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 Pharaoh exhibition at NGV. Here are our recommendations on some of the best things to do, try and eat in Melbourne and beyond this June.
1. Feel captivated by RISING festival
Winter festival RISING is back in Melbourne over 16 nights this June. Celebrate Melbourne’s art, culture, food and music scene underneath the winter moon. Expect a massive program of 116 events and 651 artists. RISING will run from Saturday June 1 to Sunday June 16.
2. Have a hole-some day out at the Donut Festival
The popular Donut Festival is coming back to Queen Vic Market. Expect delicious donuts of all shapes and sizes, such as vegan donuts and churros. Round up your crew and fill that hole in your stomach on Saturday June 1 and Sunday June 2.
3. Check out the Good Food & Wine Show
Look forward to artisanal goods, fine wines, spirits, sweet treats and more at the Good Food & Wine Show. Over 300 artisans and brands will be there, offering goods for every budget. Sample the produce, take part in masterclasses and see plenty of celebrity chef demonstrations. This event will take place at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre from Friday May 31 to Sunday June 2.
4. 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 5 to August 28.
5. Attend The Queen’s Ball: A Bridgerton Experience
Calling all lords and ladies! You’re invited to a remarkable social affair that will transport you into the world of Bridgerton. Visit the Fever Exhibition and Experience Centre in Brunswick for the magnificent Queen’s Ball. Sip on cocktails, dance to live music, and perhaps, be named Diamond of the Season. Get your tickets here.
6. Have a meowgical time at Cat Café Melbourne
After a hiatus, the cosy Cat Café Melbourne is reopening at a new location in Carlton on Saturday June 1. Grab a drink and interact with some adorable cats.
7. See the sensational Sunset Boulevard
Feel transported to the Golden Age of Hollywood with the Tony Award-winning masterpiece, Sunset Boulevard. Based on the 1950 film of the same name, this revival has taken over the Princess Theatre in Melbourne.
8. Check out a delightful Scone Festival
Treat yourself to a day of baked bliss at the scrumptious Scone Festival. This event by Mary Eats Cake will celebrate the humble scone with a rotating range of sweet and savoury flavours. Each week, there will be something new for you to try. Check it out at either their Brunswick or Montrose venues from Saturday June 1 to Sunday June 30.
9. Check out the Japanese Film Festival Online
The Japanese Film Festival Online is back for its third edition. 23 films, two television dramas and four horror shorts will be available for streaming, from June 5 to July 3. Learn more here.
10. Go to a galaxy far, far away with Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
See Star Wars: Return of the Jedi live in concert with Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Check it out at Hamer Hall from June 6 to 8.
11. Take part in the St Kilda Film Festival
St Kilda Film Festival is coming back for its 40th year. Celebrate Australian filmmakers with screenings, workshops, panels and more. The festival will run from June 6 to 16. More info here.
12. Feast on dishes from MasterChef alumni at Crown
Crown and MasterChef have teamed up to create Alumni, a restaurant that will showcase the delicious dishes of MasterChef Australia alumni cooks. This pop-up restaurant will have rotating chefs, with each alumni taking over the venue for three weeks. In June, you can sample a curated menu from Callum Hann. His residency will run from June 6 to 23. More info here.
13. Have fun at Oz Comic-Con
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 8 and 9. More info here.
14. Unwind at the soothing candlelit meditation experience, Mindful Glow
Feeling stressed? Calm your mind and release tension in the body at Mindful Glow. Lose yourself in the tranquil candlelit space, and take part in mindful meditation and a revitalising sound bath. This experience will take place at Collingwood Town Hall on Saturday June 8. Get your tickets here.
15. 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. Highlights include Inside Out 2 and Sirocco and the Kingdom of the Winds.
In Melbourne, this festival will run at Classic Cinemas in Elsternwick, Lido Cinemas in Hawthorn and Cameo Cinemas in Belgrave from June 8 to July 7. Learn more here.
