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Winter is officially here, but that doesn't mean it's time to hibernate on your couch for the next three months – especially not when Melbourne's busy events calendar is looking this red-hot!
The city's beloved winter festival of music, dance and arts is back to warm our spirits. Rising is on now until June 8, and the jam-packed program includes group dance classes, large-scale light projections, live music and even the the world’s smallest ramen-ya. You can check out our top picks of the festival here.
Another winter favourite is also returning. Lightscape will take over the Royal Botanic Gardens from June 12, with a 2.1-kilometre trail illuminated by dazzling installations and sparkly sights. Rug up, grab a mulled wine and enjoy the show. Speaking of mulled wine, you can indulge in cups of the good stuff along with oozy, gooey raclette cheese at Fed Square's Fondue Chalet. It's you chance to have a cosy après-ski French village experience without having to leave the city.
Still hungry? High Cheese at the Westin Melbourne is on now, if you're craving an un-brie-lievable feast. Or head to the Queen Vic Market for the annual Donut Festival – a free, two-day event celebrating all things ring-shaped, deep-fried and sugary.
And don't miss Waitress the Musical, the St Kilda Film Festival or the Independent Music Exchange. Plus, if you're keen to hit the road in June, Winter Wonderlights has returned to Sovereign Hill in Ballarat, while the East Gippsland Winter Festival has art installations, lantern parades, live music, workshops, food and more.
When in doubt, you can always rely on our catch-all lists of Melbourne's best bars, restaurants, museums, parks and galleries, or consult our bucket list of things to do in Melbourne before you die.
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