Looking for something to do over the King’s Birthday long weekend? There’s plenty to choose from across Melbourne and Victoria: here are 40 of the best events or experiences to consider.
1. Head into town for the packed program of events RISING has to offer
The King’s Birthday weekend lands slap bang in the middle of RISING’s epic 16 days. RISING will stretch down the spine of Swanston St and beyond as large scale installations, free public events and world-class contemporary music, theatre and dance, ignite the city’s streets, venues and hidden spaces. You can see the whole program at 2024.rising.melbourne
2. Immerse yourself in the Africa Fashion exhibit at NGV
Africa Fashion – the largest and most comprehensive exhibition of fashion from the African continent ever mounted in Australia is on display at National Gallery of Victoria, from the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) in London. It includes almost 200 pieces, including ornate, custom-made, and everyday clothes, as well as body decorations. It features more than 50 designers from 22 countries and regions in Africa.
3. Playfully interact with ACMI’s new exhibition Beings
Endless play abounds at ACMI this winter, as world premiere exhibition Beings comes alive Comprised of 13 artworks drawn from the 20-year career of international art and design collective Universal Everything – including the premiere of four brand new artworks – Beings features an assortment of curious characters born from code.
4. Celebrate World Gin Day at a local distillery
World Gin Day is on 8 June and Four Pillars in Healesville are opening their distillery doors and joining forces with friends Naught Distilling, Island Gin, Itinerant Spirits and Mary Monica Gin to serve up FREE gin tastings in Wilma’s Stillhouse. Meanwhile, Bass & Flinders Distillery in Dromana are celebrating across the weekend of 8-9 June with live music, food trucks, free gin tastings and more.
5. Explore the world of wizardry at Kryal Castle’s Festival of Magic
Head to Ballarat for Kryal Castle’s Festival of Magic from 8-10 June featuring a range of activities, including wand-making workshops, spell-casting in the Wizards Tower and potion-making classes. You can also learn about the history and lore of magic and wizardry through live performances and demonstration.
6. Indulge at the Mornington Peninsula’s Winter Wine Weekend
The Winter Wine Weekend is four days from 7-10 June celebrating Mornington Peninsula’s food and wine culture with events all weekend. The Mornington Peninsula Wine Festival takes place at the heart of the weekend at the Red Hill Showgrounds, giving you the chance to taste wine from 40 of the region’s producers.
7. Get excited for the official start of the 2024 ski season
The June long weekend traditionally marks the official beginning of the ski season. Victoria’s resorts are all celebrating. At Mt Buller there is a three-day weekend of alpine festivities from 8-10 June. Falls Creek’s Opening Weekend Festival is on 8 June including a celebratory street party followed by a spectacular fireworks show after dark.
Embrace the “Chill and Thrill” at Mt Baw Baw’s winter opening weekend and join in a frosty extravaganza packed with snowy adventures, cozy comforts, and endless excitement on 8-9 June. While Lake Mountain Alpine Resort’s official opening weekend celebrations will take place over 8-9 June.
8. Experience the Harry Potter: Forbidden Forest adventure
The Briars Community Forest in Mount Martha has turned into a legit dark and magical forest for the Harry Potter: Forbidden Forest adventure This nighttime woodland trail experience is filled with magical creatures and wizarding wonders from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films and has been brought to life by award-winning theatrical designers and experiential creators.
9. Cheer on a winner at Port Fairy’s annual Daschund Dash
Every year thousands of people descend on Port Fairy to watch 100 daschunds make a mad dash for the finish line on their little legs at the annual Daschund Dash as part of the Port Fairy Winter Weekends Festival. It’s in its 16th year this year, taking place at the Port Fairy Gardens Oval on 9 June.
10. Delight in Mary Eats Cake’ s first ever Scone Festival
From 1-30 June you can delight in freshly baked scones from Melbourne’s High Tea specialists, crafted with their signature touch and served with an array of delectable toppings. Each week the team at Mary Eats Cake will be unveiling new and exciting scone flavours for you to try at both the Montrose and Brunswick outlets.
11. See the Lego-based Art of Brick exhibition
Visited by more than 10 million people around the world and earning a spot on CNN’s “must-see” list, The Art of the Brick is currently at the Melbourne Showgrounds. This brand new, immersive version of Nathan Sawaya’s iconic LEGO art exhibit features original collections, over 100 sculptures made from more than 1 million bricks, a LEGO safari, moving installations, 360 degree projections, and much more.
