Winter is coming! And just because the sun sets earlier, and the nights are colder, doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do. In fact, several highly-anticipated events are starting in Melbourne this month, including the magical Lightscape at Royal Botanic Gardens and the French Impressionism exhibition at NGV. Here are our recommendations on some of the best things to do, try and eat in Melbourne and beyond this June.
Here’s what’s on in Melbourne this June
Feel captivated by RISING festival
Winter festival RISING is back in Melbourne over 12 nights this June. Celebrate art, music, culture and more in laneways, arcades, underground basements and more cool spots around town. RISING will run from Saturday June 4 to Sunday June 15.
Return to the wonderful Winter Night Market
Head over to Queen Vic Market and warm up with roaring fires, toasty street food and blazing entertainment. Winter Night Market will run on Wednesday nights from 5pm to 10pm, from June 4 to August 27.
Play mini-golf in the ballroom of Flinders Street Station
Head up to the mysterious Flinders Street Station Ballroom and check out Swingers: The Art of Mini Golf. This playable art exhibition will feature nine imaginative mini-golf holes from female-identifying artists. This fun experience will open on Wednesday June 4 and run until Sunday August 31.
Gaze at the French Impressionism exhibition at NGV
Find over 100 paintings, including works never-before-seen in Australia, by notable artists like Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas, and more at NGV. Presented in partnership with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), this will be one of the largest and most significant collections of French Impressionism to visit Australia. See the Winter Masterpieces exhibition from June 6 to October 5.
Learn all about the history and beauty of kimono at NGV
Explore the timeless kimono and see over 70 garments from the Edo period to today. Curated by NGV, the Kimono exhibition will feature rare and hand-crafted kimono, and over 30 never-before-seen garments that are new to the NGV Collection. This exhibition will run from June 4 to October 5.
Conquer the cells at the thrilling Prison Island
Introducing Prison Island—an electrifying, immersive experience that fuses the excitement of escape rooms with the challenge of obstacle courses. This high-octane, 90-minute gameplay will put your team’s strategy, intelligence, and agility to the test. Get your tickets here.
Stay out late at NGV Friday Nights
Supplied/Image: Michael Pham
The popular NGV Friday Nights is coming back this winter, in celebration of the French Impressionism exhibition. Explore the exhibition after hours, then stick around for live music, food and drinks. The festivities will take place every Friday night from June 6 until October 3, and will run from 6pm to 10pm.
Feel swept away by Candlelight: Best of Bridgerton on Strings
Dearest Reader, it’s time to fall in love with the music of Bridgerton in this enchanting Candlelight concert at Collingwood Town Hall. It’s all happening on Thursday June 12. Get your tickets here.
Take part in the St Kilda Film Festival
Source: Supplied
St Kilda Film Festival is coming back for its 41st year. See over 150 short films, and check out the new festival hub at St Kilda Town Hall. The festival will run from June 5 to 15. More info here.
Have fun at Oz Comic-Con
Supplied/Credit: Andrew Lee
Whether you want to get an autographed signed, cosplay as your favourite character, buy one-of-a-kind creations, or just have a nice day out with friends, Oz Comic-Con is the perfect place to get in touch with your pop culture side. Find it at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on June 7 and 8. More info here.
Have a stellar time at the Star Wars Galactic Café
Transport your taste buds to a galaxy far, far away, when the Star Wars Galactic Café launches at Melbourne Museum. This stellar cafe will be a first for Star Wars fans in Australia. Dine aboard a Corellian Star Cruiser, then explore the newly opened LEGO Star Wars exhibition. This immersive dining experience will open on Saturday June 7.
Feel the Force at a LEGO Star Wars exhibition in Melbourne Museum
Fly to a galaxy far, far away and feel amazed by LEGO Star Wars: The Exhibition. Marvel at towering structures, awesome starships and your favourite characters, then join in on the fun with your own builds. LEGO Star Wars: The Exhibition is now open at Melbourne Museum.
Set sail on Titanic: A Voyage Through Time
Experience the tragedy of the Titanic like never before with this virtual reality experience. Dive to the wreck site, then journey back in time to explore iconic spaces around the ship, such as the Grand Staircase. Along the way, you’ll meet characters based on real passengers and crew members. Titanic: A Voyage Through Time is now open at 206 Bourke Street in Melbourne. Get your tickets here.
Have a frightfully fun time at BEETLEJUICE the musical
It’s showtime! The eight-time Tony Award-nominated musical BEETLEJUICE is now haunting the Regent Theatre in Melbourne.
Have a sweet time at Dandenong Market’s Street Feast
Treat yourself to all sorts of yummy desserts at Dandenong Market. Look forward to cannoli, cheesecake, brownies, crepes and much more. The Street Feast – Sweet Edition will take place on Saturday June 7 from 10am to 3pm. Learn more here.
See the Children’s International Film Festival
Do you have a budding film buff? Take them to the Children’s International Film Festival! Perfect for those aged 3 and up, this festival features a curated collection of feature length, short films and special events. Expect a mix of English language and foreign films with subtitles.
