COVID-19 Note: In light of the Melbourne lockdown situation, it is best to check with organisers in case festivals are affected by restrictions.
Our thoughts go out to organisers, in particular the organisers of the exciting Rising Festival after they announced the cancellation of events during the lockdown period.
We can’t wait to see Melbourne’s vibrant foodie and festival culture back in full swing soon!
Cold weather is perfect for partaking in food and drink. June food festivals in Melbourne are aplenty. You’ll be spoilt for choice.
Whatever suits your fancy, you’ll find it at one of the numerous June food festivals Melbourne has on offer this month. Attend one or many – you will be treated to some of the best food and wine the city has to offer.
Mould: A Cheese Festival
Fri 25 Jun, 4.30pm-8.30pm to Sat 26 Jun 11am-3pm and 4pm-8.30pm
Magdalen Laundry, Abbotsford Convent
1 Heliers Street, Abbotsford VIC
$45
Whether you know your cheeses inside and out, or you simply like eating it, this festival is for you. Nick Haddow (Bruny Island Cheese Co) and Organisers Revel (the group behind Pinot Palooza) are bringing back Mould: A Cheese Festival. This is one of Australia’s favourite fromage festivals.
The full line-up is yet to be announced, but you can be assured of two days of cheesy goodness from around the country. Partake in tastings, demonstrations, and cheese-focussed dishes. There will also be a fully stocked bar to accompany your cheese.
Late Night Yum Cha
Tue 1 Jun to Sun 5 Jun, 1.5-hour sessions – first seating 6pm, last seating 11pm
Melbourne Town Hall
90-130 Swanston St, Melbourne 3000
$55 per person (group bookings)
You’ve had lunchtime yum cha. Now try this ritual at night. Waiters push trollies stacked high with dim sum from table to table. Expect tiny plates and bamboo steamers holding all your favourites, plus some unique dishes from some of Melbourne’s most renowned yum cha chefs.
You can enjoy dishes from Crystal Jade, ShanDong Mama, and Dainty Sichuan. Sip tea as you nibble on dumplings, chicken feet, turnip cakes, prawn rolls, and egg tarts – plus many more delectable morsels.
Each ticket entitles you to a seat at the table and your first two dishes. Get your friends together and eat until you’re full.
Veraising
Sat Jun 5 12.30pm-8.30pm
Melbourne Town Hall
90-130 Swanston St, Melbourne
$85 + booking fee
Versaison. Definition: the onset of ripening grapes.
In the late summer, fruit beings to ripen at vineyards across the county. Acid developed over cool nights succumb to the sugars that have accumulated from days under the hot sun. This is the transformation that winemakers wait for, a reward for their months of patience.
Veraising is where you can taste the natural, organic wine that has had minimal intervention. This is the gathering of friends and wine lovers, to open bottles and share stories.
Over 200 wines are featured at Veraising, from 30 independent winemakers and suppliers from Australia and beyond. Tickets include entry, tasting glass and unlimited tastings.
The Dinner Party
Tue 1 Jun to Thu 3 Jun, 1.5hr Sessions – first seating at 6pm, last seating at 9pm
Melbourne Town Hall
90-130 Swanston St, Melbourne
$145
This bespoke banquet is a transforming, multi-course, theatrical dining event. Be surrounded by interiors that play with light, shadow, and texture. Tantalise your tastebuds with courses by pioneering Melbourne chefs who combine sustainably sourced produce technical alchemy. The best chefs from Embla, Etta, Tipo 00, Osteria Ilaria, Coda and Tonka will amaze you.
Tickets include a four-course animal protein or vegetarian menu.
Be sure to book your tickets early so you don’t miss out. Check out the Melbourne Food Festivals online directory for more amazing events.