Where to spend the King’s Birthday long weekend in Melbourne

Add rooftop drinks, live music, drag, DJs, footy, Sunday roasts and a public holiday Monday into the mix, and suddenly the King’s Birthday weekend is looking less like a quiet winter break and more like a city-wide excuse to get out.

From Friday 5 June to Monday 8 June, venues across Richmond, Docklands, Fitzroy and the CBD are turning it on with parties, sport, food specials and long-weekend sessions. Whether you’re planning a rooftop catch-up, a pre-footy pint, a Sunday session or a full-blown weekend crawl, here’s where to go.

The Bridge Hotel, Richmond

Richmond’s Bridge Hotel is making the most of the long weekend with four days of food, drinks and live sport.

Start the weekend on Friday night with vinyl DJs from 7pm to 10pm, then roll into a packed schedule of AFL, NRL, Sunday roast and long-weekend specials. Tag the Tiger will also be making an appearance, and $10 Aperol Spritzes are on the cards for anyone leaning into the public holiday spirit.

It’s a strong pick for anyone looking for a classic pub weekend: sport on the screens, hearty food, good drinks and plenty of room to settle in with a group.

Book your spot now →

Quarterhouse, Docklands

The queens are taking over the rooftop at Quarterhouse this King’s Birthday weekend.

On Saturday 6 June, drag returns to the Docklands venue with Sam T hosting a long-weekend rooftop event packed with big looks, big laughs and absolutely no royal etiquette. It’s the kind of Saturday session that makes excellent use of the extra day off, especially for anyone keen to trade winter hibernation for cocktails, entertainment and skyline views.

Gather the group, dress accordingly and prepare for a long weekend with a little more sparkle.

Book your spot now →

Bourke Street Imperial, Melbourne CBD

Right in the heart of the CBD, Bourke Street Imperial is bringing its rooftop back just in time for the King’s Birthday long weekend.

From 5pm on Friday 5 June, the rooftop reopens for a weekend of city views, drinks, live music and AFL shown live and loud. It’s an easy option whether you’re finishing work in the city, heading in for the night or looking for a central meeting point before the weekend properly begins.

Expect rooftop energy, footy atmosphere and plenty happening across the long weekend.

Book your spot now →

Morris House, Melbourne CBD

Morris House is taking the long weekend upstairs with rooftop DJs, cocktails, shared plates and long lunches across the public holiday break.

The venue’s King’s Birthday weekend line-up includes Clare Choveaux, Marcus Knight, Kayla Bruno, Sojourn and Mas Paoli, bringing music to the rooftop throughout the weekend. It’s a solid choice for those who want to stretch a casual drink into an afternoon session, then maybe into dinner, then another dance or two.

For a long weekend that feels a little more polished without losing the party energy, Morris House is an easy city pick.

Book your spot now →

Garden State Hotel, Melbourne CBD

Garden State Hotel knows how to handle a big Melbourne weekend.

Across the King’s Birthday break, the Flinders Lane venue is bringing DJs, live music and pre-game energy to the city. Sunday is all about the DJ day party from 4pm, while Monday kicks off early with live duo entertainment from 12pm ahead of the King’s Birthday clash at the MCG.

That makes it a smart stop for anyone heading to the footy, meeting mates in the CBD or looking for a venue that can take you from lunch to late afternoon without needing to relocate.

Book your spot now →

The Provincial Hotel, Fitzroy

Fitzroy’s Provincial Hotel is going full pop mode for the long weekend, with a Justin Bieber-themed party on Friday 5 June.

Expect a night of throwbacks, singalongs and dancefloor favourites, from the My World era through to bigger party anthems. DJs will also be spinning pop, hip hop and crowd-pleasers throughout the night, making this one for the Beliebers, the casual fans and anyone who just wants a fun Friday night out.

Consider it your official permission slip to start the long weekend with zero chill.

Book your spot now →

Prince Alfred Hotel, Richmond

Prince Alfred Hotel is bringing a full Richmond long-weekend line-up with live acoustic music, beer garden DJs, Saturday night sets, Sunday tunes and happy hour.

Running from Friday 5 June to Sunday 7 June, the venue’s King’s Birthday celebrations are built for easy, relaxed sessions. Drop in after work on Friday for happy hour from 3pm to 6pm, settle into the beer garden across the weekend, or swing by on Sunday for acoustic sounds and another round of happy hour from 3pm to 6pm.

It’s a great option for groups who want something lively but low-fuss, with enough happening to make the most of the extra day off.

Book your spot now →

The beauty of a Melbourne long weekend is that you don’t have to pick just one plan. Start with rooftop drinks in the city, head to Richmond for sport and pub classics, line up a Saturday drag show, book in a Sunday roast, then keep Monday free for live music and pre-footy drinks.

The King’s Birthday weekend only comes around once a year. Best not waste it on the couch.

Bookings are recommended, especially for groups. Visit each venue’s website for event details, opening hours and reservations.