Easter in Melbourne 2026: events, markets & family fun
Easter in Melbourne is a vibrant and exciting time, with the city buzzing with events, markets, and family-friendly activities. You might like a community celebration, a delicious Easter feast, or a unique market experience, and Melbourne at Easter has something for everyone.
Related reading: Major Easter Church Services in Melbourne 2026
When is Easter Weekend Melbourne 2026?
The Easter long weekend marks the end of the Australian summer and is a popular time for celebrations, travel, and family gatherings. In 2026, the Easter dates are:
- Good Friday: 3 April 2026
- Holy Saturday: 4 April 2026
- Easter Sunday: 5 April 2026
- Easter Monday: 6 April 2026
The Easter school holidays run from Saturday 4 April to Sunday 19 April 2026, making it the perfect time to explore Melbourne’s Easter festivities.
Easter events in Melbourne CBD
Good Friday Appeal (3 April 2026)
A Melbourne tradition for 94 years, the Good Friday Appeal brings the community together to raise money for the Royal Children’s Hospital. Expect a day of entertainment, fundraising activities, and special performances around the city, including the annual Kids Day Out at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Rockwiz’s Really Really Good Friday (Fri 3 Apr 2026)
To mark a decade of Really Really Good Fridays, the entire RocKwiz family returns to Hamer Hall. Julia Zemiro, Brian Nankervis, Dugald the Human Scoreboard and the sensational RocKwiz Orkestra reunite for a joyful celebration packed with everything audiences love.
Federation Square Easter Activities
Kick off the Easter long weekend with a massive day of free comedy at Fed Square! Enjoy top street performers, physical comedy, music, and more as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Don’t miss acts like Josh Glanc, Kirsty Webeck, and DJ Monski Mouse—fun for all ages!
Throughout the long weekend, Federation Square will come alive with Easter-themed fun, including live music, family-friendly workshops, and an Easter egg hunt. A great place to soak up the festive atmosphere in the heart of the city.
Easter high tea & dining
Many of Melbourne’s top hotels and restaurants will be serving special Easter high teas and feasts, including at Dorsett Hotel, Park Lounge Melbourne, and Stamford Plaza’s Chocolate High Tea buffet. Indulge in chocolate delights, hot cross buns, and seasonal dishes. Book in advance!
If you’re not able to celebrate in person, a beautiful Easter hamper can be a thoughtful way to stay connected. The range from Charity Hampers offers a lovely mix of sweet treats, premium goodies, and seasonal favourites, all presented with care. Even better, each purchase supports Australian charities, making it a gift that feels good in more ways than one.
Queen Victoria Market Easter weekend (4 – 5 April 2026)
Expect festive stalls, fresh produce, artisan gifts, and special Easter-themed food from Melbourne’s iconic Queen Victoria Market. A great spot to pick up Easter treats and gourmet delights. Plus fun kids’ activities and an Easter Playspace. (Closed Good Friday).
Hot Cross Bun Bar (28 – 29 March)
At the Baker’s Dozen pop-up at Federation Square, you’ll find every bun worth its butter at the Hot Cross Bun Bar, presented by Western Star.
LaManna Easter Family Festa (3 April)
This Easter Family Fiesta is a ticketed event that will feature a range of activities designed for children and families, including a structured Easter Egg Hunt, a Jumping Castle, Face Painting, Balloon Twisting, and more.
Bach St John Passion performance (Fri 3 Apr)
Music performed by Scots’ Church choir and Melbourne Baroque Orchestra, 7pm. Corner of Collins St and Russell St.
St Paul’s Cathedral Easter Services
For those looking to observe the religious side of Easter, St Paul’s Cathedral will hold special Good Friday and Easter Sunday services, featuring beautiful choral performances.
Find more Easter Church Services in Melbourne.
Essential hot cross buns to try
No Easter in Melbourne is complete without indulging in some of the city’s best hot cross buns! Here are a few must-try spots:
Mörk Chocolate – A rich and decadent twist on the classic, infused with Mörk’s signature chocolate.
Brunetti Oro – Traditional Italian craftsmanship meets Easter spice in these beautifully baked buns.