16. Take part in the intoxicating winter soiree, When Night Comes
Broad Encounters is coming back to Melbourne with another round of immersive theatre. Get ready for When Night Comes, a multisensory performance for small groups only. This intimate production mixes theatre and cocktails to create an alluring new experience. It will take over an intimate section of The Austral Theatre in Collingwood from June 11 to 29.
17. Check out this exciting Banksy exhibition
After successful runs in Brisbane, Adelaide, and Sydney, the Art of Banksy: “Without Limits” exhibition is coming to Melbourne for the first time. This museum-quality exhibition will feature over 180 Banksy artworks as well as multiple installations. It will open late in June at The District Docklands. Get your tickets here.
18. Bounce over to The NBA Exhibition
Get your head in the game at The NBA Exhibition. Explore over 20 themed sections, see cool memorabilia, play arcade basketball games, check out the VR zone and more. This fun experience is now open at The District Docklands. Get your tickets here.
19. Feel frightened by The Woman In Black
The legendary tale of The Woman in Black is coming to Melbourne this June. This spine-chilling production is the second longest-running play in West End history. Catch it at the Athenaeum Theatre from June 13.
20. Wander through twinkling light installations at Lightscape
The gorgeous, after-dark experience, Lightscape, will return to the Royal Botanic Gardens. Wander through the green heart of Melbourne with a reimagined new trail that stretches across 2.2 kilometres. As you journey along the path, you’ll discover new shimmering installations, laser gardens, spectacular lights and more. Lightscape will illuminate Melbourne during the winter nights from Friday June 14 to Sunday August 4.
21. Journey through history with the Pharaoh exhibition at NGV
H 22.8 cm, W 9.6 cm, D 9.6 cm © The Trustees of the British Museum
Explore three thousand years of ancient Egyptian art and culture at the NGV Winter Masterpieces exhibition for 2024, Pharaoh. This ambitious partnership with the British Museum will bring over 500 works to Melbourne, including monumental sculpture, architecture, jewellery, coffins and more. Many of these works will be displayed in Australia for the first time. The exhibition will open at NGV International on June 14 and stay until October 6.
22. Stay out late at NGV Friday Nights
The popular NGV Friday Nights is coming back this winter, in celebration of the upcoming exhibition, Pharaoh. Expect a massive line-up of pop-up performances, music residencies, Middle Eastern-inspired food and plenty of drinks. NGV Friday Nights will kick off on June 14, and continue until October 4.
23. Gaze at garments at Africa Fashion in NGV
The largest and most comprehensive exhibition in Australia of fashion from Africa is coming to Melbourne. This massive exhibition, from the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, will showcase historical and contemporary creations from influential fashion designers around the continent. Expect nearly 200 works from over 50 designers. Africa Fashion will be on display in NGV from May 31 to October 6. Learn more here.
24. Marvel at the work of Leonardo da Vinci at The LUME
Take a journey back in time, and explore the genius of Leonardo da Vinci. Step into the 3,000m², and watch some of the worlds most famous artworks come to life, like the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius is now open at The Lume.
25. Have a brilliant time at The Art of the Brick
The Art of the Brick is now showing in Melbourne! This immersive experience has over 100 sculptures made from over 1 million LEGO® bricks, as well as moving sculptures, cool projections and more. Check it out at Melbourne Showgrounds. Get your tickets here.
26. Check out the play Counting and Cracking
The monumental production of S. Shakthidharan’s acclaimed Counting and Cracking is paying in Melbourne as part of RISING. In this epic saga, follow a Sri Lankan-Australian family from 1956 to 2004 and encounter family secrets, love and upheaval. Check it out at the Union Theatre from May 31 to June 23.
27. Paint in the dark at Neon Brush
Head to Hanover House for the fun paint and sip experience, Neon Brush. Sip on your chosen beverage and paint a neon masterpiece that glows in the dark. See dates and times here.
28. Feel spellbound by Wicked
The gravity-defying musical, Wicked, is now playing at the Regent Theatre in Melbourne. Almost 20 years after its premiere on Broadway, this popular musical has won over 100 major awards, including the Grammy Award, the Olivier Award and three Tony Awards.
