What’s On in Melbourne in June [Updated for 2023]

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 around 50mm falling throughout the entire month.

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

Public holidays in Melbourne in June

Monday 12 June marks the King’s Birthday public holiday – the first King’s Birthday I’ve had in my lifetime!

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 185 events across 12 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

The Rocky Horror Show

One of the most-loved films is in Melbourne with a theatre spectacular. Book tickets now – the season is short!

Mary Poppins

It’s supercalifragilisticexpialidocious in Melbourne with the arrival of everyone’s favourite nanny!

& Juliet

Shakespeare gets a remix with some of your favourite pop anthems from Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, Katy Perry, The Weeknd and Kelly Clarkson.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

The cut-down version of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is now playing in one (still long!) session.

Museums and art

Connection at The Lume

The Lume – the incredibly immersive art experience – bids farewell to Monet & Friends and welcomes a stunning First Nations exhibition called Connection.

Melbourne Now

Celebrate new and ambitious local art and design. Everything from fashion and jewellery, painting, sculpture, architecture and ceramics, to video, performance, printmaking and publishing will be on display.

Sutr Santati: Then. Now. Next.

Curated by Lavina Baldota of the Abheraj Baldota Foundation, this brand-new exhibition brings together diverse and stunning textile traditions of India. 

Goddess: Power, Glamour, Rebellion

Marilyn Monroe. Geena Davis. Halle Berry. Margot Robbie. Michelle Yeoh. These – and more – screen goddesses are recognised in a new exhibition at ACMI.

Gandel Gondwana Garden

Gondwana – the huge supercontinent that formed a mere 500 million years ago and connected Australia to much of the Southern Hemisphere – is brought to life in a new exhibition at Melbourne Museum.

Imaginaria

Part game, part gallery, part journey, Imaginaria is great for the whole family. Immerse yourself in shimmering light sculptures, enter the interactive cave or the multi-dimensional light maze, or step inside a giant infinity bubble.

Temple of Boom

Created by Adam Newman and Kelvin Tsang and an “evocative reimagining of The Parthenon on the Acropolis in Athens”, the Temple of Boom is the latest NGV Architecture Commission.

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.

Monet & Friends at The Lume

Monet & Friends immerses visitors in French Impressionism at this digital gallery. Enhanced with sound and aromas, it’s a true sensory experience.

Thor: Love and Thunder at ACMI

Catch the incredible costumes and props worn by the all-star cast of Taika Waititi’s blockbuster Thor: Love and Thunder.

Food events in June

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.

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.

Mulled Wine and Hot Cheese Party

Welcome to Thornbury is celebrating a perfection pairing: mulled wine and melty cheese. Gotta be the most delicious event 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.

Community events and festivals

Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony

Join Japanese tea instructor Harumi Oshitani to learn all about the ritual of the Japanese tea ceremony.

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