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Entertainment
What’s on over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend in Melbourne and Victoria
Jessica Taylor Yates
June 02, 2022
The weather may predict freezing cold and rain, but that doesn't mean fun can't be had this long weekend. Here are all the activities to do over the Queen's Birthday weekend.
June has rolled around once again, inviting cold winds, freezing rain, and the last public holiday until the Grand Final Friday in September.
While it may be cold, this doesn’t mean there isn’t a variety of activities and experiences around the city and surroundings.
Whether it’s seeing the latest flicks, heading to a festival, enjoying a show, or hitting the road, here are the best things to do this long weekend around Melbourne and Victoria.
Queen’s Birthday activities and events in Melbourne and Victoria
Festivals
RISING
1-12 June
The rebranded White Night is back after two years of cancellations due to COVID-19. Melbourne’s winter arts festival runs from June 1-12, including music, art… and a big hole. Visit the giant moon installation in Chinatown, go ice skating at Sidney Myer Music Bowl, or head to Federation Square for The Invisible Opera.
With a program encompassing art exhibitions and installations, interactive experiences, music and sound performances, dance, food, video, and everything in between, it’s sure to bring the City of Melbourne back to life with experiences decorating the entire city.
With jazz and blues events running over four days from morning ‘til night, come down and groove to music encompassing roots, blues, pop, RnB, Celtic fiddles, rock, reggae, flamenco, folk, and everything in between!
The festival will be running all over Mornington, from The Grand Hotel to the Library Zone and local restaurants and cafes, so make sure to have a wander and explore all the area has to offer.
Shows
Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella
June 1- July 22
Cinderella meets Melbourne? Put them together and what have you got, bibbidy-bobbidy-boo!
Running for a limited winter season, Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella has brought their Tony Award-winning Broadway musical to Melbourne. Along with the myriad of musicals hitting our Melbourne shores this year, the musical version of the classic tale of Cinderella is the perfect way to enjoy a winter activity in the city over the long weekend.
Dracula’s: The Resurrection Tour
June 3- Jun 12
While the building that hosted Dracula’s for many years may be gone, the performances have been ‘resurrected’ for a winter stint at Crown. Dracula’s: The Resurrection Tour pays homage to the entertainment institution, with a show encompassing a mix of new and most popular acts, music, comedy, burlesque, and macabre fun.
The RISING Festival is a showcase of arts, music, food and culture across Melbourne. Pictured: The WILDS by Eugene Hyland
RISING will even have a winter wonderland-style set up ready for budding young ice skaters to hit the rink. Image: Eugene Hyland
Those who prefer their winter entertainment indoors can take in a show like Dracula's
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Events
Oz Comic-Con 2022
June 11-12
Pop culture lovers rejoice, for a Comic-Con convention is headed your way! Featuring celebrity guests and panels, exhibitors, screenings, gaming, dress-up cosplay competitions, and merchandise, Oz Comic-Con will come to Melbourne over two big days during the Queen’s Birthday weekend.
The event will also have opportunities for autographs, photos, fan club meets, art displays, industry discussions, interactive activities, and of course, comics available for purchase. Who knows – the ghost of Stan Lee may even make an appearance.
Winery tours in Victoria’s High Country
June 11, 12, 13 (check location for exact dates)
Put on that floppy hat and winter coat, it’s wine country time! Victoria’s High Country has a range of wine festivals happening over the Queen’s Birthday weekend. Those interested in a Winery Walkabout can head to Rutherglen, where 18 wineries will be putting on wine (of course), entertainment, music, and food.
Over in the Glenrowan Wine Region, grab a ticket to the Trails, Tastings & Tales Food and Wine Festival, and enjoy live music, craft markets, entertainment, impressive winter menus, and a range of cellar doors.
A pop-up Cannoli Bar will also be running at Politini Wines in Cheshunt, while Dal Zotto Wines will be running an Italian-inspired ‘Tutti a Tavola’ (long lunch) in Whitfield.
You can also make a day of it by checking out one of the new wineries in Victoria on your own road trip.
Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show
12 Jun
Car enthusiasts, rejoice, for the annual Alexandra Truck Ute and Rod Show is back and celebrating 25 years in business. A rocking day featuring over 200 display vehicles, music, a woodchopping competition, kid’s activities, a quilting display, local markets, food and drink; take in the car competition and let your love of utes and trucks take over.
Activities
Go to the movies
While of course, the movies are open all the time, there’s nothing quite like rugging up in the cinema with a nice warm popcorn watching the latest releases. Plus, RACV Members save on movie tickets.
Over the Queen’s Birthday weekend, consider taking in a new blockbuster like Jurassic World Dominion,Top Gun: Maverick, which is slashing records worldwide, the latest Marvel hit Dr. Strange and the Multiverse of Madness, or check out the latest film festival screening near you.
Go to the snow
Winter season
With the ski season taking off, it may be the perfect time to hit the snow and slopes – or even just for a fun toboggan ride. A long weekend may make the long drive seem just that bit more worth it.
Viva Las Bendigo! Victorians have been all shook up about Elvis. Whether it's the film due to hit cinemas on the 23rd of June or the talk of Elvis no longer on the Vegas scene, it's time for a little less conversation and a little more action, so make sure you don't miss out on the Elvis: Direct From Graceland Exhibition that's always on our minds. But hurry, it's exclusive to Bendigo and due to head back to Graceland on July 17.
There's plenty of fun to be had at the hundreds of wineries around Victoria. Image: Getty
The ski season is officially open, so it's the perfect time to hit the slopes! Image: Getty
There's nothing like a long weekend to get cosy at the cinema. Image: ALAMY
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Trips
Head away for the weekend
A winter long weekend is a perfect time to rug up, get cosy by a fireplace in some nice accommodation or pub, and leave the world behind. Check out the RACV Resorts around Australia you can head to for a quick and unforgettable weekend away.
With an extra day up your sleeve, why not take the time to go to that place or take in that attraction you’ve been meaning to do but never seem to fit in? Check out that new cocktail bar, have a fun night out at a themed restaurant, head to see the famous Melbourne street art everyone is talking about, or grab your mates and have a night out at an escape room.
