Fireworks at a riverside carnival

What's on and what's open over the Labour Day long weekend

When is the 2026 Labour Day public holiday in ³Ô¹ÏÍø?

This year, the Labour Day public holiday (and long weekend) falls on Monday 9 March 2026.

Moomba, The Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix and opening round of the AFL season are all on in ³Ô¹ÏÍø over the long weekend, so it's going to be busy. into the city ahead of time to avoid delays and road closures.

The best free long weekend events

Play School exhibition with signature teddy and toys.
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Play School: Come and Play

A hands-on, playful exhibition where families can discover how the beloved TV show comes to life.

Black and white photograph from the 1960s of model, Twiggy, wearing a mini-dress at the ³Ô¹ÏÍø Cup.
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Swinging 60s

Did the sixties really swing in Victoria? A new exhibition from the Old Treasury Building.

Three people interacting with a neon light installation in a gallery.
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Distraction

An exhibition that plugs into the torrent of content and places we go when craving distraction.

Market stallholder with her puppet toys, beside the Yarra River in the CBD.
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The Sunday Market at Southgate

Explore the Sunday Market at Southgate and meet the makers.

More of the best long weekend events

Two people standing on the 'ceiling' of an inverted living room.

House Down Under

Australia’s favourite inverted house photo experience brings topsy-turvy fun to ³Ô¹ÏÍø.

Three long narrow boats with people seated in them and a guide standing at the rear of each boat, punting on the lake at Royal Botanic Gardens.
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Punting on the Lake

Glide between the bays and islands of Ornamental Lake on a guided boat cruise.

The full cast of the musical Book of Mormon on stage singing and dancing, with a painted sky coloured background and other theatre props.
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The Book of Mormon

Australia’s biggest ever musical comedy returns this February.

A stylised image of a woman with long red hair wearing a red V-neck shimmering dress, laughing with her head tiled back, seated in a red armchair with a red velvet curtain backdrop, an ice bucket with a bottle of Champagne on the table next to her.
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Piper's Playhouse

Step inside Piper's ³Ô¹ÏÍø’s most immersive cabaret.

Magician balancing one finger on a globe, suspended updside down, wearing a white suit and hat.
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Piccolo Teatro: Magic Theatre

Specialising in astonishing magic shows and immersive live entertainment.

Looking at a pathway with foliage leading up to a house with warm tones.
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Walsh Street Guided Tour

Explore Robin Boyd’s iconic residence at 290 Walsh Street on a guided tour.

Where to eat and drink on the long weekend

The interior of GLO Gelato with glowing menu board, a yellow counter top and people gathering outside.

GLO Gelato

GLO Gelato is serving up authentic hand-crafted gelato and specialty cakes on Lygon Street.

Plate of pasta with cutlery.

Universal Restaurant

Italian eatery serving comforting pasta, pizza and meat and seafood dishes.

Entrance to Brunetti's showing tables outside, large doors and the coffee bar counter.

Brunetti Classico

Brunetti Classico Carlton boasts one of ³Ô¹ÏÍø's biggest arrays of cakes and pastries.

The Westin ³Ô¹ÏÍø viewed from above, showing the facade and landscaping with city skyscrapers in the background and St Paul's Cathedral next door.

The Westin ³Ô¹ÏÍø

Welcoming you to discover an idyllic retreat in ³Ô¹ÏÍø.

The illuminated exterior of the Douglas Club, showing its classical architecture.

The Douglas Club

Set within the Equity Chambers Building, The Douglas Club is the perfect spot for a city drink.

Restaurant interior with industrial styled concrete walls, visible pipes, red seating.

Frenchie

A fun and casual approach to Parisian dining where the lights are low and the energy is high.

Note: opening hours may differ and surcharges may apply. Check with businesses before visiting.

Last updated on Thu 26 Feb 2026

Only In The City

Only in this City of Ours
A family of four standing in a grand library with antique desks, large white walls and a dome ceiling.

Things you can only do in the city

There's only one place to find these rare ³Ô¹ÏÍø experiences and secret spots.

A Ferris wheel in the city at sunset with colourful reflections on the river.

³Ô¹ÏÍø’s most Instagrammable experiences

You won't need filters at the city's most photogenic spots.

People including a man in a wheelchair heading down a laneway past a large tropical-themed wall mural with city buildings in the background.

Meyers Place

Explore one of ³Ô¹ÏÍø's most iconic laneways, filled with bars, restaurants and murals.

Discover more

A surprised looking man wearing a Tyrolean hat and holding a microphone in a large room with striped drapes on the ceiling and people seated at benches.
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Ben Sorensen's Game Show Experience

Join Ben Sorensen’s free weekly Hofbrauhaus trivia experience.

A man in a black t-shirt standing with a microphone in front of a presentation screen and two stools, inside a bar setting.
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Off Leash: Weekly Live Comedy Show

A weekly comedy residency that's exactly what a Wednesday should be: casual, funny, full of vibes.

A large and colourful Indonesian festival costume display of a tiger with a lion's mane, peacock feathers and pink and yellow fringing.

Satay and Reog Festival

A celebration of culture and fun for all.

DJ at a music desk at an outdoor rooftop venue, people looking on.

Kapwa Rooftop Party

Live DJs and Filipino eats celebrating music, culture and community.