Think winter means hibernation? HiberNOT! June 2017 has more awesome events than you can poke a stick at. But that’s kind of a weird thing to do. So drop the foliage and get into the real fun with…
Disney on Ice Presents Frozen
Brisbane, 2 June – 17 July
Want to score some serious Cool Parent Points, but worried about getting catchy Disney songs permanently stuck in your head? All I can say is “Let it go, let it gooo…” Then give in and see Frozen by Disney on Ice. The kids will love the Academy Award-winning tale of Anna and Elsa (with special guests from Toy Story, Finding Nemo, and The Lion King), while you’ll love the incredible ice-skating and special effects. Fun for the whole family!
Melbourne International Jazz Festival
Melbourne, 2-11 June
Celebrating 20 awesome years of jazz in Melbourne, the 2017 Melbourne International Jazz Festival line-up is a doozy. Check out Dianne Reeves, The Necks, the Kenny Barron Trio, and the Carla Bley Trio’s Aussie debut. For the kiddos (or kiddos at heart), there’s also Play School’s Big Jazz Adventure, which features musical superstars Big Ted, Jemima, and Humpty (with a little help from TeoGebert and Rachel Coopes).
Cooly Rocks On
Gold Coast, 7-11 June
Two words: Poodle Parade. And a few more words: Classic cars, rockabilly bands, retro fashion, carnival rides, and the best swing dancing outside of a Rydell High School reunion. Cooly Rocks On is Australia’s biggest ’50s and ’60s nostalgia festival, all set in chilled-out Coolangatta and Tweed. There are heaps of free events (including all the awesome live music), but local accommodation books up fast. Book now if you want to stay in the thick of it.
Image credit: Cooly Rocks On
Dark Mofo
Hobart, 8-21 June
I can’t go to this year’s Dark Mofo because I already have another holiday booked for the same time (I know, your heart bleeds for me). But missing this line-up is causing me physical pain. Ancient Rain (featuring Paul Kelly and Camille O’Sullivan), Mogwai, Einstürzende Neubauten, Xiu Xiu playing the music of Twin Peaks, A.B. Original, Pussy Riot… For a seriously unique festival experience, you’ve gotta do Dark Mofo.
McLaren Vale Sea & Vines Festival
Adelaide, 10-12 June
Now in its 25th year, the McLaren Vale Sea & Vines Festival celebrates the region’s culinary and winemaking traditions, unique beach lifestyle, and… and my stomach is growling. It’s set over the NSW, VIC, ACT, SA, TAS, and NT Queen’s b’day long weekend, so you may already have all the necessary days off (woohoo!). Events include degustations, cooking demos, winery tours, and pop-up cellar doors, so leave your diet at home 😉
Supanova Pop Culture Expo Sydney
Sydney, 16-18 June
Australia’s premier pop culture event, Supanova returns to Sydney in June 2017. This year’s guests include Dean Cain (Superman/Clark Kent from Lois & Clark), Christopher Lloyd (Doc Brown from Back to the Future), Jennifer Hale (Commander Shepherd from Mass Effect), and Jess Harnell (Captain Hero from Drawn Together and Wakko from Animaniacs to name just two). It’s a great excuse to dress up, so make sure you pack a costume.
2017 Holden State of Origin, Game II
Sydney, 21 June
Forget the finals – for many Queenslanders and New South Welshmen, the State of Origin games are the most important events on the rugby league calendar. Game II is sure to be a nail-biter and often the decider, making it (arguably) the most exciting game of the series. Tickets and accommodation sell out fast, so book now if you want a piece of the action.
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