29. See curious characters at the Beings exhibition in ACMI
Meet and play with an assortment of curious characters born from code at the world premiere ACMI exhibition, Beings. Created by the international art and design collective, Universal Everything, this exhibition features 13 artworks made with ever-evolving algorithms. Move, dance and play with these creatures on screen, and enjoy a different experience each time. The Beings exhibition will take over ACMI from May 22 to September 29.
30. Unleash your creativity at Chaos Lab
From the Control Room to the Science Lab, the Mirror Maze to the Ball Pit, Chaos Lab is a fun experience for all kids who want to play, explore and create. Find it at The District Docklands. Tickets are on sale now.
31. Have a poo-fect day out at Unko Museum
Japan’s surprise sensation, Unko Museum, has taken over 360 Bourke St, Melbourne. Unko Museum is the only international touring museum dedicated to poop, but don’t hold your nose – the focus here is all about kawaii exhibits and photo-friendly moments, making it a fun and family-friendly day out. Get your tickets to Unko Museum here.
32. Enjoy an immersive dining experience with 400 Gradi x The Lume
Johnny Di Francesco from 400 Gradi will transport your taste buds to Italy for one night only. In The Second Supper, you’ll feast on three courses, with matched de Bortoli wines and a pop-up pizza bar, while surrounded by Renaissance masterpieces. This event will take place on Thursday June 20. Learn more here.
33. Visit Scienceworks for an after hours event
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 roving entertainment and more. Scienceworks After Dark will run from 6pm to 10pm on Friday June 21.
34. Celebrate the colder months with Frosted – A Winter Spectacular
The big field in Narre Warren opposite Westfield Fountain Gate will soon transform into a winter wonderland. At Frosted – A Winter Spectacular, you’ll have plenty of fun with ice skating, a taboggan slide, a polar bear ball pit, winter refreshments and more. Check it out from June 21 to July 21. Learn more here.
35. Feel a sense of Joy at the Immigration Museum
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.
36. Have a beery good time at GABS Craft Beer Festival
For over a decade, GABS has shared incredible craft beers from top breweries around Australia, as well as exciting brews from overseas. This year, discover 120 unique beers, brewed exclusively for this festival. There’s also plenty of games, food and entertainment to keep the good times going. Check it out at Melbourne Showgrounds from Friday June 21 to Sunday June 23.
37. Dance over to a flamenco show
Find a touch of Andalusia in The Capitol Theatre at two exciting flamenco shows. See dancer Ángeles Gabaldon alongside other Spanish artists perform in Authentic Flamenco from June 21 to 23. Then, watch professional dancers showcase the passion of flamenco in a 4-act show at We Call It Flamenco on June 28.
38. Experience a tale as old as time with Beauty and the Beast
Feel enchanted by the magical Beauty and the Beast musical. Watch in wonder as your favourite characters perform spectacular songs, like ‘Be Our Guest’, ‘Belle’, ‘Gaston’ and more. This production will play at Her Majesty’s Theatre from June 27.
39. Have a brie-illant time at Mould: A Cheese Festival
Say cheese! Australia’s most celebrated cheese festival is coming back to Melbourne this June. Find over 27 local producers showcasing over 100 varieties of Australian-made dairy products. Mould: A Cheese Festival will take over the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton on June 28 and 29.
40. Get lit at Firelight Festival in Docklands
This fiery winter festival is returning to Docklands. Feel dazzled by fire sculptures, fire twirlers, live music, tasty food and more. This year, there will also be the new ticketed experience, Firelight Labyrinth. Firelight Festival will run from June 28 to June 30.
41. 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 tributes to Beyoncé, the best in movie soundtracks at Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and more. See what’s on here.
42. Pass go and discover Monopoly Dreams
Australia’s first Monopoly-themed attraction is here in Melbourne. Immerse yourself and wander around Monopoly City and Mr. Monopoly’s Mansion. Find Monopoly Dreams at Melbourne Central.
