June is here and with it, the frosty chill and whipping wind we all know and love about Melbourne winters. But even though the weather is dreary, all it takes is a thick scarf and a strong mulled wine to get us back in the swing of things.
This month, RISING dominates the calendar, bringing some of the world’s best experimental musicians, theatre shows and art projects to our fair city. Grab your tickets or you’ll regret it!
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here.
For the family, there are plenty of glowing wonderlands to explore. Follow the trail of lights to see massive illuminated sculptures and displays. It’s also film festival season, which means there are screenings galore to help you waste away any rainy day.
This winter, don’t just survive – thrive! Life’s too short to waste half the year inside. For inspiration, here’s our top picks for festivals and events on in Melbourne this June.
The best festivals in Melbourne this month
Taste Sorrento
- Sorrento
- Throughout June
Embark on a month-long journey at Taste Sorrento, where the essence of the Mornington Peninsula’s Sorrento comes alive through culinary experiences, cultural immersion and natural beauty, inviting exploration and enjoyment.
After a seven-year hiatus, Taste Sorrento is back until the end of June
Good Food and Wine Show
- Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
- June 1 and 2
Head to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre for three delightful days celebrating good food, exquisite wine and great company.
RISING
- Various locations
- June 1 to 16
Offering eclectic performances and experimental art, RISING is an annual festival that spills out into the city’s streets, car parks, churches, town square and beloved venues.
RISING festival’s staggering program: Hip hop legends, epic projections and nightly parties beneath the CBD
TRIBETEK
- 124 Landford St
- June 8
FTC x Pulsar presents TRIBETEK – an evening honouring the 90s rave scene with curated DJs and live acts focusing on trance, techno and psychedelic sounds within a new warehouse venue.
Oz Comic Con
- Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
- June 8 and 9
Oz Comic-Con invites fans of all ages and interests to immerse themselves in an exciting experience over two dynamic days. Whether you’re a devotee of various pop cultures or simply enjoy a fun outing, there’s something for everyone – from wizards to sci-fi enthusiasts and beyond.
Castlemaine Jazz Festival
- Castlemaine
- June 7 to 9
The 2024 return of the Castlemaine Jazz Festival is upon us, unveiling an impressive selection of jazz aficionados set to swing into town. Taking place at six iconic venues in the town centre it’s the perfect way to spend the long weekend!
Castlemaine Jazz Festival swings into town for a King’s Birthday bonanza
Woodend Winter Arts Festival
- Macedon Ranges
- June 7 to 10
Experience four days of music, words, and ideas at the 19th annual Woodend Winter Arts Festival, set in the picturesque Macedon Ranges during the King’s Birthday long weekend.
Mornington Winter Music Festival
- Mornington Main St
- June 7 to 10
The Mornington Winter Music Festival brings the streets of Mornington to life over the Queen’s Birthday weekend with a vibrant celebration of music, arts and heritage, offering a diverse range of entertainment for all tastes.
St Kilda Film Festival
- St Kilda
- June 6 to 16
Presented by the City of Port Phillip, the St Kilda Film Festival showcases exceptional Australian films, supporting emerging talent alongside industry professionals. This festival is a gateway to recognition in the Short Film Awards and Documentary Short sections of the Oscars.
‘It’s just packed’: St Kilda Film Festival announces huge lineup of special events, workshops and premieres
Lightscape
- Royal Botanic Gardens
- From June 14
Lightscape returns to the Royal Botanic Gardens after dark showcasing a reimagined trail and new installations. Explore interactive exhibits like Submergence along with beloved attractions like the Winter Cathedral and Laser Forest at Fern Gully.
Lightscape returns to illuminate Melbourne’s winter nights at Royal Botanic Gardens
Spanish Film Festival
- Various locations
- June 14 to July 10
This national film festival features the best Spanish language cinema from heartwrenching dramas to hilarious comedies. The program is rich and diverse, featuring Spanish and Latin American offerings.
Spanish Film Festival returns to Melbourne in June
Dangerous Goods XXL No. 3
- PICA
- June 22
Prepare for an immersive journey into a techno revolution at Dangerous Goods XXL 3.0 – a 360-degree experience unlike any other! Featuring an impressive lineup of six international artists, this event promises an electrifying fusion of sound, light and motion.
East Gippsland Winter Festival
- Gippsland
- From June 21
Returning for a fourth year, the festival will celebrate ‘How We Winter’ in the region through a dedicated program of art, performance, music and gastronomy.
East Gippsland Winter Festival has everything for the perfect winter escape
MOULD – A Cheese Festival
- Royal Exhibition Building
- June 28 and 29
Experience the ultimate cheese celebration at Mould Cheese Festival, showcasing a variety of homegrown cheeses from across Australia in a milky extravaganza!
Firelight Festival
- Harbour Esplanade
- June 28 to 30
Over three vibrant nights, Melbourne’s captivating winter festival, Firelight, takes over Docklands featuring fire displays, live music, delightful culinary experiences and more. Admission is free!
Celebrate the winter solstice at the three-day, inner city Firelight Festival
For more on Melbourne festivals and events, head here.
Source: beat.com.au
George Barham, an accomplished journalist and avid gambling enthusiast, serves as the esteemed Editor-in-Chief at fly-to-australia.com, Australia’s leading source for comprehensive gambling news and insights. With an unwavering passion for both the written word and the ever-evolving world of betting and gaming, George brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the helm of our editorial team.
