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.
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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 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.
Dates: 27 May-8 June 2026
Where: Various venues
Cost: Mix of free and paid events
More info: Website
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.
Dates: TBA
Where: Royal Botanic Gardens
Cost: From $40
More info: Website
Theatre, film and music
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.
Dates: 18-27 June 2026
Where: Playhouse
Cost: From $74
More info: Website
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.
Dates: 18-20 June 2026
Where: Malthouse Theatre
Cost: From $55
More info: Website
Firelight Festival and Firelight Labyrinth
Fire installations, laser shows, live music, fire twirlers and plenty of snacks and beverages – it’s all at the Firelight Festival. This year’s experience includes the Firelight Labyrinth, where visitors will weave their way through a mythical underground maze of light and sound.
Dates: TBA
Where: Docklands and Marvel Stadium
Cost: Free entry to Firelight Festival; Firelight Labyrinth tickets from $37.50
More info: Website
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.
Dates: Various dates in June
Where: Various venues
Cost: From $28
More info: Website
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.
Dates: Until 28 June 2026
Where: Flemington Racecourse
Cost: From $79
More info: Website
Melbourne Magic Show
Have your mind blown by the magic and illusion of Master Magician Luke Hocking.
Dates: Throughout June
Where: Melbourne Marriott Hotel
Cost: From $39.95
More info: Website
Museums and art
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.
Dates: Throughout June
Where: Melbourne Museum
Cost: $35
More info: Website
Planetarium Nights
Head to Scienceworks for an adults-only, after dark experience. June’s events to be announced.
Dates: Friday nights throughout June
Where: Scienceworks
Cost: Tickets from $25
More info: Website
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.
Dates: Throughout June
Where: Royal Exhibition Building
Cost: From $29 for adults
More info: Museums Victoria website
Food and drink events in June
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.
Dates: TBA
Where: Queen Vic Market
Cost: Free entry
More info: Website
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.
Dates: TBA
Where: Queen Vic Market
Cost: Free entry
More info: Website
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.
Dates: TBA
Where: Melbourne Showgrounds
Cost: From $35
More info: Website
Mould: A Cheese Festival
Cheese? Yes please! This festival celebrates crumbly cheddars, gooey camemberts and bitey blues from the best artisan producers across the country.
Dates: TBA
Where: Royal Exhibition Building
Cost: Tickets from $49
More info: Website
Community events
Mabo Day Concert
Commemorate the huge achievements of Meriam man Eddie Mabo at this free community concert with song and dance performances and talks about Native Title.
Dates: TBA
Where: Meat Market
Cost: Free entry
More info: Website
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.
Dates: TBA
Where: Queen Vic Market
Cost: Free entry
More info: Website
What are you most excited to see and do in June in Melbourne?
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Best Melbourne resources
- Check out my Melbourne travel guide for everything you need to know about planning a trip to Melbourne
- Look for flights to Melbourne on Skyscanner.
- Book accommodation on Booking.com or Expedia for your Melbourne trip. The Ovolo Laneways Hotel is a good choice in the CBD.
- You won’t really need a car in Melbourne, but if you do want to get out of the city, then rent a car through DiscoverCars.
- Pick up a copy of the Lonely Planet Pocket Melbourne to help plan your trip.