12. Witness kelpies doing incredible things in Casterton
Head to Casterton on Saturday 8 June for the Australian Kelpie Muster and spend fun filled day with market stalls, food vendors and loads of entertainment for the children with street parade, kelpie kids, animal nursery and more. Visitors from around Australia witness the amazing talents of the kelpie breed through a number of events such as the Kelpie Dash, Kelpie Hill Climb or the prized Kelpie High Jump.
13. Check out Gumbuya World’s new Indigenous digital light experience
Prepare to be transported to a realm of wonder and awe as Gumbuya World Theme Park proudly presents ‘Gumbuya Dreaming’, a mesmerising digital light experience created by acclaimed Indigenous artist Wayne Quilliam from 8 June to 21 July
14. Groove into winter at the Mornington Winter Music Festival
Street corners, bars and restaurants will come alive again over the King’s Birthday long weekend – with the sights and sounds of the 10th Mornington Winter Music Festival. The festival brings with it a host of talent and will showcase an exciting program mixing jazz, blues, soul and other genres all weekend from 7-10 June.
15. Party at the State Library after dark
State Library Victoria is proud to present a unique Library after dark experience on 7 June as part of RISING – a party inspired by their new exhibition on Rennie Ellis and the vintage glam of his 1960s to 1980s Melbourne photography.
16. Explore Celtic culture in Portarlington
Portarlington, on the scenic Bellarine Peninsula will heat up with a festive winter party along the foreshore and throughout the town when the 20th National Celtic Folk Festival hits town.
Join in from 7-10 June for four days of folk and Celtic magic featuring live music, bars, markets, workshops, sessions, delicious food, dances, writers, theatre, children’s entertainment, caber tossing, Irish hurling, demonstrations and special events.
17. Head to Woodend for the annual Winter Arts Festival
The 19th Woodend Winter Arts Festival will deliver a four-day feast of music, words and ideas in the charming village of Woodend, from 7-10 June. More than 100 artists will perform during the festival in various venues throughout Woodend.
18. See a world-class equestrian event at the Werribee Mansion
Every June during the King’s Birthday long weekend, the finest horse riders in the country arrive at the picturesque Werribee Park Precinct, to compete at Victoria’s premier eventing competition – the Melbourne International Three Day Event.
19. Celebrate your favourite fandom at Oz Comic-Con
Oz Comic-Con is back at MCEC on 8-9 June. It’s the ultimate celebration of everything pop culture. Meet with guests from film and television, local and international comic artists and cosplayers from every walk of life. Attendees can expect workshops, panels, gaming tournaments, and an overwhelming amount of exhibitors.
20. Satisfy your sweet tooth at the Dandenong Market
Whether you’re a dessert enthusiast, a foodie in search of new flavours, or simply looking to immerse yourself in a lively atmospher head to Dandenong Market’s Street Feast – Sweet Edition on 8 June which promises an unforgettable experience for all.
21. Pull an all-nighter at Cinema Nova’s Twilight marathon
Cinema Nova in Carlton is having an overnight Twilight marathon on 8 June showing all five movies in the franchise back-to-back. You’ll even get some cereal in the morning to keep you going.
22. Huddle up at Horsham’s Smoke on the Water
Horsham’s annual winter event Smoke on the Water event is back on 9 June featuring a smorgasboard of food trucks, some wineries, the local brewery, and a cocktail van. With the Wimmera River as the backdrop this family friendly event will also have live music, fire drums and a bonfire with toasted marshmallows.
23. Savour the tastes of Portugal at the Queen Victoria Market
Taste of Portugal 2024 is on at the Queen Victoria Market on 9 June and is set to showcase the Portuguese culture, traditions and cuisine in a day of celebration of the Portuguese National Day!
24. Check out the NBA Exhibition
The NBA Exhibition in Docklands is the ultimate experience for basketball enthusiasts! This basketball exhibition is a one-of-a-kind adventure through the amazing universe of the NBA. The event runs until 23 June and offers over 20 themed sections combining the NBA’s rich and storied past with interactive elements that transport you into the world of basketball.
25. Listen to live music at the Port Melbourne Music Crawl
A free one-day music festival is taking over Port Melbourne on the Kings Birthday Long Weekend. The Port Melbourne Music Crawl is happening on Sunday 9 June across multiple venues in Port Melbourne from midday to midnight.
26. Experience a 21 Gun Salute at the Shrine
A 21 Gun Salute on the Lower Forecourt of the Shrine of Remembrance on 10 June at 12pm will mark the official birthday of His Majesty King Charles III.