Cobb Lane – Famous for their buttery, perfectly spiced hot cross buns that sell out fast!
Backhaus Bakery – This delicious artisan bakery knows the perfect amount of fruitiness.
Andrews Bread Shop (Queen Victoria Market) – A local favourite known for its soft, generously fruited buns with just the right amount of spice.
Get in early—these favourites won’t last long!
Easter events in Melbourne & Victoria
Beyond the CBD, there are plenty of Easter events happening across Melbourne and regional Victoria. Here’s a snapshot of what’s on:
Melbourne Easter Markets & Fairs
- Preston Market (Sat 4 Apr 2026). Kids can take part in an exciting Easter Egg Hunt at 9:00 am and meet the Roving Easter Bunny from am to 2 pm.
- South Melbourne Market (Thurs 2 April 2026). Indulge in a variety of festive foods, including traditional hot cross buns.
- Easter at Dandenong Market (2 – 5 Apr 2026, closed Good Friday). Easter bakes, fresh produce and kids activities.
- Eildon Easter Twilight Market & Inaugural Boat Show and Shine (Sat 4 Apr 2026). Enjoy food, music, family fun and boats at Eildon Pondage.
- Bright Rotary Markets – Easter Market (Bright, Sat 4 Apr 2026). A community market supporting local initiatives.
- Inverloch Rotary Market (Inverloch, Sat 4 Apr 2026). Over 50 stalls of crafts and fresh produce.
- Maldon Easter Fair (Maldon, 2 – 6 Apr 2026). One of Victoria’s longest-running Easter fairs.
- Mt Martha South Beach Market (Mt Martha, Mon 6 Apr 2026). High-end stalls, food trucks, and homewares.
- Mansfield Bush Market (Mansfield, Sat 4 Apr 2026). Seasonal produce and handmade goods.
- Marysville Market (Marysville, Sun 5 Apr 2026). Crafts, food, and wine stalls.
- Taggerty 4 Seasons Market (Taggerty, Sat 4 Apr 2026). Local produce, wines, and preserves.
- Tocumwal Foreshore Market (Tocumwal, Sun 5 Apr, 2026). A family-friendly community market.
Related reading: Melbourne Sunday Markets To Explore This Weekend
Easter community & family events
- Bendigo Easter Festival (3-6 Apr 2026). A massive festival featuring the famous Chinese Dragon Parade.
- Bellarine Railway Easter Weekend (4-6 Apr 2026). Enjoy a scenic train trip where the Easter Bunny will be waiting to greet patrons, offering photo opportunities and a small treat for children.
- Easter Bunny Hunt (Wandin North, 4-19 Apr 2026). A free community treasure hunt.
- Warratina Easter Hunt (Wandin North, 4-19 Apr 2026). A fun Easter egg hunt for families.
- Easter Picnic at Campbells Wines (Rutherglen, 4-5 Apr 2026). Wine, food, and Easter activities.
- Easter Family Fun Day (Port Albert, 5 Apr 2026). A fun-filled day for all ages.
- Easter Family Fun Day (Swan Hill, 4 Apr 2026). A community celebration with Easter activities.
- Easter Family Fun Day (Camperdown, Thurs 16 Apr 2026). A post-Easter event with family entertainment.
- Rushworth Easter Heritage Festival (Rushworth, 4 Apr 2026). A community event celebrating local history.
- Good Friday Wine and Cheese Soirée (Castlemaine, Fri 3 Apr 2026). Heritage train and dining experience.
- Steam to the Bendigo Easter Festival (Bendigo, 5 Apr 2026). A heritage steam train experience.
Related reading: Bellarine Railway: a Family Day Out on the Swan Bay Express
Easter sport & outdoor events
- Stawell Gift (4-6 April 2026) – Australia’s most prestigious professional footrace.
- Eildon Easter Twilight Market (4 April 2026) – A scenic evening market.
- Easter Weekend at the Micawber Tavern (TBC) – Dining and live entertainment.
- Mansfield Easter Art Show (3-5 April 2026) – An exhibition showcasing local artists.
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