Ahoy there Reader

Fun fact: the first day of the school holidays also happens to be Talk Like a Pirate Day this year. Almost too perfect timing to kick off 2 weeks of school holiday fun!

And because you all enjoyed the 2 truths and a lie quiz recently, I’ve got another one for you. Which ‘national day’ is a lie?

A – International Nose Picking Day

B – Night of the Radishes

C – National Yam Day

What other random, whimsical “national days” do you know of? Hit reply and tell me your favourite.

Joyce xx

P.S. If you haven’t already checked out our Spring School Holidays hub, now’s the time. Our free Spring 2026 Guide is still up for grabs too if you need even more ideas. Plus, there’s so much on these holidays that we’re filling this issue (and the next few) with school holiday events and ideas galore.

🌟 Featured Events

​Monster Jam (Saturday 3 Oct) Ten of the world’s most popular monster trucks, including Grave Digger and the world’s fastest truck, tear up the stadium dirt with stunts and jumps. 📍CBD

​Circus Royale (Friday 18 Sep – Sunday 11 Oct) High-energy, family friendly performances by amazing aerialists to daredevil wire walkers, talented acrobats and the thrilling motorbike globe of death. 📍Narre Warren

🗓️ Melbourne CBD ➝ More CBD picks

​Skateboard Deck Art Workshop (Various dates from Thursday 24 Sep – Sunday 4 Oct) Kids aged 8–13 design their own skateboard deck with artist Vandal, using stencils, spray cans and collage materials. 📍CBD

​Zerial (Daily until Sunday 20 Sep) This reimagined cabaret spectacular blends soaring vocals, breathtaking aerial artistry and high-energy dance in one electrifying show. 📍Southbank

🗓️ Melbourne NORTH ➝ More north-side picks ​

​The Wobbly Wallaby Show (Tuesday 22 – Thursday 24 Sep) This heartwarming puppet musical for ages 3–8 celebrates neurodiversity through catchy songs, puppetry and plenty of interactive fun. 📍Carlton

​Junior Rangers: Wings and Wattles (Tuesday 22 Sep – Thursday 1 Oct, excl. 23 Sep) Explore flowering wattles, nectar-feeding birds and bees in this free spring nature session for ages 5–12 in Royal Park. 📍Parkville

🗓️ Melbourne SOUTH ➝ More south-side picks ​

​Groove and Graze (Sunday 20 Sep) Welcome spring with gourmet food trucks and live local music at this free, all-ages afternoon in Hopetoun Gardens. 📍Elsternwick

​Spring School Holidays at Luna Park (Weekdays from 19 Sep – 4 Oct) Thrilling rides, arcade games and carnival attractions fill the school holidays at this St Kilda icon. 📍St Kilda

🗓️ Melbourne EAST ➝ More east-side picks ​

​September Children’s Festival (Weekdays, Tuesday 22 Sep – Thursday 1 Oct) Meet animals up close, take a pony ride and enjoy daily changing activities at this free festival for ages 5–12. 📍Mount Dandenong

​Wild Action Zoo (Thursday 24 Sep) Australian animals come to the library for this hands-on, educational workshop for ages 5–12 – bookings essential. 📍East Melbourne

🗓️ Melbourne WEST ➝ More west-side picks ​

​ScienceP­lay: Spinning Around (Tuesday 22 – Wednesday 23 Sep) Young scientists investigate circular motion using Beyblades, a giant fan and spinning art in this hands-on, messy session. 📍Altona North

​Little Artists Day Out: Discovering the Impressionists (Saturday 19 Sep) Young visitors explore Monet, Gauguin and more on this Impressionism tour at Geelong Gallery, followed by a free flower-making craft session. 📍Geelong