Exploring Melbourne this winter?
The temperature might be cold, but there are red-hot activities to keep you warm during a Melbourne winter. Embrace the cold, put your coat on, and check out what’s on in Melbourne in June.
- The Rising Festival
- Visit the winter markets at the Queen Victoria Markets
- Catch an exhibition at the NGV
- Catch a game of footy
- Watch Lightscape at the Royal Botanic Gardens
1. The Rising Festival
When: 4th – 15th June
June sees the return of Melbourne’s annual winter festival, The Rising. It’s a rich celebration of art, culture and music. With a pop-up golf course installation in Flinders St Station, a whole bunch of different. Every year, Melbourne’s Festival: The Rising is a celebration of art, culture, and music. With art installations around Flinders St Station, and a fun, FREE event at the Capital Arcade, don’t miss this exciting art festival that showcases brand new art and music.
2. Visit the Winter Markets at the Queen Victoria Winter Market
When: From the 4th June until August 27th, the winter markets are on every Wednesday.
Each Wednesday, the Queen Victoria Winter Markets kick off from June 4th and offer a whole load of tasty treats that’ll have you eyeing up each stall. Satisfy that nostalgic itch and sip on a spiced milo. It’s a treat for the senses, with plenty to see, smell and taste! Expect yummy street food, free entertainment, and heaps of retail stalls selling wintery goods.
Best part? It’s completely free.
With plenty of free entertainment and places to sample tasty foods, you won’t be short on places to get yourself a treat or two at the markets.
3. Catch the Exhibition at the NGV
When: From June 6th until October 5th 2025.
Go to the NGV on a Friday night to fully experience the museum
This winter, it’s all about French Impressionism.
If it’s not your thing, don’t worry, there are over 100 art galleries in Melbourne – or you can wander around the NGV in the warm and get yourself involved in this fun exhibition. This year, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston have bought its French Impressionism exhibition.
They’ve partnered with the NGV to bring some spectacular installations.
Think Claude Monet, Berthe Morisot. There are ten different sections, each one with its specific theme.
4. Catch a game of footy
When: Footy season ends on the 27th September. Games in Melbourne are held at the MCG.
To experience Melbourne the Aussie way, get yourself to the MCG and catch a footy game!
It’s a rite of passage for all Melburnians. Choose your team and get geared up for some friendly rivalry.
5. Lightscape
When: 20th June – 10th August
At the Royal Botanic Gardens, this light show will promise to light up your evening, as well as your Instagram feed. Who said winter had to be dark and gloomy?
