What's open on the grand final long weekend
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 2025?
The public holiday will be on Friday 26 September, the day before the AFL Grand Final. The MCG will once again host the AFL Grand Final, on Saturday 27 September 2025.
Free events on the long weekend
AFL Maccas Footy Fest
Immerse yourself in a world of activities for all ages; Footy, music, food, fashion and fandom.
Eddy Current Suppression Ring Live
Catch ³Ô¹ÏÍø underground rock legends Eddy Current Suppression Ring live and free at Fed Square.
Queen Victoria Market Moon Festival
The Moon Festival at Queen Victoria Market celebrates culture, food, and family fun.
Making Memoir of a Snail
Explore handmade sets, props and characters from Adam Elliot's claymation film Memoir of a Snail.
65,000 Years: A Short History of Australian Art
An exhibition featuring more than 450 works by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.
Distraction
An exhibition that plugs into the torrent of content and places we go when craving distraction.
RESET: A Free Festival for Greener Living
Slow down, reconnect with nature, and explore sustainability in creative ways this spring.
Tschabalala Self: Skin Tight
The first solo exhibition in Australia for renowned American artist Tschabalala Self.
Free and cheap for families
Grand Final Long Weekend at Queen Vic Market
Catch the footy fever at the market, with exciting activities for the whole family.
A Butterfly Story: A Garden Activity for Kids
Flap your wings to find your way to the Test Garden at Fed Square, to learn all about butterflies.
Fitzroy Gardens Outdoor Adventure
A free fun outdoor seek and find adventure around the Fitzroy Gardens.
Plans For The Planet: Olaf Breuning For Kids
Created by artist Olaf Breuning this exhibition invites kids to explore the natural environment.
Shrine Kids
Embark on a family adventure with this engaging program designed for discovery at every turn.
³Ô¹ÏÍø markets on this weekend
Creative Society Markets
An exciting new market where you can meet ³Ô¹ÏÍø's best creators, designers, makers and foodies.
Queen Victoria Market
This beloved ³Ô¹ÏÍø landmark is the largest open air market in the southern hemisphere.
The best long weekend events to book
³Ô¹ÏÍø Royal Show
Get up close to animals, enjoy tantalising tastes, see world-class entertainment and much more.
LEGO Star Wars: The Exhibition
Step into a world of epic battles, spaceships and landscapes from a galaxy far, far away.
Martin Grant
A major exhibition of work by Australian-born Paris-based fashion designer Martin Grant.
State Library Victoria Unlocked
On this exclusive tour, gain access to State Library Victoria before the doors open to the public.
Oktoberfest at Munich Brauhaus
Dust off your dirndl, press your best lederhosen – it’s time to prost, party and platter.
Oktoberfest at ±á´Ç´Ú²ú°ùä³Ü³ó²¹³Ü²õ
Get ready to embrace your Bavarian spirit – Oktoberfest returns to ±á´Ç´Ú²ú°ùä³Ü³ó²¹³Ü²õ for the 57th year.
NGV Friday Nights: French Impressionism
Enjoy an after-hours exploration of French Impressionism at NGV International.
Where to watch the AFL Grand Final in ³Ô¹ÏÍø
Riverland Bar
Book a table to watch the game live and loud from 1.30pm with a post-game DJ.
Imperial Hotel
Enjoy the match live and loud then head to the rooftop for an after party with a band and DJ.
Hickens Hotel
Book a table or booth package to watch the game live and loud, with a live band after the siren.
Beer DeLuxe
Experience the game live and loud downstairs or book a bottomless drinks and BBQ package.
The Boatbuilders Yard
Watch the game live and loud on 11 screens with free entry from 8am, prizes and food specials.
The Cliveden Bar & Dining
Head to the Pullman for a street party with gourmet food stalls, live music and bars.
The General Assembly
Watch the game live and loud from 11am with burger specials and a meat raffle.
Venues open over the long weekend
Circl
Try some of the world's most exciting, up-and-coming wines alongside curated European-inspired food.
Johnny's Green Room
A rooftop bar above King & Godfree with great views, tunes and Italian inspired food and drinks.
Grill Americano
Offering Italian classics with signature Chris Lucas spin in sophisticated surrounds.
Yum Sing House
Modern Asian dining and a late-night bar with the hedonistic spirit of 1960s Hong Kong.
±á´Ç´Ú²ú°ùä³Ü³ó²¹³Ü²õ
Delivering hand-selected German beer, authentic food and classic hospitality since 1968.
Mill Place Merchants
A cocktail bar hidden behind a vintage dressing room in a building dating back to the 1840s.
Lexy Restaurant and Bar
Where high-glam sophistication meets the electric spirit of modern Asian fusion.
Fleet Rooftop Bar
Soaring 68 metres above Flinders Street, Fleet promises sweeping views of the Yarra and beyond.
Last updated on Tue 16 Sep 2025
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