The 2026 Easter long weekend is just around the corner, and for many in Montreal and across Australia, it means a welcome pause, a chance to gather with family, enjoy a few treats, and—if you plan carefully—avoid the frustration of finding your favorite shop or venue unexpectedly closed. But with so many different rules and schedules, what exactly will be open and closed? Here’s a comprehensive look at what to expect, from public markets in Montreal to bottle shops in Brisbane, so you can make the most of the holiday without any last-minute surprises.
In Montreal, the long weekend stretches from Friday, April 4 to Monday, April 6, 2026. It’s the first such break of spring, and while the weather forecast may not invite barefoot strolls through the grass, there are still plenty of ways to celebrate. According to Montreal Secret, all of the city’s beloved public markets—including Atwater Market and Jean-Talon Market—will remain open throughout the Easter long weekend. That’s good news for anyone hoping to pick up fresh produce or artisanal treats for a festive meal.
If you’re a museum lover, there’s another reason to be cheerful. Most museums in Montreal will operate on their usual schedules during the weekend, and since it’s the first Sunday of the month, many offer free admission for visitors aged 20 and under. For families and young adults, that’s a rare chance to take in some culture at no cost.
Public transportation in the city will be running, but there’s a catch. The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) will operate buses and metros on a holiday schedule on both Good Friday and Easter Monday. It’s wise to check your route in advance, especially if you’re planning to travel across town for a special event or family gathering.
But not everything will be accessible. The SAQ (Société des alcools du Québec) and SQDC (Société québécoise du cannabis) stores will be shuttered on Sunday, April 5. If you’re hoping to pick up wine or cannabis for your celebrations, you’ll need to stock up by Saturday at the latest. Municipal services such as libraries and community centers will have varying hours depending on the borough, so double-check before heading out.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, Australians are preparing for a very different set of holiday rules. The Easter long weekend, from Good Friday, April 3 to Easter Monday, April 6, brings a patchwork of trading laws and restrictions that can catch even seasoned locals off guard. As Delicious Australia reports, bottle shop opening hours—and even the ability to buy alcohol—vary significantly depending on the state or territory.
In New South Wales (NSW), for example, all bottle shops will be closed on Good Friday. Takeaway sales are not permitted, but there’s a loophole: liquor producers such as breweries, distilleries, and wineries can still sell takeaway alcohol that day. Clubs, pubs, and restaurants can serve alcohol between 12pm and 10pm, and you don’t need to order food to enjoy a drink at these venues, though takeaway is still off-limits. Normal trading resumes on Easter Saturday, but some bottle shops may have reduced hours on Easter Sunday before returning to normal on Monday.
Victoria’s rules are similar, with most major bottle shops closed on Good Friday, though a few small independent shops may be open. Pubs and clubs can serve alcohol from noon, and again, liquor producers are allowed to sell takeaway. In the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), there are technically no restrictions on alcohol sales on Good Friday, but many businesses choose to close anyway, so it’s always best to check ahead.
Queensland follows suit with strict rules: all bottle shops are closed on Good Friday and takeaway sales are forbidden. Alcohol can only be served with a meal in venues, and the meal must be substantial—no snacks or entrees allowed. Normal trading resumes on Saturday and continues for the rest of the weekend.
South Australia has reformed its liquor legislation, allowing licensed venues—including breweries and wineries—to sell alcohol on Good Friday, both for on-premises and takeaway consumption. However, most bottle shops will still close, though some independent stores may remain open. Tasmania allows smaller bottle shops and venues to operate on Good Friday, but larger retailers must close.
Western Australia has taken steps to ‘reinvigorate’ its hospitality industry, so hotels, taverns, small bars, and liquor producers can serve alcohol from 10am to midnight on Good Friday, with or without a meal. Still, all bottle shops are closed, and takeaway sales are only allowed from liquor producers. The Northern Territory imposes its own rules: bottle shops are closed on Good Friday, but pubs, clubs, and restaurants can serve alcohol between 11am and 9pm. On Sundays, only bottle shops attached to licensed venues can open, and in places like Tennant Creek, takeaway alcohol sales are banned on Sundays and Mondays.
Supermarkets add another layer of complexity. According to Are Media, major chains like Coles, Woolworths, and Aldi will typically be closed on both Good Friday and Easter Sunday across Australia. However, some independent outlets like IGA or local convenience stores may be open, providing a lifeline for anyone who forgot a key ingredient for their Easter lunch. On Saturday and Monday, major supermarkets reopen, often with reduced or unique hours. Bunnings, the go-to for home improvement, will close on Good Friday but open with reduced hours for the rest of the weekend.
If you’re worried about your morning coffee fix, there’s no need to panic. A host of cafes and bakeries in cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Darwin, Canberra, and Hobart will be open throughout the long weekend, though hours may vary. Some names to note include A.P Bakery and Black Star Pastry in Sydney, Lune Croissanterie and St Ali in Melbourne, and Mary Street Bakery in Perth.
For those looking for entertainment, there’s no shortage of options. The 2026 Sydney Royal Easter Show runs from April 2 to April 13 at Sydney Olympic Park, offering rides, animals, and food stalls for the whole family. Other highlights include the Bendigo Easter Festival in Victoria and the Redcliffe Markets Easter Extravaganza in Brisbane. Many art galleries and museums, however, will be closed or have limited hours, especially on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, so it’s worth confirming before you visit.
On the dining front, plenty of pubs, restaurants, and bars are keeping their doors open, often with public holiday specials. In Sydney, venues like Bills, Ito, and Morrison’s will serve guests all weekend, while Melbourne favorites like Chin Chin and Johnny’s Green Room are set to welcome diners. Across other capitals, establishments such as Golden Boy in Adelaide and Bib & Tucker in Perth are also open for business.
Whether you’re in Montreal planning a market run or in Australia strategizing your bottle shop visit, the Easter long weekend in 2026 promises both opportunities and challenges. With a little foresight—and perhaps a few reminders in your phone—you can sidestep the hassle and focus on what matters: enjoying good food, good company, and the rare luxury of a long weekend.