What's free and what's open on the January public holiday
When is the January public holiday in 2026
In 2026, the January public holiday and long weekend falls on Monday 26 January. Come back later in the year for more information about what is on and open on the public holiday.
The best free events on the public holiday
Ayoung Kim – Delivery Dancer's Arc: 0° Receiver
The Korean artist creates a multiverse that blurs boundaries between space, time and self.
Making Memoir of a Snail
Explore handmade sets, props and characters from Adam Elliot's claymation film Memoir of a Snail.
Rewind Forward: Creative in Residence Group Exhibition
Drawing from state archives, artists create works that reawaken Victoria’s historical narrative.
MECCA X NGV Women in Design Commission: Nipa Doshi
Designer Nipa Doshi explores beauty, plurality and diversity in her handcrafted cabinet.
The Story of the Moving Image
A permanent exhibition that journeys through the past, present and future of the moving image.
The best free events on the weekend before the public holiday
World of the Book
Explore the rare, the sacred and the iconic in the 20th anniversary of this annual exhibition.
Free Guided Walk
A free guided walk is the perfect way to enjoy the sunny weather in Royal Botanic Gardens ³Ô¹ÏÍø.
ACCA's Summer Season: r e a : c l a i m e d
ACCA presents a focused retrospective of Gamilaraay, Wailwan and Biripi digital media artist, r e a.
ACCA's Summer Season: Tourmaline: Transcendent
The first Australian solo exhibition of work by acclaimed artist, filmmaker and writer, Tourmaline.
The best events on the public holiday
Westwood | Kawakubo
NGV’s summer exhibition pairs two icons of the fashion world, Vivienne Westwood and Rei Kawakubo.
Hot Air Balloon Dining Experience
Gather with friends and family at The Wharf Hotel's hot air balloon dining pods.
Transmutation: Our Origin Stories
Journey into stories of origin, transformation and cultural inheritance.
Game Worlds
ACMI's new playable exhibition features more than 30 videogames from the 1970s to today.
Order Up: A City Fed by Many Cultures
Experience the soul of ³Ô¹ÏÍø’s hospitality scene like never before and this exhibition.
The best events on the weekend before the public holiday
Cabaret Ridiculous
An hour of variety entertainment that’s as unpredictable as it is unforgettable.
History and Donuts Walking Tour
History, laneways and donuts – explore ³Ô¹ÏÍø’s sweet side on this 2.5-hour walking tour.
³Ô¹ÏÍø Hidden Bars Walking Tour
Discover ³Ô¹ÏÍø's hidden bars – down alleys, in basements and behind closed doors.
7 Paintings Dining Experience
A dinner show that combines art, technology, and culinary delight into a unique experience.
What's open on the public holiday
Waterside Hotel
Dine between destinations with a layered experience of ³Ô¹ÏÍø hospitality inspired by Asia.
Ronnie's
Inspired by family dinners, where friends and family meet to dine, wine and have good times.
Grill Americano
Offering Italian classics with signature Chris Lucas spin in sophisticated surrounds.
Ms Ava Bar
Ms Ava serves an elevated bistro-style menu, signature cocktails and plays Frank Sinatra.
Dodee Paidang Thai Bar and Cafe
Thai restaurant specialising in traditional-style street food dishes.
Code Black Coffee
The Flinders Lane cafe is the destination for expert service, coffee cocktails and brunch.
Luci
A contemporary Australian restaurant set in the grand hall of historic Equity Chambers building.
BKK
A turbocharged Thai canteen, serving Bangkok-inspired street food from a fiery open-concept kitchen
Her Bar ³Ô¹ÏÍø
A European restaurant and bar serving diverse wines, seasonal plates, and modern cocktails.
D.O.C Espresso & Delicatessen
Pick up top-quality Italian coffee, panini, smallgoods and pantry staples.
Il Bacaro Cucina e Bar
A fine dining experience, offering modern Italian cuisine in an intimate and relaxed setting.
Vinesmith City Cellar Door
Elegant French bistro and wine bar showcasing wines from the Pyrenees and Grampians regions.
The Douglas Club
Set within the Equity Chambers Building, The Douglas Club is the perfect spot for a city drink.
Transport Public Bar
Bustling pub in Federation Square with tasty pub meals and an impressive range of drinks.
Transit Rooftop Bar
Large rooftop bar in Federation Square, with expansive views of the ³Ô¹ÏÍø skyline.
More events in ³Ô¹ÏÍø
³Ô¹ÏÍø's essential night-time events
From hidden laneway markets to epic pop-ups, ³Ô¹ÏÍø gets lit once the lights go out.
³Ô¹ÏÍø's best outdoor events
Take the good times out into the fresh air with alfresco dining, summer events and epic pop-ups.
The best things to do under $20 in ³Ô¹ÏÍø
The best cocktail deals, cheap eats and low-cost activities in ³Ô¹ÏÍø.
Last updated on Tue 27 Jan 2026
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VR World ³Ô¹ÏÍø: Virtual Reality Arcade
Experience virtual reality in ³Ô¹ÏÍø. Solve mysteries, fight zombies, explore new worlds.
Apsis VR: Virtual Reality Escape Room
Explore story-driven adventures in your choice of puzzle-solving escape rooms with VR headsets.
