What are you doing this weekend? 👀

Weekend Bulletin

Curated weekend fun + latest posts, straight to your inbox

Hi Reader

Term 2 is officially underway — and now that the school holiday dust has settled and the lunch boxes are back in rotation, it’s time to start filling that Term 2 calendar.

Trust me, this week’s issue is a pretty great place to start.

Before we dive in, a quick note: this Saturday is Anzac Day.

We’ve included the official RSL Victoria list of commemorative services in this issue so you can find something local and show the kids what the day is really about.

Happy Term 2, everyone — let’s make it a good one.

Joyce xx

P.S. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing lots of Mother’s Day content (Sunday 10 May is coming up fast!). If Mother’s Day isn’t something you’d like to see in your inbox, you can opt out of that content here.

Weekend Event Picks

🌟 Featured Event

Elmo’s Circus Dream – Live Under the Big Top! (Various dates until Sunday 17 May) Sesame Street’s most loveable red monster heads to the Big Top in this spectacular circus fusion of acrobatics, music, and imagination. 📍 Dingley Village, Bayswater + Craigieburn

🗓️ Melbourne CBD ➝ See More

The Bookbinder (Thursday 23 – Saturday 26 Apr + weekday sessions) A darkly enchanting one-man show blending puppetry, shadow play and paper art — spellbinding fairy-tale storytelling for curious young minds. 📍 Southbank

The Music of The Lion King in Concert (Saturday 25 Apr) Original Broadway soloists bring the iconic songs of The Lion King to life with a full symphonic orchestra and choir. 📍 Melbourne CBD

🗓️ Melbourne NORTH ➝ See More

Malmsbury Village Fayre (Sunday 26 Apr) A beloved community tradition returns to the Malmsbury Botanic Gardens with live music, 80+ stalls, kids’ entertainment and a wonderful country atmosphere. 📍 Malmsbury

Soorya Udanaya 2026 (Sunday 26 Apr) Celebrate the Sri Lankan New Year at this vibrant all-day festival with traditional games, live music, cultural performances and family-friendly activities. 📍 Craigieburn

🗓️ Melbourne SOUTH ➝ See More

The Enchanted Realms (Daily until Sunday 26 Apr) Watch world-class sand sculptors compete for the Australian Championship as 400+ tonnes of sand become fairytale castles, dragons and mythical creatures. 📍 Frankston

K-Pop Demon Hunters Night at Sk8house (Saturday 25 Apr) Skate the night away to a K-Pop playlist with themed lights, décor and great vibes — plus a chance to win a roller party for eight. 📍 Carrum Downs

🗓️ Melbourne EAST ➝ See More

Eronis Circus (Friday 24 – Sunday 26 Apr, final weekend) A classic Big Top circus with acrobats, performing horses, trick rope-spinning and clowns — catch it before it closes this Sunday. 📍 Wheelers Hill

City Nature Challenge 2026 (Daily until Monday 27 Apr) Snap and upload photos of local plants, animals and fungi via iNaturalist and help Yarra Ranges compete against 32 Melbourne councils. 📍 Yarra Ranges

🗓️ Melbourne WEST ➝ See More

Ren’s Fantasy Faire (Sunday 26 Apr) A magical not-for-profit market with 30+ local artisans, interactive quests, workshops and best-dressed prizes — don your finest fantasy attire! 📍 Kensington

Rhythms & Rides (Sunday 26 Apr) Classic cars, live music and free kids’ activities come together at Wyndham Harbour to raise awareness for family violence prevention. 📍 Werribee South

New + Noteworthy

BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE MSO

Game On, Beethoven

What if Beethoven was a video game composer? Find out at MSO’s ‘Beethoven’s Gaming Quest’ this May.

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Become Enlightened

A world-first immersive light and sound experience has landed in Melbourne, and it’s absolutely stunning.

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May the Fun Begin

From Star Wars Day to Mother’s Day and all the fun in between. Your May family events guide is here.

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

No-Fuss Birthdays

Kids’ birthdays just got easier, with party tables at The Auburn Hotel ready to roll.

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Fresh Picks Only

Fresh flowers never miss. Here are some places to help you find the perfect Mother’s Day bouquet.

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Mum’s the Word

High teas, flower markets, day spas and family days out – here’s how to make Mother’s Day really count.

Your Go-To ANZAC Day Guide

RSL Vic has ANZAC Day covered – March details, PTV info and services across the state all in one place.

Hot Off the Feed

Have you seen this yet?

Twenty-one hands-on exhibits designed to show curious kids how colour works – and why it loves to trick your brain. 👀

Colour: See the World in a New Light is open now at Scienceworks.

Watch the reel for a first look, and comment “COLOUR” for all the info you’ll need before visiting.

About Joyce Watts

Joyce Watts is a former intellectual property, IT and media lawyer turned serial entrepreneur.

As well as being the founder of TOT: HOT OR NOT she helps businesses with their SEO, email marketing & social media as BrightSmart.com.au; she owns an online bike store CycleStyle.com.au and develops and produces creative experiences for families via WheelieGoodFun.com. She used to publish another popular lifestyle and food blog called MEL: HOT OR NOT The decisive guide to Melbourne.

She lives in inner-city Melbourne with her husband, two children and seven bikes.

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