Hi there Reader

The Labour Day long weekend is almost here — and Melbourne (plus a little beyond) is absolutely packed with things to do.

From free Holi festivals and heritage steam trains to living ice installations and blooming begonia gardens, we’ve rounded up the best family-friendly events happening across the city this weekend.

Plus, we’ve got new guides to gymnastics classes, swimming holes, waterfall day trips, laser tag, dog beaches, and more to keep the fun going all season long.

Joyce xx

Right now, Tot Perks members already know where they’re headed for family fun

They’ve got their Member Party spot at SuperPark Melbourne locked in.

They’re ready to enter into the giveaways for Kabloom Festival passes, Dr Hubble’s Brilliant Bubbles and more.

They’re already inside the inner circle — and tonight at 9pm, that door closes for the season.

If you’ve been sitting on this decision all week, this is your sign.

$59. Six months. One payment. No subscription.

After tonight, Tot Perks won’t reopen until Spring 2026.

Don’t let this be the season you watched from the outside.

P.S. Not interested in Tot Perks updates this season? No worries — opt out here.

🗓️ Melbourne CBD ➝ See More

​ColdVoice (Saturday 7 – Monday 9 Mar) Watch ice transform into music at this magical free outdoor installation — touch it, hear it, watch it melt. 📍 Southbank

​Art Tree (Saturday 7 – Monday 9 Mar) Grab a paint pen and get creative with natural materials at this free, family-friendly ArtPlay installation where kids aged 3–12 become the art. 📍 Melbourne CBD

🗓️ Melbourne NORTH ➝ See More ​

​Brunswick Music Festival (Daily until Sunday 8 Mar) Over 35 years of genre-spanning music, community vibes, and a dedicated family-friendly program make this award-winning fest a Melbourne long weekend must. 📍 Brunswick

​BJSM VIC Holi 2026 (Sunday 8 Mar) Ring in the Festival of Colours at the North Melbourne Community Centre with a joyful community celebration of colour, culture, and connection. 📍 North Melbourne

🗓️ Melbourne SOUTH ➝ See More ​

​Holi Melbourne 2026 (Saturday 7 – Sunday 8 Mar) Head to St Kilda’s Secret Garden Bar for an open-air Holi celebration with dhol beats, Bollywood music, food, and a free pack of water balloons per ticket. 📍 St Kilda

​Steamrail Victoria Open Day (Saturday 7 – Monday 9 Mar) Get up close with 140 years of heritage locomotives and carriages at this family-friendly behind-the-scenes open day with Steamrail Victoria. 📍 Newport

🗓️ Melbourne EAST ➝ See More ​

​Scoresby Steamfest 2026 (Saturday 7 – Monday 9 Mar) Step back in time with working steam engines, miniature railway rides, vintage machinery, blacksmith demos, tractor rides, and face painting for the whole family. 📍 Scoresby

​Summer Celebration at Jackson Court (Friday 6 + 13 Mar) Support local shops while enjoying live music, magic shows, and hooping entertainment at this free, feel-good outdoor event across two fun Fridays. 📍 Doncaster East

🗓️ Melbourne WEST ➝ See More ​

​Ballarat Begonia Festival (Saturday 7 – Monday 9 Mar) The Ballarat Botanical Gardens bloom bright this Labour Day weekend with family performances, giant installations, sustainable garden displays, and one of the southern hemisphere’s rarest begonia collections — all free. 📍 Lake Wendouree

​Holi Festival of Colours (Sunday 8 Mar) Celebrate Holi with live Haryanvi performances, colour, and community at this free, all-ages event that’s perfect for the whole family. 📍 Melton