Hey Reader

I’ll go first.

When my family arrived in Australia from Hong Kong about 40 years ago, being a mixed-race family was unusual here.

But in 2026, almost 1 in 3 Australian couples are from mixed-race or intercultural backgrounds – and families look so different now to what they did even a generation ago.

I think that’s something worth celebrating.

Tot Hot or Not has always been about helping families create happy memories together – and that means every kind of family. Single parents, blended families, same-sex parents, grandparents raising grandkids, families with kids who have extra needs. All of you.

So I want to know – what makes your family yours? Hit reply and tell me. I’ll be reading every single one.

Joyce xx

🗓️ Melbourne CBD ➝ See More

​Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty (Friday 15 May) Save 20% with code BALLETSPRING20 on this retelling of Sleeping Beauty, where illuminated costumes transform every leap into pure spectacle. 📍 Melbourne CBD

​Australian Heritage Festival: Archaeology Open Day (Sunday 17 May) Dig into colonial history at Como House with real tools and qualified archaeologists – suitable for all ages. 📍 South Yarra

🗓️ Melbourne NORTH ➝ See More ​

​Evergreen Games (Saturday 16 May) A day of modern board gaming raising money for the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation – $10 suggested donation, children free, volunteers on hand to teach new games. 📍 Carlton

​Open Play: Melbourne Design Week (Sunday 17 May) A free drop-in creative workshop where kids explore design thinking through colourful felt shapes – no bookings needed, all ages welcome. 📍 Carlton

🗓️ Melbourne SOUTH ➝ See More ​

​South Side Festival (Daily until Sunday 17 May) Ten days of live music, theatre, film, exhibitions and family-friendly workshops celebrating arts and community in Frankston. 📍 Frankston

​NBA House Australia (Daily until Sunday 17 May) Australia’s first NBA House brings four days of basketball fun to Melbourne – skills zones, NBA 2K gaming, meet-and-greets and dunk shows for all ages. 📍 Port Melbourne

🗓️ Melbourne EAST ➝ See More ​

​The Magic Pudding: The Opera (Friday 15 – Saturday 16 May) Victorian Opera revives its beloved adaptation of Norman Lindsay’s classic, with playful costumes and larrikin humour for audiences of all ages. 📍 Nunawading

​Alice in Wonderland: Victorian State Ballet (Friday 15 – Sunday 17 May) Australia’s leading youth dancers bring Alice’s adventure to life in a full-length ballet spectacular the whole family will love. 📍 Ringwood East

🗓️ Melbourne WEST ➝ See More ​

​Your Shirt, Your Masterpiece (Saturday 16 May) Design a one-of-a-kind T-shirt using batik and textile painting – all art materials supplied, just bring a white cotton tee. 📍 Kensington

​Eid Mela Melbourne (Sunday 17 May) Melbourne’s biggest Eid Mela is back with 40 stalls, amazing food and festive vibes – plus every visitor is in the running to win a whole goat. 📍 Werribee