27. See a family movie at the Children’s International Film Festival
The Children’s International Film Festival (CHIFF) is back with a month-long celebration of cinema designed to captivate and inspire young audiences and their families from 8 June to 14 July. CHIFF program features 18 Australian premiere titles, a program of family short films and special events tailored to young filmgoers aged from three years old and up. Participating cinemas are Classic Cinemas, Lido Cinemas and Cameo Cinemas.
28. Jazz up your long weekend at the Castlemaine Jazz Festival
This year’s Castlemaine Jazz Festival takes place on 7-9 June and is set to feature world-class Jazz acts including big bands, little bands and honorable guests, including Vince Jones and Adeishs. Get ready to be swept away by the sounds of Jazz as you make your way through the historic streets of Castlemaine.
29. Visit the Leonardo da Vinci experience at THE LUME
Step into the mind of genius! Explore original sketches and inventions by Leonardo da Vinci at THE LUME Melbourne. Be amazed by a 360º Mona Lisa replica, AI, VR tech, and a Renaissance culinary journey at Caffé Medici. Immerse yourself in the Renaissance with multisensory galleries taking you through the world of da Vinci.
30. See a short film at the St Kilda Film Festival
The St Kilda Film Festival (SKFF) is back for 2024 this June, with its grand 40th anniversary celebration, promising a larger and more daring event than ever before. A plethora of short films will grace the screens over 10 eventful days, offering a record-breaking cinematic feast for enthusiasts.
31. Realign your chakras at the MindBodySpirit Festival
The MindBodySpirit Festival is Australia’s largest health, wellbeing and natural therapies event. Learn from more than 200 exhibitors, attend free inspirational seminars, book yourself a psychic reading, watch the free stage performances and taste some delicious health foods! It’s on at MCEC from 7-10 June.
32. Enjoy the wine and produce of the Heathcote region
Explore, taste and enjoy the Heathcote region from 8-10 June as the artisan winemakers, brewers, distillers and musicians put on a show for you. At Heathcote on Show you’ll find exclusive tastings, new releases, gourmet food, live music and more at over 25 locations.
33. Experience a Japanese blues music festival on the Murray River
Matsumura Blues Festival is an exciting new music festival set to launch in Mildura on 8 and 9 June 2024. It will deliver eleven great artists/bands on one big stage, over two separate days with a unique line-up of leading Australian and international blues and rock musicians, blending their tunes with some traditional Okinawan and Japanese artists.
34. Find out about buying, building or investing at the Property Expo
The 32nd Australian Property Expo will take place at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre on 8-9 June. This expo promises to be the largest and most comprehensive property event Victoria has ever witnessed. Whether you’re a home buyer or seasoned investor or just starting your property portfolio, there’s something for everyone on their property journey.
35. Take part in an immersive board game experience at Monopoly Dreams
Enter Monopoly Dreams and be whisked away into the delightful world of Monopoly! Melbourne’s newest attraction is a fully immersive and interactive experience, featuring games, laser maze, and the chance to win Monopoly money. he fully immersive experience operates across two different zones: Monopoly City and Monopoly Mansion – with 15 different attractions in total.
36. Get a birds eye view of Melbourne from the Skyline Ferris wheel
Jump aboard the Skyline Ferris Wheel that promises breathtaking views of Melbourne’s cityscape, truly a one-of-a-kind vantage point to see a unique perspective of the CBD and beyond. It’s at the Polly Woodside Park next to MCEC until September.
37. Have a crappy time at a poop museum
Unko Museum, translated as the “Poop Museum”, is a fun and interactive exhibit with super adorable decor. Enter a world of colour and unleash your inner child in a uniquely Kawaii (cute) poop universe imported from Japan! Unleash your inner child with a treasure trove of interactive games, embark on a hilarious voyage as you capture priceless moments against a backdrop of whimsical Instagrammable settings, and take home curious souvenirs
38. Eat and drink a the Loch Food and Wine Festival
Meet the people behind the wineries, breweries, great produce and eateries and celebrate some of what South Gippsland has to offer at the Loch Food and Wine Festival on 9 June.
39. Experience Joy at the Immigration Museum
Celebrating culture, nostalgia, and the pursuit of happiness, the Immigration Museum’s expansive exhibition Joy features seven Victorian-based artists showcasing their interpretations of joy through immersive installations, until 29 August.
40. Celebrate all things Korean in North Melbourne
Head to ezistreat in North Melbourne on 9 June for the Seoul Winter Market, presented in partnership with My Korean School and Consulate General of Korea in Melbourne and part of Asian Heritage Week. the market will feature over 20 food vendors and stallholders, showcasing the tastiest lineups of Korean foods and coolest crafts.
