Hi Reader

It's Thursday, which means I'm writing to you before the weekend gets away from us, as I do every week. Christmas is about six weeks away, and it is easy to let the to-do list grow.

In case you need a nudge, here are a few small jobs for this weekend. Just pick one thing to get done, then pat yourself on the back for being so organised.

🎅 Book a Santa session. Chadstone has already sold out and most sets need a booking, so this one is worth doing first.

😋 Lock in a Christmas buffet. A few are already booked out, so the sooner the better.

🍒 Go fruit picking. Coldstream opens on Friday, and Bacchus Marsh is celebrating strawberries and cherries all weekend.

🆓 Enjoy something free. Colours of Asia is on at Alexandra Gardens from Friday, with no ticket needed.

That's it, Reader.

Pick one, get it done, and then go and enjoy the weekend. I believe in you.

Joyce xx

🗓️ Melbourne CBD ➝ More CBD picks

​Colours of Asia: Garden of Wonders (Friday 13 – Sunday 15 Nov) Free entry from 11am to 10pm, with artisan stalls, live performances and a long list of food vendors. 📍CBD

​Polish Festival (Sunday 15 Nov) Live music, dance performances, artisan crafts, visual art and plenty of Polish food across the day at Fed Square. 📍CBD

🗓️ Melbourne NORTH ➝ More north-side picks ​

​Whimsical Spring Festival (Saturday 14 Nov) Free markets, creative workshops and live music from 10:30am to 1:30pm. Aimed at ages 12 to 25, and under 12s need a grown-up with them. 📍Essendon

​Whittlesea Free Fun Run (Saturday 14 Nov) A free 2.3km run from 9am at Toorourrong Reservoir Park, followed by a family fun day. 📍Whittlesea

🗓️ Melbourne SOUTH ➝ More south-side picks ​

​Moorabbin Air Museum Open Cockpit Weekend (Saturday 14 – Sunday 15 Nov) The museum's biggest weekend of the year, with planes to explore up close. 📍Moorabbin

​Frankston Running Festival Kids' 1K (Sunday 15 Nov) A 1km kids' fun run at the Frankston foreshore near the pier, alongside the longer runs. 📍Frankston

🗓️ Melbourne EAST ➝ More east-side picks ​

​Festive Market at Notting Hill Neighbourhood House (Sunday 15 Nov) A community Christmas market from 10am to 2pm with free entry. Bring cash, as not every stall takes card. 📍Notting Hill

​The ExtraOrdinary Event (Sunday 15 Nov) An all-abilities family day at the Arts Centre Warburton with live music, hip-hop workshops and a disco finale. Lunch is included, and tickets are $10. 📍Warburton

🗓️ Melbourne WEST ➝ More west-side picks ​

​Bacchus Marsh Strawberry and Cherry Festival (Friday 13 – Sunday 15 Nov) Free entry, with street markets, carnival rides and live music, plus fireworks on Saturday night. 📍Bacchus Marsh

​Wyndham Christmas Carnival (Sunday 15 Nov) Rides, games and festive fun from 12pm to 6pm, with entry from $5 for ages 6 to 10 and free for 5 and under. 📍Werribee

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