In Melbourne, this festival will run at Classic Cinemas in Elsternwick, Lido Cinemas in Hawthorn and Cameo Cinemas in Belgrave from June 7 to July 20. Learn more here.
Have a magical time at Harry Potter: The Exhibition
Feel like you’ve Apparated from Melbourne to Hogwarts at Harry Potter: The Exhibition. See authentic props and set pieces from the films, and go on your own magical journey. Conjure your own Patronus, test your Quidditch skills and more! Find it at the Fever Exhibition and Experience Centre in Brunswick. Get your tickets here.
Journey to the underworld in the award-winning musical Hadestown
The Tony and Grammy-award winning musical, Hadestown, is now playing in Melbourne. Follow the intertwining love stories of Orpheus and Eurydice, and King Hades and Persephone. Find it at Her Majesty’s Theatre. See more here.
Experience the magic of a Candlelight concert
The candlelit performances have taken place at venues like The Athenaeum and The Astor Theatre as well as at The Timber Yard, the Meat Market and Fed Square. With more venues being added to the growing list, there’s a Candlelight concert around every corner.
Candlelight concerts in June include movie soundtracks at the aquarium, the best of Hans Zimmer and more. See what’s on here.
Feel whisked away to the French Alps in a Fondue Chalet
A wonderfully cosy French foodie experience has landed in Fed Square. Escape to the French Alps and warm up with cheese fondue and mulled wine in your own private chalet. Fondue Chalet will run from now until Sunday June 22.
See over 100 ancient artefacts at the Hellenic Museum
The Hellenic Museum has teamed up with the Hellenic Ministry of Culture, Greece, to bring a global exclusive exhibition to Melbourne. See 119 ancient artefacts from over a dozen museums and ephorates of antiquities in Greece, including the Acropolis Museum, Hellenic National Archaeological Museum, the Archaeological Museum of Delphi and more. Rituals: Gifts for the Gods is open daily from 10am to 4pm.
Lock in plans to check out Alcotraz
In this interactive experience, you’ll smuggle liquor into prison and receive up to four personalised cocktails. Alcotraz is now open in Melbourne. Get your tickets here.
Experience Middle-earth like never before with The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale
Created under licence from Middle-earth Enterprises, you’ll follow Frodo and other beloved Tolkien characters on their quest to destroy the evil One Ring. The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale is now playing at the Comedy Theatre.
Join a thrilling immersive arcade game experience at 123Boom!
You’ll be on the edge of your seat throughout your time at 123Boom!, an immersive puzzle adventure where you and your team are tasked with diffusing a ‘bomb’ to save the day. To do so, you’ll require teamwork, skill, and problem-solving, all racing against the clock as the story advances and the seconds tick down. It’s open now, and you can find your tickets here.
Wander through twinkling light installations at Lightscape
The gorgeous, after-dark experience, Lightscape, is coming back to the Royal Botanic Gardens for a fourth season. Wander through the green heart of Melbourne and feel enchanted by over 20 new installations. Lightscape will illuminate Melbourne from Friday June 20 to Sunday August 10.
Visit Scienceworks for an after hours event
Supplied/Credit: J Forsythe
This science museum in Spotswood is throwing open their doors after hours to celebrate the winter solstice. Open to adults only, you’ll explore exhibitions, see a Planetarium show, enjoy live entertainment and more. Scienceworks After Dark will run from 6pm to 10pm on Saturday June 21. Learn more here.
Have a sleepover at Melbourne Museum
On select dates throughout June and July, Melbourne Museum will be hosting slumber parties. Stay overnight and enjoy exclusive tours, behind-the-scenes access and more. There are Museum Sleepovers exclusively for adults, as well as family sessions.
Get a little wicked at Prahran Market’s Sin Series
Source: Supplied
Explore a different sin, such as Gluttony, Wrath or Envy, with limited-edition food offers at Prahran Market. Each weekend in the Sin Series will also have themed music and entertainment related to the sin of the week. It’s on until June 22.
Experience the rocking Jesus Christ Superstar musical
Holy moly! The celebrated rock musical, Jesus Christ Superstar, is here in Melbourne. This award-winning production by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber is set against some extraordinary events in the final weeks of the life of Jesus Christ, seen through the eyes of Judas. Find it at the Princess Theatre from now until June 22.
Tantalise your taste buds at Dining in the Dark
Dining in the Dark
Embark on a gastronomic adventure while blindfolded at Dining in the Dark. Taking place at Cha Ching, you’ll choose between vegan, seafood or meat options and feast on a three-course meal. Get your tickets here.
See stunning works of art at the Floribunda exhibition
Celebrate the connection between humans and flowers at Bunjil Place Gallery with their exhibition, Floribunda. See over 150 works from NGV, spanning paintings, photography, fashion and more. This exhibition is on from now until July 20. See more here.
