What's free and what's open on the King's Birthday long weekend
It may have changed from the Queen's Birthday to the King's Birthday, but you can still have a royal long weekend at the city's best restaurants, festivals, free events and more.
When is the King's Birthday long weekend?
In 2025, the King's Birthday public holiday falls on Monday 9 June.
Free things to do
Taste of Portugal
A cultural showcase of Portuguese cuisine, music, dance, arts, crafts, language and tourism.
RISING: Night Trade
Music, art, food and reality-rifting lasers – sample the RISING festival for free.
RISING: intangible #form
Lasers bounce off The Capitol’s ceiling, turning the auditorium into a kinetic light sculpture.
Mark Chu: Eat With Our Eyes
Showing everyday food culture in a wide range of food spaces from supermarkets to wine bars.
The Story of the Moving Image
An ongoing exhibition that journeys through the past, present and future of the moving image.
RISING: Matha
Connect to Matha, an audio/visual conversation between the Dhungala and Birrarung river systems.
Top Arts
The annual Top Arts exhibition provides a platform for emerging artists from across the state.
RISING: SHOUSE Communitas
Another epic session of Communitas, where everyone’s in the band, including you.
Ayoung Kim – Delivery Dancer's Arc: 0° Receiver
Korean artist Ayoung Kim creates a multiverse that blurs boundaries between space, time and self.
MindBodySpirit Festival
Explore wellness, workshops, new products and retreats at this free festival.
Japan Sunday Market 2.0
Winter Edition of Japan's best vibes, featuring street food like yakitori and traditional crafts.
The best long weekend events
NGV Friday Nights: French Impressionism
Enjoy an after-hours exploration of French Impressionism at NGV International.
Beetlejuice The Musical
The eight-time Tony Award-nominated musical is now playing at the Regent Theatre.
RISING: Swingers — The Art of Mini Golf
The art of mini-golf, for anyone who swings outside the lines.
Fondue Chalet
Enjoy a fully immersive fondue experience in your own chalet at this Fed Square pop-up.
Martin Grant
A major exhibition of work by Australian-born Paris-based fashion designer Martin Grant.
Family-friendly events
LEGO Star Wars: The Exhibition
Step into a world of epic battles, spaceships and landscapes from a galaxy far, far away.
House Down Under
Australia’s favourite inverted house photo experience brings topsy-turvy fun to ³Ô¹ÏÍø.
Plans For The Planet: Olaf Breuning For Kids
Created by artist Olaf Breuning this exhibition invites kids to explore the natural environment.
Monopoly Dreams
Enjoy a fully immersive and interactive Monopoly experience, featuring games and challenges.
Where to eat and drink on the long weekend
Hochi Mama
An ambient and eclectic venue with delicious dishes inspired by the flavors of South-East Asia.
Dodee Paidang Thai Bar and Cafe
Thai restaurant specialising in traditional-style street food dishes.
Ms Ava Bar
In the evening, enjoy some of the best local Australian produced spirits and inspired cocktails.
Bodega Underground
Bodega is a late night taqueria and underground mezcaleria in the basement of the Crossley Hotel.
D.O.C Pizza & Mozzarella Bar
The authentic flavour of a Rome-style pizza without the cost of a plane ticket.
Green Man's Arms
Green Man's Arms is an enchanting pub serving vegetarian and vegan cuisine with Israeli flavours.
Operator San
A new Japanese brunch by Operator25 cafe, serving sweets, savouries, specialty coffee and drinks.
Johnny's Green Room
A rooftop bar above King & Godfree with great views, tunes and Italian inspired food and drinks.
Maison Bâtard
Chris Lucas' Maison Bâtard heralds a grand new legacy for a heritage Bourke Street site.
Luci
A contemporary Australian restaurant set in the grand hall of historic Equity Chambers building.
The Douglas Club
Set within the Equity Chambers Building, The Douglas Club is the perfect spot for a city drink.
Hella Good
A souvlaki shop from the owners of one of ³Ô¹ÏÍø's best-known Greek restaurant, Stalactites.
Grill Americano
Offering Italian classics with signature Chris Lucas spin in sophisticated surrounds.
Note hours may vary and surcharges may apply. Check with the venue before visiting.
Last updated on Wed 4 Jun 2025
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