What's open on the Melbourne Cup Day public holiday
When is the Melbourne Cup Day public holiday this year?
This year, the Melbourne Cup Day public holiday falls on Tuesday 5 November, 2024. Taking an extra day? Kicking on late into Cup Day-eve? Come back later in the year to find fun events to make the most of your public holiday.
Free on the public holiday
The Story of the Moving Image
An ongoing exhibition that journeys through the past, present and future of the moving image.
Rekospective: The Art of Reko Rennie
Reko Rennie's largest presentation of work to date and his first-ever retrospective exhibition.
Laugh Lab at La La Land
Come watch Melbourne's finest up and coming comedians perform in the cosiest cocktail bar in town.
Bark Salon
Bark Salon is a large-scale display of First Nations bark painting, with more than 160 works.
Making Memoir of a Snail
Explore handmade sets, props and characters from Adam Elliot's claymation film Memoir of a Snail.
Ayoung Kim – Delivery Dancer's Arc: 0° Receiver
Korean artist Ayoung Kim creates a multiverse that blurs boundaries between space, time and self.
Hofbrauhaus Trivia Experience mit Ben Sorensen
Join Ben Sorensen’s free weekly Hofbrauhaus trivia experience.
What's open for drinking and dining
Some venues will have different hours and holiday surcharges - call ahead with any questions.
Il Bacaro Cucina e Bar
A fine dining experience, offering modern Italian cuisine in an intimate and relaxed setting.
Young & Jackson
One of Melbourne's oldest hotels, featuring a combination of boutique bar and classic pub.
P.J.O'Brien's Irish Pub
An Irish pub in Southbank with live music nightly, open for lunch, dinner, and drinks.
Left Bank Melbourne
A versatile venue catering to both large and small groups for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The Douglas Club
Set within the Equity Chambers Building, The Douglas Club is the perfect spot for a city drink.
Luci
A contemporary Australian restaurant set in the grand hall of historic Equity Chambers building.
Grossi Florentino
Grossi Florentino has set the bar for Italian fine dining in Melbourne since 1928.
Best events and attractions to book
Leonardo Da Vinci
Explore the legacy of the visionary artist, inventor, scientist and philosopher at THE LUME.
Cats & Dogs
From cattle dogs to lap dogs, divine felines to cat superstitions, explore more than 250 works.
Paint and Sip Class: Ceramic Bowls and Plates
Immerse yourself in the delightful and creative experience of Paint and Sip class.
What's on over the weekend and Cup Day eve
Disney's Beauty and the Beast the Musical
Experience Disney's new enchanting musical, Beauty and the Beast.
Tina: The Tina Turner Musical
The inspiring life story of the Queen of Rock, who didn’t just break the rules – she rewrote them.
Accidentally Wes Anderson: The Exhibition
Journey through more than 200 of the most beautiful, idiosyncratic, and interesting places on Earth.
Hella Good
A souvlaki shop from the owners of one of Melbourne's best-known Greek restaurant, Stalactites.
Johnny's Green Room
A rooftop bar above King & Godfree with great views, tunes and Italian inspired food and drinks.
Pidapipo Gelateria
Authentic, artisanal Italian-style gelato in the heart of Carlton's Lygon Street.
Grill Americano
Offering Italian classics with signature Chris Lucas spin in sophisticated surrounds.
Last updated on Fri 1 Nov 2024
Christmas
Christmas things to do
Explore a wonderland of events and dazzling decorations as the city comes to life this Christmas.
Christmas eat and drink
Feeling festive? Sip mistletoe martinis at a rooftop bar or dine under the lights in a laneway.
Discover more
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
Things to do in Melbourne in May, from free events to exhibitions and places to visit.
New Year's Eve at The General Assembly
Party at one of the best pubs on the Yarra River with prime fireworks views.