The Events You Need to Know About in June

This month’s top 15 sports and cultural events.

VARIOUS STATES

Disney on Ice: Frozen

Possibly the most appropriate Disney story to receive the “on ice” treatment, Frozen skates its way across the country this winter. Expect special effects, dynamic skating and stunts, powerful singing, madcap antics from the likes of Olaf the snowman and appearances by other Disney favourites. Tickets are available from disney.com.au.

WHEN: June 2-July 17
WHERE: Perth, Adelaide, Wollongong, Newcastle, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney

Image credit: @Disney

VICTORIA

CHANEL at Marais

This is how you do a pop-up… CHANEL has taken over level one of Melbourne’s super-chic Marais boutique and transformed it into something reminiscent of the five-star hotel Ritz Paris. Expect navy velvet sofas, luxurious tapestry carpets and, of course, swoon-worthy fashion – in this case from the brand’s Paris Cosmopolite 2016/2017 Métiers d’art Ready-to-Wear collection.

WHEN: Until 9 July
WHERE: 73-77 Bourke Street, Melbourne

Buddha’s Smile

Buddha’s Smile focuses on the tranquil and transcendental nature of Buddhist philosophy, celebrating its primary figure through a diverse collection of paintings and sculptures. Also opening at the NGV in June is Every Brilliant Eye: Australian Art of the 1990s.

WHEN: June 2-October 8
WHERE: National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne

Good Food & Wine Show

Hundreds of exhibitors will present their wares at this huge exhibition. Check out artisan produce in the Good Food Village, enjoy Champagne and freshly shucked oysters in the Champagne Taittinger & Oyster Bar and learn from a line-up of culinary stars, including Manu Feildel and Marion Grasby, at the 500-seat Good Food Theatre.

WHEN: June 2-4
WHERE: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, South Wharf

QUEENSLAND

The Royal Ballet at QPAC

Returning to Australia for the first time in 15 years, London’s Royal Ballet exclusively features in QPAC’s annual International Series that showcases the world’s finest performing arts companies. Eighty-five dancers appear in two original works: an adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale; and Woolf Works inspired by writer Virginia Woolf.

WHEN: June 29-July 9
WHERE: Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Brisbane

Louise Hearman

Louise Hearman, winner of the 2016 Archibald Prize, has a distinctive take on realism. The Melbourne-born painter portrays her subjects in moodily atmospheric half-light, the dark and dreamy works encouraging the imagination to run wild into the shadow-lurking unknown. This exhibition features paintings and drawings from her 30-year career.

WHEN: June 3-August 6
WHERE: QUT Art Museum, Brisbane

NSW

State of Origin Game 2

Nothing stirs the souls of rugby league players and fans like State of Origin. Be at the game to get close to the action and witness every bone-jarring tackle and jaw-clenching flare-up. Having lost to Queensland for two years running, NSW will have plenty to prove to their supporters, the maroon marauders from the north and, of course, themselves. Tickets are available from tickets.nrl.com/origin.

WHEN: June 21
WHERE: ANZ Stadium, Sydney

Bennelong

The latest work from Bangarra and its artistic director, Stephen Page, uses a narrative of dynamic dance to unravel the story of Bennelong, one of the most celebrated figures from Australia’s first days of contact between Indigenous and European people. The show will travel to Canberra, Brisbane and Melbourne after its Sydney Opera House performances.

WHEN: June 29-July 22
WHERE: Sydney Opera House

Vivid Sydney

Vivid is already touted as the world’s largest festival of light but its 2017 edition is shaping up to be the biggest yet. Must-dos include the Supernova art installation at Bulletin Place, Ethereal Columns at The Rocks, musical performances by Goldfrapp, Bill Callahan, Laura Marling and Boy George, plus a diverse program of lectures and creative workshops.

WHEN: Until June 17
WHERE: Various venues, Sydney

The International Exhibition of Sherlock Holmes

Use your elementary skills to solve a Holmes-style mystery and conduct experiments in this immersive, interactive exhibition. Marvel at author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s original manuscripts, a re-creation of 221B Baker Street and props and costumes from recent screen adaptations based on the fictional super sleuth.

WHEN: June 3-October 8
WHERE: Powerhouse Museum, Sydney

Sydney Film Festival

The 64th Sydney Film Festival presents a program of more than 200 eclectic works. Leading the pack is unconventional horror flick A Ghost Story, starring Casey Affleck; harrowing drama The Woman Who Left; and the Whitney Houston doco, Whitney: Can I Be Me, from Britain’s Nick Broomfield, who will also lead an industry masterclass.

WHEN: June 7-18
WHERE: State Theatre and various venues, Sydney

SA

Adelaide Cabaret Festival

Artistic directors Ali McGregor and Eddie Perfect promise “table-turning” events “filled with delightful chaos”. There are too many must-sees to list in this space but here’s a sample: Alan Cumming Sings Sappy Songs; comedienne/chanteuse Lady Rizo; guitar virtuoso Bill Frisell; and Matilda the Musical, featuring music and lyrics by Tim Minchin. Visit adelaidecabaretfestival.com.au.

WHEN: June 9-24
WHERE: Various venues, Adelaide

Ali McGregor and Eddie Perfect

TASMANIA

Dark Mofo

“In order for the light to shine so brightly, the darkness must be present,” maintained English philosopher Francis Bacon. The idea applies thematically to this edgy winter version of the Mona Foma summer festival. Dark Mofo highlights include a major Mona exhibition, Nude Solstice Swim, Dark Park and folklore-influenced Norwegian “black metal” band Ulver.

WHEN: June 8-21
WHERE: Mona and various venues, Hobart

Festival of Voices

Vocal cords are tuning up in preparation for Australia’s premier celebration of the voice. This year’s focus is on workshop experiences: choral with British conductor David Lawrence; gospel with the United States’ Eric Dozier; and a cappella and barbershop with Australia’s Nick Begbie and Naomi Crellin and New Zealand’s Matt Gifford. Go to festivalofvoices.com.

WHEN: June 30-July 16
WHERE: Various venues, Tasmania

ACT

The Canberra Region Truffle Festival

Dogs are great for companionship and deterring unwanted door-knockers. They’re also incredibly good at sniffing out truffles. Meet clever canines at the Blessing of the Truffle Dogs at Tarago Truffles, which kicks off the black truffle season and is a highlight of this unique festival. Join in the hunt there or at other trufferies, including Turalla and Blue Frog.

WHEN: June 1-August 31
WHERE: Various venues, Canberra region