From Laser Shows and Performance Art, to Music and Late-Night Minigolf: Discover Melbourne at Its Wildest This Winter with RISING

In Partnership with Melbourne. Every bit different. 

Each year when winter hits Melbourne, there is an energy to the city as it comes to life with the annual festival of music, arts, and performance, RISING. Running from June 4th to June 15th, RISING’s exciting lineup fills the streets, galleries, and hidden corners with 65 events featuring work from over 300 boundary-pushing artists.

The exhibits and installations happen non-stop throughout each day, but once night falls, that’s when Melbourne is truly invigorated with a whole new side of the city to uncover. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, the festival is an invitation to get out, stay up late, and explore Melbourne at its most vibrant and delightfully unpredictable. 

Planning a trip? Here’s our pick of unmissable experiences to make your Melbourne sojourn an unforgettable one.

Courtesy of Melbourne. Every bit different

Intangible #form at The Capitol

If you’re looking for something fun (and free) to do after dark, Shohei Fujimoto’s immersive installation, Intangible #form, at The Capitol is a standout in this year’s RISING lineup. Entering the space feels like stepping into a sci-fi dream, with glowing red laser beams shifting and responding to your movements, pulling you into an almost hypnotic display. Open from 4.30pm to 10.30pm daily during the festival, it’s one you can’t miss. 

Love Music?

Get your daily dose of everything happening in Australian/New Zealand music and globally.

Courtesy of Melbourne. Every bit different

Reed House

A good RISING itinerary deserves meals as memorable as the art you’ll see. Reed House delivers just that. This Lonsdale Street restaurant sits within a landmark heritage building in the heart of the city, and features a humble menu inspired by British brasseries, which is exactly what you want on a cool Melbourne night. It’s the perfect spot to fuel up before a night of performances, or to debrief on your day’s discoveries over dinner and drinks.

Courtesy of Melbourne. Every bit different

‘Kill Me’ — Marina Otero

RISING consistently delivers performances that push boundaries, and this year is no exception. This year’s must-see is Kill Me, a provocative new performance by Argentine choreographer Marina Otero that (literally) bares all. It’s exactly the kind of thoughtful, unapologetic work RISING champions, guaranteed to keep you talking long after the show ends.

Courtesy of Melbourne. Every bit different

Night Trade​

A festival favourite during past years, RISING’s Night Trade transforms Melbourne’s Howey Place and surrounding laneways into a fun nocturnal playground. Wander around to discover a mix of music, art, and food, including late-night bites and micro cocktail bars, and experience performance art from artists like Saeborg and Nyege Nyege up close and personal. There’s so much to see – and it’s all free – set against the backdrop of Melbourne’s laneways.

Courtesy of Melbourne. Every bit different

Apollo Inn

Tucked discreetly off Flinders Lane and by the team behind famed restaurant Gimlet, Apollo Inn effortlessly captures Melbourne’s late-night charm with cocktails to match. Dimly lit and always (quietly) buzzing, it’s the kind of place you want to end up after an evening of exhibition-hopping, to plan tomorrow’s adventures or just soak in the city’s after-hours energy.

Courtesy of Melbourne. Every bit different

Swingers: The Art of Mini Golf

For a little extra rebelliousness, head to the Flinders Street Station Ballroom for Swingers: The Art of Mini Golf – a one-of-a-kind playable art exhibition. This nine-hole mini-golf course is no ordinary game, because each hole is an artwork created by female artists, including Miranda July, Kaylene Whiskey, and Saeborg. The concept is a nod to the rule-breaking 19th century women who invented the game after being refused access to the real course. Open from June 4th to August 31st, go for a late night slot and experience the surreal, interactive installations that challenge traditional notions of mini golf. 

Courtesy of Melbourne. Every bit different

Frida Kahlo in Bendigo

If you’re keen to keep the cultural exploration going after RISING, you can take a short road trip out of town to Bendigo for Frida Kahlo: in her own image, exclusive to the Bendigo Art Gallery, and make a day of it by exploring the township. Just two hours away from Melbourne CBD, the exhibition offers an intimate look at the iconic Mexican artist’s revolutionary life and art. It’s the perfect complement to Melbourne’s RISING, rounding out your weekend of new experiences. 

So pick your favourite spots, embrace after-dark adventures, and discover why a winter in Melbourne is genuinely unforgettable.

Head to visitmelbourne.com.au to discover more of what makes Melbourne. Every bit different.