Two minutes (and a $100 prize)

Weekend Bulletin

Curated weekend fun + latest posts, straight to your inbox

Hi there Reader

A quick one before we get into things – if you haven’t filled out the reader survey I shared last week, there’s still time.

​It takes two minutes, it helps me make this newsletter better for your family, and you’ll go in the draw to win a $100 General Assembly voucher.

Closes soon, so don’t sit on it!

As always, glad you’re here.

Joyce xx

P.S. Survey closes soon – jump in here if you haven’t already.

Weekend Event Picks

🗓️ Melbourne CBD ➝ More CBD picks

​RISING Festival Opening at Fed Square (Friday 29 May) A stunning First Nations multi-channel video work arrives at Fed Square for three nights of RISING — fire pits, bean bags, and hot chocolates included. 📍 CBD

​Spanish Language Fiesta (Saturday 30 May) A free, family-friendly celebration of Spanish-speaking cultures at The Atrium, featuring live music, dance, kids’ activities, food stalls, and a Language Passport experience. 📍 CBD

🗓️ Melbourne NORTH ➝ More north-side picks ​

​Aunty Lesley North First Nations Round (Saturday 30 May) A special Reconciliation Week netball round honouring the history and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to the sport. 📍 Thornbury

​Eid al-Adha Community Celebration (Sunday 31 May) A vibrant Eid celebration with traditional breakfast, face painting, henna, a jumping castle, and market stalls. 📍 Epping

🗓️ Melbourne SOUTH ➝ More south-side picks ​

​Come Yarn With Me (Saturday 30 May) A free drop-in Reconciliation Week activation with traditional weaving led by a Bunurong community member and beginner knitting workshops. 📍 Werribee South

​The Secret World of Food (Saturday 30 – Sunday 31 May) Kids become food explorers at this free interactive experience, stamping their passport through five stations covering the full food cycle. 📍 South Yarra

🗓️ Melbourne EAST ➝ More east-side picks ​

​The Magic Pudding: The Opera (Friday 29 – Saturday 30 May) Victorian Opera revives Norman Lindsay’s beloved classic with larrikin humour, playful costumes, and a live chamber orchestra for all ages. 📍 Narre Warren

​Aboriginal Cultures Workshop (Friday 29 + Sunday 31 May) Free walking workshops at Healesville Sanctuary during Reconciliation Week, exploring Aboriginal knowledge systems, Country, and local wildlife.📍 Healesville

🗓️ Melbourne WEST ➝ More west-side picks ​

​World Environment Day Celebration (Saturday 30 May) Join Brimbank Council for a Welcome to Country, hands-on planting, kids’ activities, and refreshments marking 40 years of Friends of Maribyrnong Valley. 📍 Keilor

​Grow Your Own Beanstalk (Saturday 30 May) Plant a seed and build a beanstalk to help it grow — a hands-on workshop exploring germination for all ages.📍 Hoppers Crossing

New + Noteworthy
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​The Big Top is Back​

Classic Cirque at its most jaw-dropping – KOOZA returns to Melbourne for the first time since 2017.

​The Full Roll Call​

From beginner-friendly paths to proper skate parks, we’ve done the research so you can rock up and roll.
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​Can You Escape?​

Team up, think fast, and get out. Melbourne’s escape room scene has something for every daring level.

​See the World Differently​

Free workshops, rainbow trails, and live shows – find out what’s on at Scienceworks these winter holidays.
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​The After Dark Winter Ritual​

Melbourne’s favourite winter tradition is back at Queen Vic Market, running Wednesdays nights until August.
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​Two Storeys of Never Bored​

Two levels of curiosity and a stellar holiday program — Melbourne Museum earns its place on the must-do list.
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​The Glow-Up of the Year​

From 26 June to 19 July, Sovereign Hill transforms into a spectacular and family-friendly winter wonderland.
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​Value That Makes Sense​

A free cinema preview is just the latest perk – see what else members are getting for only $59 over six months.

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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