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Weekend Bulletin

Curated weekend fun + latest posts, straight to your inbox

Hey Reader

The school holidays are basically breathing down our necks at this point. Two and a bit weeks, and then it’s a fortnight of “I’m bored” before 9am. Truly, the dream.

Before you scroll — quick question from me:

Whatever you picked, our Winter Guide has you covered — just click on the link to download if you haven’t grabbed it yet. And if your favourite isn’t on the list, hit reply and tell me. I read every one.

Joyce xx

It’s Officially Sale Season

SPONSORED CONTENT

If you’ve been putting off the shoe situation, Styletread’s End of Season Sale has landed at the right moment.

One of Australasia’s most popular online shoe destinations, Styletread has up to 60% off right now across 80+ Australian and international brands.

Free delivery over $99 and returns sorted within 30 days if the fit isn’t quite right.

Kids’, women’s and men’s — the whole family in one order.

Weekend Event Picks

🗓️ Melbourne CBD ➝ More CBD picks

Monsteen (Saturday 13 – Sunday 14 Jun) A psychologically immersive teen performance blending RPG, cosplay and collaborative world-building. Vampires, werewolves and school politics included. 📍 CBD

Andy Griffiths: You, Me and the Land of Lost Things (Saturday 13 – Sunday 14 Jun) Flying socks, snapping turtles and very questionable navigation — a hilarious theatrical adventure from the Treehouse team. 📍 Southbank

🗓️ Melbourne NORTH ➝ More north-side picks

Festival of Football (Sunday 14 Jun) The World Cup goes live at Broadmeadows Town Hall carpark — big screens, food trucks, a rock climbing wall and kids’ activities, all free.📍Broadmeadows

The Vegan Winter Market (Saturday 13 – Sunday 14 Jun) Two days of ethical fashion, vegan food, eco goods and coffee at Coburg Town Hall. 📍 Coburg

🗓️ Melbourne SOUTH ➝ More south-side picks

Frankston’s Fire Festival (Saturday 13 Jun) Toast marshmallows by fire pits and watch a live fire sculpture lighting at this free waterfront event. 4:00pm – 8:30pm. 📍 Frankston

Soul Night Market (Friday 12 Jun) Live soul music, a fire show, 60+ stalls and food trucks — all under festoon lights with heaters. 📍 Mornington

🗓️ Melbourne EAST ➝ More east-side picks

MDMS: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Fridays – Sundays until 21 Jun) A stunning local production of the beloved classic — evening and matinee sessions across two weekends. 📍 Ringwood East

Dragon Boat Festival Workshop (Sunday 14 Jun) Rice dumpling making, storytelling and dragon boat racing in a cosy small-group cook, play and learn session. 📍 Burwood

🗓️ Melbourne WEST ➝ More west-side picks

Melton Night Markets (Friday 12 Jun) Global street food, live music and cultural performances make this a great family evening out. Free entry, all ages welcome. 📍 Diggers Rest

PaperTales: Stories on Wheels (Saturday 13 Jun) A bicycle-powered storytelling show with live violin — eccentric, all-ages fun at Willy Lit Fest. Free, bookings essential. 📍 Williamstown

New + Noteworthy

FROM OUR FRIENDS AT THE STREET SOCIAL

Waterfront Sessions at Docklands This Weekend

Street food, silent disco sessions and live AFL on the big screen — Docklands’ new free winter series kicks off this Saturday 13 June – Sunday 14 June, 12pm–7pm at Harbour Esplanade.

Free entry, all ages. Gather the crew!

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After-Dark Dinos

Dinosaurs, roving performers and a glow disco are coming to Werribee Zoo during winter hols.

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No-Spend Weekends

When the budget’s blown but the kids still need out, these are the no-cost spots worth knowing.

AFFILIATE CONTENT

Ballet Gets a Glow-Up

Illuminated costumes, dazzling choreography and a classic story retold with light. This Saturday at Capitol Theatre, Melbourne.

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65,000 Years of History

Some experiences stay with you. UNESCO Heritage Site Budj Bim Cultural Landscape is one of them, and here’s what to expect.

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It’s an EMERGENCE[Y]!

Space, food, climate and how the world works — Science Gallery’s free new exhibition is worth a visit.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PARKBOOKER

The Easy Way to Book a Holiday Park

Cabins, glamping and powered sites across Australia’s best holiday parks — all bookable in one spot, with real-time availability for the winter school holidays.

Our Tot Perks members just went in the draw to win one of five $200 ParkBooker vouchers for their next family escape.

Want in on perks like this? Join Tot Perks waitlist.

Enter to Win

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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