What’s on in Melbourne this AFL grand final public holiday

If you manage to dodge the supermarket rush this Friday public holiday in Melbourne, there is plenty to see and do around the city.

While Australia’s sporting capital has failed to produce an AFL grand final-contesting team on Saturday, Victorians have plenty of shopping and entertainment options open this Friday public holiday.

Melbourne is tipped for a chilly but clear and sunny day on Friday. The Queen Vic Market has everything you need for sale and appearances by popular AFL players Karl Amon of Hawthorn and Western Bulldogs icon Tom Liberatore.

Brisbane get a shot at redemption on Saturday, with their second consecutive crack at an AFL premiership, this time against Sydney. Picture: NewsWire / David Crosling

Alongside the National Gallery of Victoria Pharaoh exhibit, the gallery’s interactive Ancient Egypt for Kids exhibit is open on the public holiday.

Across the road from the gallery, the Shrine of Remembrance operates free guided tours designed for children.

North of the city, the heritage-listed Fitzroy Gardens is running a free adventure challenge – BYO pens and pencils but maps are provided.

There are cultural, kid-friendly and, of course, sporting events across Melbourne this long weekend. Picture: NewsWire / Ian Currie

If AFL fever has taken a grip of your household, alongside the MCG in Yarra Park, entry is free into the AFL Footy Festival.

There will be player appearances, giveaways, footy play zones, live music and food trucks and bars. The footy fest opens on Thursday morning. There is even an ice rink, which also opens on Thursday. Tickets onto the ice start at $14.25 for kids.

At the State Library Victoria on Lonsdale St, an exhibit of 300 rare and historically significant books are on display, including the world’s first novel, The Tale of Genji by female Japanese author Murasaki Shikibu. It was most likely completed in the year 1021.

There are also Oktoberfest events across the city and, of course, the Melbourne Royal Show – kids under four get into the latter for free.