Hey Reader

Term 3 officially wraps next week, and the spring school holidays follow straight after – two weeks off, with an AFL Grand Final long weekend landing right in the middle of it.

In true spring spirit, there’s a lot on to fill that time.

The Melbourne Royal Show rolls into town from 24 September, the Tesselaar Tulip Festival’s Children’s Weeks bring character meet-and-greets to the tulip fields from 21 September, and the Melbourne Festival of Puppetry takes over Carlton for a week from 22 September – plus plenty more where that came from.

Check out our free Spring 2026 Guide for everything else that we recommend for this season.

If there’s something on this month I should know about, hit reply and tell me – I’m always keen to hear what’s on your radar.

Joyce xx

🌟 Featured Events

​Geelong Wonder Children’s Festival (Various dates from Monday 14 – Thursday 24 Sep) This city-wide festival for ages 0–12 mixes free activities, spectacular shows and hands-on adventures across town. 📍Geelong

​Fiddler On The Roof (Various dates from Saturday 31 Oct – Sunday 27 Dec) Fresh from a record-breaking West End run, this award-winning musical brings Tevye and his five daughters to Her Majesty’s Theatre for a strictly limited season. 📍CBD

🗓️ Melbourne CBD ➝ More CBD picks

​NFL Kickoff Festival (Thursday 10 – Saturday 12 Sep) Melbourne Park turns into an American football playground, with NFL exhibits, flag football clinics, a food village and nightly live music. 📍CBD

​Time4Trains (Saturday 12 Sep) Little engineers can build track layouts, race the fastest engine and hunt for treasure cargo in this 90-minute play session for ages 3–10. 📍Docklands

🗓️ Melbourne NORTH ➝ More north-side picks ​

​Stamping the Kulin Seasons (Saturday 12 Sep) Create collage and stamp artwork inspired by the Kulin Nations’ seasonal calendar, with a dedicated session for young people aged 9–15. 📍Preston

​Fawkner Festa (Sunday 13 Sep) This free community celebration brings live music, a local makers’ market, kids’ craft workshops and storytime to CB Smith Reserve. 📍Fawkner

🗓️ Melbourne SOUTH ➝ More south-side picks ​

​Community Port Open Day (Saturday 12 Sep) Explore tug boats and historical displays for free, with food trucks, face painting and Lego building for all ages. 📍Crib Point

​Melbourne Model Train Show (Saturday 12 – Sunday 13 Sep) Victoria’s largest model train event features hands-on layouts and a Kids’ U-Drive, with free entry for under-16s with a paying adult. 📍Caulfield

🗓️ Melbourne EAST ➝ More east-side picks ​

​Puffing Billy Running Festival (Saturday 12 – Sunday 13 Sep) Marking 40 years of racing the steam train, this weekend includes a Kids Dash, a Family Fun Run and free rides on Puffing Billy itself. 📍Emerald

​Melbourne Moon Festival (Saturday 12 Sep) Now in its 34th year, this multicultural mid-autumn celebration brings glowing lanterns, mooncakes and Asian culture to Box Hill Town Hall. 📍Box Hill

🗓️ Melbourne WEST ➝ More west-side picks ​

​Science Is A Superpower Festival (Saturday 12 – Sunday 13 Sep) Scienceworks celebrates science for kids and grown-ups alike, with harmonograph art, Sportsworks challenges and a live lightning show. 📍Spotswood

​Beyond the Yellow Brick Road (Saturday 12 – Sunday 13 Sep) This original musical inspired by Wicked and The Wizard of Oz suits all ages, with under-3s free on a guardian’s lap. 📍Werribee