Fun things to do on the Labour Day long weekend in Melbourne

Australia's largest community festival is back this Labour Day weekend, and it's the perfect opportunity to make the most of Melbourne's still-warm March weather. From March 5 to 9, enjoy a jam-packed and mostly free program of family-friendly fun, including events like dance workshops, skate competitions, face painting, carnival rides, live music, kids’ activities, food trucks –  plus the beloved Birdman Rally and the annual parade. Find out more here.

Our very own Formula One Australian Grand Prix returns to Albert Park this long weekend from March 5 to 8. The biggest change in 2026? A complete overhaul of the technical regulations that is likely to shake up the pecking order. There's plenty to do off-track too, with live music, world-class hospitality offerings, fan zones, vintage cars and merch stalls. You can view the full entertainment schedule here.

The best thing about the great outdoors is that it’s for everyone to enjoy – whether you’re an experienced caravanner, a glamper or a fresh-faced camper. The most important thing to remember though is this is a shared space you’re setting your tent down in, not your own backyard. When camping at one of these great sites around Victoria remember to be respectful, clean up after yourself and take heed of travel advice and closures from Parks Victoria. 

Did you know that Ballarat is home to thousands of begonias, including more than 500 unique varieties? In fact, the impressive collection is the rarest in the Southern Hemisphere. They're all housed in the city's historic botanical gardens, and to celebrate this floral feat, the city has hosted the Ballarat Begonia Festival annually since 1953.  If you're keen to see the colourful (and highly 'grammable) flower fest in full bloom, make your way to the Ballarat Botanical Gardens from March 7 to 9.

Golden Plains return from March 7 to 9 for yet another gathering of excellent musical acts all set within the best setting that nature has to offer. The sister festival to December's much-loved Meredith Music Festival is also held at the dazzling Supernatural Amphitheatre in Meredith, a small township just over an hour outside Melbourne. Golden Plains boasts one stage, no corporate sponsorship, a famed 'no dickhead policy', and eclectic line-ups that put local musicians beside international indie acts. 

The Moonlight Cinema that took over the Botanic Gardens all summer long will be up and running until April 5. With a stellar line-up of blockbuster hits and cult classics, it's a must-do for keen filmgoers who want to watch a flick under the stars with a choc top in hand.

Melbourne's line-up of exhibitions has never looked better. With the F1 Australian Grand Prix on this month, it's the perfect opportunity to check out 'F1: The Exhibition' – which features everything from championship-winning cars and rare memorabilia to video interviews and archive footage. The Potter Museum of Art is back with its second exhibition after reopening, titled 'A velvet ant, a flower, and a bird' – it's set to reimagine intelligence through art, science and nature. Over at the State Library, a 'Rebel Heart' brings together handwritten letters, private diaries, rare manuscripts and deeply personal objects to weave a tapestry of passion, heartbreak and devotion. 

Dust off your doof sticks, because the festival returns in 2026 for its ninth edition in the Grampians. Across four days from March 6 to 10, Pitch will be headlined by Eris Drew and Octo Octa, Job Jobse, Palms Trax and Yung Singh. There are heaps of key international acts and Aussie talent as well. 

Itching for an out-of-town adventure this long weekend? Luckily, there is an abundance of stunning nature and bountiful wildlife at these national parks in Victoria. They're all within a day's drive from Melbourne, so start planning a road trip in search of Victoria's best-looking natural landscapes.

Melburnians are spoiled for choice when it comes to musical talent, never more than during the annual Brunswick Music Festival, when international and local acts come together for a celebration of great music. This year, you can look forward to more than 40 gigs across the suburb and surrounds. Find out more here.

While the capital cities have Mardi Gras and Midsumma, out in regional Victoria, Daylesford has ChillOut. The festival is Australia's premier and longest running regional LGBTQIA+ pride festival, taking place on the Labour Day long weekend every year. This year, it's on from March 5 to 9 with stacks of fun events. Find out more here.

If you're looking for a break from the inner-city grid, there's no better cure than a day trip from Melbourne. The state of Victoria is full of friendly neighbourhood towns, whether you're in the mood for a winery tour, a road trip or a national park to explore. These one-day escapes are just what the doctor ordered, so get out there and explore Melbourne's beautiful backyard. 

There's nothing quite like escaping the rat race, going off grid and getting back to nature. Of course, going bush doesn't have to mean going without. Enter glamping. A number of businesses around Victoria now provide spacious, comfortable and (importantly) already set-up tents for folks to hire out. 

The annual Port Fairy Folk Festival is back in 2026 in a big way. The festival invites everyone to this gorgeous beachside town to enjoy four days of music, community and culture. Now in its 49th year (it started way back in 1977), it will showcase amazing talent from Australia and beyond. It will also hold interactive workshops, forums, music theatre, children’s programs, choirs and folk art.