before the AFL Grand Final. The MCG will once again host the AFL Grand Final, on Saturday 28 September 2024.

Free events on the long weekend

Wurrdha Marra
Until

Wurrdha Marra

Sharing the work of First Nations artists across time and place.

Ayoung Kim – Delivery Dancer's Arc: 0° Receiver
Until

Ayoung Kim – Delivery Dancer's Arc: 0° Receiver

Korean artist Ayoung Kim creates a multiverse that blurs boundaries between space, time and self.

Melbourne Out Loud: Life through the lens of Rennie Ellis
Until

Melbourne Out Loud: Life through the lens of Rennie Ellis

Relive Melbourne's culture and fashion through the lens of iconic photographer Rennie Ellis.

Sci-Fi: Mythologies Transformed
Until

Sci-Fi: Mythologies Transformed

This exhibition highlights science fiction’s connection to ancient philosophy and mythologies.

World of the Book
Until

World of the Book

Explore the rare, the sacred and the iconic in this one-of-a-kind exhibition.

Free and cheap for families

Honk: Untitled Goose Exhibition
Until

Honk: Untitled Goose Exhibition

Explore the cheeky world of the iconic game with playable displays and behind-the-scenes insights.

Shrine Kids
Until

Shrine Kids

A free self-guided program for visitors of all ages.

Fitzroy Gardens Outdoor Adventure
Until

Fitzroy Gardens Outdoor Adventure

A free fun outdoor seek and find adventure around the Fitzroy Gardens.

Rain
Until

Rain

An intimate and interactive installation for you to experience together with your family.

Melbourne markets on this weekend

The Sunday Market at Southgate
Until

The Sunday Market at Southgate

After decades positioned around the Arts Centre, the Sunday Market is now at Southgate.

The Community Grocer Carlton
Until

The Community Grocer Carlton

A weekly pop-up market with fresh fruit and vegetables at affordable prices.

Queen Victoria Market

Queen Victoria Market

This beloved Melbourne landmark is the largest open air market in the southern hemisphere.

The best long weekend events you need to book

Disney's Beauty and the Beast the Musical
Until

Disney's Beauty and the Beast the Musical

Experience Disney's new enchanting musical, Beauty and the Beast.

Tina: The Tina Turner Musical
Until

Tina: The Tina Turner Musical

The inspiring life story of the Queen of Rock, who didn’t just break the rules – she rewrote them.

Melbourne's Brunch Afloat
Until

Melbourne's Brunch Afloat

Enjoy a two-hour bottomless brunch cruise along the Yarra River.

Imaginator
Until

Imaginator

An immersive experience that celebrates imagination, technology and play.

Venues open over the long weekend

Stalactites Restaurant

Stalactites Restaurant

One of Melbourne’s longest established and best-known Greek restaurants.

Circl Wine House

Circl Wine House

Try some of the world's most exciting, up-and-coming wines alongside curated European-inspired food.

St Ali and the Queen

St Ali and the Queen

Coffee meets cocktails at this new concept in the Queen Victoria Market.

Johnny's Green Room

Johnny's Green Room

A rooftop bar above King & Godfree with great views, tunes and Italian inspired food and drinks.

Society

Society

A glamourous restaurant and bar with contemporary dining and bespoke cocktails.

Grill Americano

Grill Americano

Offering Italian classics with signature Chris Lucas spin in sophisticated surrounds.

Kisumé

Kisumé

Exquisite sushi and one of the city's finest wine cellars.

Yakimono

Yakimono

Yakimono is a high energy Japanese-inspired eating house.

Chin Chin

Chin Chin

A fast-paced hawker-style dining sensation serving Thai-inspired food.

Maha

Maha

This opulent, award-winning restaurant brings Middle Eastern flavours to modern fine dining.

Jayda

Jayda

Enjoy seasonal cocktails, wine and bar snacks in a sophisticated, opulent space.

Asado

Asado

An Argentinian barbecue restaurant in the heart of Southbank.

Pastuso

Pastuso

Ceviche and pisco take centre stage at this modern take on Peruvian cuisine.

Palermo

Palermo

A steakhouse with a traditional Argentinian 'asado' grill.

San Telmo Restaurant

San Telmo Restaurant

Premium Argentine food and wine in a warm and inviting environment.

Robata

Robata

Features Japanese grilled dishes, fresh sashimi and select cuts of premium beef.

Yum Sing House Restaurant & Karaoke Bar

Yum Sing House Restaurant & Karaoke Bar

Modern Asian dining and late-night karaoke with the hedonistic spirit of 1960s Hong Kong.

Grossi Florentino

Grossi Florentino

Grossi Florentino has set the bar for Italian fine dining in Melbourne since 1928.

Ombra

Ombra

Guy Grossi's Ombra serves cured meats, Venetian tapas and excellent wines to share.

Hofbräuhaus

Hofbräuhaus

Delivering hand-selected German beer, authentic food and classic hospitality since 1968.

Mill Place Merchants

Mill Place Merchants

A cocktail bar hidden behind a vintage dressing room in a building dating back to the 1840s.

Last updated on Wed 25 Sep 2024

Christmas

Christmas things to do

Christmas things to do

Explore a wonderland of events and dazzling decorations as the city comes to life this Christmas.

Christmas eat and drink

Christmas eat and drink

Feeling festive? Sip mistletoe martinis at a rooftop bar or dine under the lights in a laneway.

Christmas shopping

Christmas shopping

Shop the city's iconic laneways, malls and arcades to find the perfect pressie.

Discover more

What's on in December

What's on in December

Things to do in Melbourne in December, from free events to exhibitions and places to visit.

What's on in May

What's on in May

Things to do in Melbourne in May, from free events to exhibitions and places to visit.

What's on today

What's on today

Discover free events, epic festivals and shows on in Melbourne today.

New Year's Eve at The General Assembly

New Year's Eve at The General Assembly

Party at one of the best pubs on the Yarra River with prime fireworks views.