What’s On in Melbourne in June 2026

Hello June – we’re almost halfway through the year. I know we always say it, but how did that happen?!

In Melbourne, June marks the start of winter. Those autumnal gold, orange and red leaves are now starting to fall, and fireplaces are being stoked, creating cosy places to escape from the chill.

Here’s a curated selection of the must-dos happening this June in Melbourne.

Melbourne weather in June

The average temperature in Melbourne in June hovers between 7°C and 14°C during the day, so it’s definitely time to start rugging up.

There’s usually not too much rain, but you can expect a few days, with 56mm falling throughout the entire month last year.

Check the upcoming Melbourne weather forecast online, and read my full guide to winter in Melbourne.

Public holidays in Melbourne in June

Monday 8 June 2026 marks the King’s Birthday public holiday.

Major events and festivals in June

Check back regularly throughout the month – I’ll keep this page updated as I hunt down more events!

RISING

This incredible, can’t-miss night-time festival features more than 105 events across 16 days. There are activities and installations for all ages, with art, dance, live music, installations and theatre.

Lightscape

Be mesmerised by an eight-metre sphere filled with over 20,000 moving LEDs, singing trees and a flickering fire garden among colour-changing installations, soundscapes and large-scale illuminated sculptures.

Theatre, film and music

Sheltering

First Nations dance group Bangarra presents a program of three powerful works: Keeping Grounded, Brown Boys and Sheoak, which honour the company’s past while looking to the future.

Pride and Prejudice (sort of)

This musical comedy is a unique and audacious retelling of Jane Austen’s most iconic love story. 

House of Rot: Grey Gardens

Starring Paul Capsis and Adam Noviello, House of Rot is inspired by the true story of Grey Gardens, two eccentric recluses, Big and Little Edie, who lived in a house slowly falling in on itself.

Candelight Concert Series with Fever

Fever brings their stunning candlelit concerts to venues across Melbourne. There’s everything from Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake to tributes to Ed Sheeran, Amy Winehouse and Aretha Franklin.

KOOZA

Cirque du Soleil returns to Melbourne with KOOZA, which follows the self-discovery journey of The Innocent, a naïve character transported to an exotic yet zany kingdom. 

Melbourne Magic Show

Have your mind blown by the magic and illusion of Master Magician Luke Hocking.

Museums and art

Melbourne Winter Masterpieces: Cartier

This year’s Winter Masterpieces brings the elegance of CARTIER to Melbourne’s NGV. There are almost 400 dazzling jewels and gems from the house of Cartier’s collection.

NGV Friday Nights

Experience the CARTIER exhibition after dark at NGV with weekly curated experiences featuring live music residencies, pop-up performances and activations, alongside drinks, dining and unlimited entry to the CARTIER exhibition.

Future Country

Spanning weaving, photography, sculpture, possum-skin- cloak making, moving image, sound and design, this exhibition celebrates emerging First Nations artists. The artists and designers have been paired with established Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives.

ROME: Empire, Power, People

Featuring original statues, mosaics, frescoes, jewellery and everyday objects from the humblest to the most sumptuous, this exhibition explores Rome’s political, cultural and social life.

Nocturnal: Museum After Dark

Explore Melbourne Museum – and the ROME: Empire, Power, People exhibition – after dark in June. There are special tours and talks, and music performances – entirely kid-free.

Body Worlds: The Anatomy of Happiness

At this fascinating exhibition, explore real human specimens, interactive features like the Anatomical Mirror and discover how joy transforms the body.

Bubble Planet

Surround yourself with bubbles! Step into a planet beyond your imagination with VR technology, themed rooms, and fantastical landscapes. Jump from one immersive space to the next and explore them all with your five senses.

Planetarium Nights

Head to Scienceworks for an adults-only, after dark experience. June’s events to be announced.

Experience the Dome Promenade

One of Melbourne’s most iconic buildings has opened a hidden part that hasn’t been accessible to the public for 100 years.

Food and drink events in June

A Taste of Portugal

Get a taste of Portugal at the Queen Vic Market. This festival unites Portuguese-speaking communities from Portugal, Brazil and Timor-Leste, with food, drinks, competitions, dance classes and more.

Fondue Chalet

Escape to the French Alps this winter. Fondue Chalet returns this year, transforming Fed Square into a glowing French Alpine village. Choose from fondue or raclette in your private wooden chalet.

Donut Festival

Get ready to indulge in a weekend of sugary goodness and holey treats at the Queen Vic Market’s two-day Donut Festival returns to Queen Vic Market.

Light to Night

A new month-long program at Chadstone, celebrating art, food and music.

Winter Night Market

The Winter Night Market is back at Queen Vic Market every Wednesday evening, with street food trucks and stalls, local brewers and distillers, shopping and lively entertainment.

GABS Craft Beer Festival

Each year, 120 different breweries from across Australia, New Zealand and around the world make brand new, limited-edition unique beers and ciders exclusively for GABS.

What are you most excited to see and do in June in Melbourne?