Hi Reader

I’ve noticed a lot of new names on our list lately, so if that’s you, welcome.

I’m Joyce, and helping families have more fun together is pretty much my mission in life.

I started Tot Hot or Not after years as an intellectual property, IT and media lawyer, and I’ve been a happy career-changer ever since.

At home in inner-city Melbourne, it’s me, my husband and our two kids, Lady AB (15) and Baby 2.0 (13). When I’m not hunting down the best things to do, you’ll find me at the theatre, an art gallery or the movies, or with a book in hand, cooking dinner, riding a bike or out for a run. I’m even flirting with the idea of a marathon.

Every Thursday, I send weekend event picks from across Melbourne, plus new guides, reviews and giveaways. I’ve written over a thousand reviews and tips over the years, and unless I say otherwise, they’re anonymous and at my own cost.

It means a lot to have you here.

Reply with one thing you wish you could find more easily, and I’ll see what I can do.

Joyce xx

🗓️ Melbourne CBD ➝ More CBD picks

​PAX Aus (Friday 9 – Sunday 11 Oct) Australia’s biggest gaming festival has demos, tournaments and cosplay for gamer kids and teens. 📍South Wharf

​Housewarming Weekend (Friday 9 – Monday 12 Oct) Free musical comedy hunt for the theatre’s missing Lyrebird, with 100+ artists. Bookings essential. 📍CBD

🗓️ Melbourne NORTH ➝ More north-side picks ​

​The Finders Keepers Market (Friday 9 – Sunday 11 Oct) 230+ independent makers under one roof, plus collaging workshops and an Italian feast. 📍Carlton

​Draw Plants Together (Saturday 10 Oct) A free, relaxed drawing workshop celebrating Whittlesea’s native plants. No experience needed. 📍Whittlesea

🗓️ Melbourne SOUTH ➝ More south-side picks ​

​Wedding Bush Festival (Saturday 10 Oct) Free guided walks, birdwatching, a sausage sizzle and a native plant to take home. All ages. 📍Clayton South

​Victorian State Ballet: The Nutcracker (Saturday 10 Oct) Clara’s magical Christmas adventure, with the sugar plum fairy and snow scenes, for kids and grown-ups. 📍Frankston

🗓️ Melbourne EAST ➝ More east-side picks ​

​DinoFest Melbourne (Saturday 10 – Sunday 11 Oct) Life-size walking dinosaurs, a Dino Dig and real fossils to feel. Last weekend, best for under 9s. 📍Wantirna South

​Nillumbik Pet Expo (Sunday 11 Oct) Puppy performances, pony rides, face painting and rescue groups for pet-loving families. 📍Diamond Creek

🗓️ Melbourne WEST ➝ More west-side picks ​

​Pevan & Sarah in Concert (Friday 9 Oct) A lively, interactive concert full of sing-along songs and laughs for the Cub Club crowd. 📍Moonee Ponds

​Science Studio: Taking Flight (Saturday 10 Oct) A brand new hands-on STEM workshop exploring the forces of flight, with a take-home booklet. 📍Spotswood