Feel the sparks at the Museum of Desire
At the Museum of Desire, you’ll find over 20 sensory-rich experiences that explore desire and pleasure. Feeling curious? Get your tickets here.
Play the ‘Among Us’-style game, Saboteurs
Supplied/Image: Nic Cleary
Head to The District Docklands and go on a space adventure at Saboteurs. Play with your friends inside converted shipping containers, complete tasks, and eject any suspicious imposters. Get your tickets here.
Feel a sense of Joy at the Immigration Museum
Source: Museums Victoria/Image: Eugene Hyland
Seven Victorian-based artists are sharing what joy means to them with a variety of delightful rooms at the Immigration Museum. Journey back in time to a 90s video store, cuddle up with a gigantic soft toy rabbit and more. The Joy exhibition is now open for you to explore, and will stay in town until August 29, 2025.
Immerse yourself in a sensory experience at SENSAS
Round up some friends and tackle some fun challenges at SENSAS. Test all five of your senses in some wacky experiences. This playful space is now open. Get your tickets here.
Have a sweet time at the Brownie Festival
Stay nice and cosy and try 16 limited-edition flavours at the Brownie Festival, as well as brownie-inspired desserts and more! You’ll find it at the chocolateries in the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula and Great Ocean Road from Wednesday June 11 to Sunday June 29.
Taste your way through Sorrento in this month-long celebration
Escape to Sorrento this winter and celebrate the best gourmet food and drink in the region at Taste Sorrento. Sip on wine, feast on delicious meals, go for a swim, attend a night market, celebrate the solstice and more for the whole month of June. Learn more here.
Have fun at Adventure Park’s Winter Glow
Source: Supplied
Adventure Park is bringing back their dazzling Winter Glow experience this year. Escape to their delightful winter wonderland, and frolic in the snow, go on the rides, marvel at twinkling lights, see ice sculpting displays and more. This event will kick off on June 28 and run until August 9. Find out more.
See what’s happening at Jackalope Weekend
Jackalope is inviting you to join them on a culinary exploration over one weekend. Attend a whisky masterclass with the help of Starward Whisky, indulge in a pasta lunch at Doot Doot Doot with ALT Pasta Bar or try a delicious collab with Yugen for dinner. If you’re staying at this hotel over the weekend, you’ll also get some in-guest experiences, like a daily cocktail. Jackalope Weekend will run from Friday June 13 to Sunday June 15. Learn more here.
Sip your way through The Shortest Lunch
The Shortest Lunch is coming back to the Yarra Valley. Sample over 100 wines from 13 family-run wineries. Along the way, you’ll find hearty winter dishes, roaring fire pits and more. The Shortest Lunch will take place on Saturday June 21 and Sunday June 22, in celebration of the winter solstice. Learn more here.
Take a trip to Heathcote on Show
Source: Supplied
Drive out to the Heathcote region over the King’s birthday long weekend for wine, gourmet food, tastings, entertainment and more. Heathcote on Show will run from Saturday June 7 to Monday June 9.
See the adorable Dachshund Dash
Drive out to Port Fairy and watch adorable little sausage dogs race each other in the annual Dachshund Dash. This beloved event is part of Port Fairy Winter Weekends, and will take place on Sunday June 8. Meanwhile, the festival will run from June 6 to 9.
See an exclusive Frida Kahlo exhibition in Bendigo
See artworks and objects by Frida Kahlo that have never been seen before in Australia. These works have come straight from Museo Frida Kahlo in Mexico. Frida Kahlo: In her own image will be on display at Bendigo Art Gallery from now until Sunday July 13 in 2025.
Stick around for Fiesta Bendigo
After seeing the Frida Kahlo exhibition, stay in Bendigo and find plenty of fun with taco trails, colourful installations, workshops and more experiences inspired by Frida Kahlo and Mexico. Learn more about Fiesta Bendigo here.
Hop aboard the Tequila Tram
Experience Bendigo like never before with a ride on the Tequila Tram. Roll through the picturesque streets, while enjoying a spirited tequila masterclass. Check it out on Sunday June 8, from 12:30pm to 2:30pm.
Bundle up and explore the East Gippsland Winter Festival
The annual East Gippsland Winter Festival is returning for the fifth time, celebrating art, food, culture and nature over one glorious month. With over 100 events to look forward to, there’s a lot of reasons for you to drive out of Melbourne and explore the region this winter. Expect a series of free events, family-friendly activities, picturesque locations and more. The festival will start on Friday June 20 and end on Sunday July 20.
See the spectacular Trail of Lights in Mildura
Travel out to Mildura and wander among 12,500 twinkling ‘firefly lights’ on Lock Island. The spectacular Trail of Lights art installation has been designed by renowned artist, Bruce Munro.
Escape to the snow this winter
Source: Visit Victoria
Snow season is almost here! Discover the amazing alpine regions of Victoria, hit the slopes, build a snowman and more. Find out where to see snow in Victoria here.