43. Go ice skating and more at the Eynesbury Winter Festival
Eynesbury is transforming into a delightful winter wonderland. Travel 40 minutes to Melbourne’s west for ice skating, a carnival zone, night markets and more. The Eynesbury Winter Festival will take place from June 27 to July 14. Find out more.
44. 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 will open in Melbourne on June 28. Get your tickets here.
45. Find something wonderful at this craft fair in Queen Vic Market
At CRFT*WRK, you’ll discover locally-made goods from independent creators at Queen Vic Market. Find art, ceramics, jewellery, homewares and more. This festival will run on Saturday June 29 from 9am to 4pm. See more here.
46. Check out the Starry Sky exhibition at Met Art World
Visit Met Art World in Port Melbourne and feel transported to another world, with their immersive Starry Sky exhibition. Journey through mazes, enter a digital tunnel, see plenty of twinkling lights and more. Get your tickets here.
47. 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, take part in a Fire Night and more for the whole month of June. Learn more here.
48. Have a magical time at Harry Potter™: A Forbidden Forest Experience
Embark on a spellbinding walk through the forest and come face-to-face with magical creatures and scenes from the Harry Potter universe. You’ll find the Harry Potter™: A Forbidden Forest Experience at The Briars in Mount Martha. Get your tickets here.
49. Hop aboard the Train of Lights by Puffing Billy
Rug up this winter for an unforgettable moving light show. Journey through the Dandenong Ranges at night in an illuminated steam train, and see bright projections, hypnotic patterns and more. This experience starts on June 28 and ends on July 21.
50. Treat yourself at the Brownie Festival
The marvellous chocolatiers from the Yarra Valley and Great Ocean Road are bringing back their brilliant Brownie Festival. Running from June 5 to 23, you’ll be able to try 16 different brownie flavours! On top of that, there’s brownie ice cream and more brownie-inspired bites to enjoy every day of the festival. See more here.
51. Have fun at Adventure Park’s Winter Glow
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 22 and run until July 21. Find out more.
52. Head out of town for Winter Wonderlights in Sovereign Hill
Stroll through this gold rush attraction in Ballarat, and gaze in wonder as the streetscapes and goldfields transform into a winter wonderland. Look forward to dazzling light projections, roaring fires, fun activities, live music and more. Winter Wonderlights will return from Friday June 28 to Sunday July 21.
53. Take a trip to Heathcote on Show
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 8 to Monday June 10.
54. Escape to the Woodend Winter Arts Festival
Looking for something to do over the King’s Birthday long weekend? Venture out to Macedon Ranges for the Woodend Winter Arts Festival. Enjoy classical music, talks, fireworks and more. The festival will run from June 7 to 10. See the program here.
55. Frolic at the Festival of Magic in Kryal Castle
Feel transported to a magical world at Kryal Castle. This spectacular attraction near Ballarat will be the perfect place for you to release your inner witch or wizard. Make wands and potions, try out spells, see live performances and more. The Festival of Magic will run from June 8 to 10.
56. 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 9. Meanwhile, the festival will run from June 6 to 11.
57. Bundle up and explore the East Gippsland Winter Festival
The annual East Gippsland Winter Festival is returning for the fourth 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 June. Expect a series of free activities, family-friendly events, picturesque locations and more. The East Gippsland Winter Festival will start on Friday June 21 and end on Sunday July 21.
58. Escape to the snow this winter
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. Get ideas about where to stay here.
59. Wander through the illuminated experience, Gumbuya Dreaming
Beloved theme park Gumbuya World will light up the night with a brilliant new event that combines cutting-edge technology with traditional First Nations storytelling. Get ready for Gumbuya Dreaming, an event that will celebrate Indigenous culture with stories, installations and soundscapes. The experience will run from Saturday June 8 to Sunday July 21.
60. Escape to Swan Hill for River Lights
Swan Hill will light up with the immersive light and sound show, River Lights. This spectacular evening show will dazzle visitors with light sculptures, laser effects, interactive projections and holograms. It will take over the tourism attraction, Pioneer Settlement, and showcase history, art, community icons and First Nations culture. River Lights will run for just ten nights, from Friday June 28 to Sunday July 7.