Hey Reader
Let's swap some goals, shall we? (This newsletter isn't just about me sharing what's on in Geelong. It's about you, too!)
My big goal that feels scary... I want to actually have enough lollies for all the trick-or-treaters this Halloween without either running out by 7pm or having a cupboard full of leftover chocolate until Christmas.
It feels ridiculous to admit this stresses me out, but every year I either buy too little and have to turn kids away (heartbreaking!), or I massively overestimate and end up eating Freddo Frogs for breakfast in November.
This year I'm determined to get it right - I've been secretly counting how many kids came last year, asking neighbours about their numbers, and I'm going to nail the perfect lolly-to-kid ratio.
Okay, your turn.
What's your Halloween goal this year? Maybe it's getting the kids' costumes sorted before October 30, or finding the courage to actually decorate the front yard, or just surviving trick-or-treating without losing anyone in the dark?
Hit reply and tell me - what Halloween challenge are you tackling that feels a bit daunting but important?
Joyce xx
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- Le Festival Français (Saturday 25 Oct – Sunday 26 Oct) Experience French culture without the plane ticket at this weekend celebration featuring wine, food, masterclasses, and a kids' zone complete with animal farm, puppet shows, and circus workshops at The Heights, Newtown.
- Play & Learn: Every Child, Every Right (Saturday 25 Oct) Leopold Toy Library hosts a free play session with four themed zones exploring children's rights through creativity, nature play, storytelling, and building, plus each family gets a passport to stamp at every station.
- Kids Disco & Costume Party (Saturday 25 Oct) Music, dancing, and kid-friendly sports await families with children aged 5-12 at this energetic community event.
- Halcyon Horizon Clubhouse Open Day (Saturday 25 Oct) Celebrate the opening of Geelong's first Stockland Halcyon Clubhouse with synchronised swimmers, face painting, pickleball, lawn bowls, paella, woodfired pizza, and more (registration essential).
- CircArts Theatre Performances: SPOOKFEST (Sunday 26 Oct) Catch two spooky shows at the Bellarine's best family Halloween: Curious Creatures at 11:30am and Undead Circus at 1pm, both suitable for all ages (free but ticketed).
- Family Fun Day – Nature Needs Us Now (Sunday 26 Oct) A free celebration of nature featuring live music, First Nations-led community art, face painting, storytelling, and environmental films showcasing what we can do for a healthy planet.
- Slime Making Workshop: SPOOKFEST (Sunday 26 Oct) Get gooey and creative as kids craft their own slime masterpiece with expert guidance in this pay-what-you-can workshop starting from just $2 per child.
- Halloween at Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie (Friday 31 Oct – Saturday 1 Nov) Decorate chocolate pumpkins with spooky toppings all weekend, then bring the kids back Saturday for free face painting to complete their witchy, ghostly, or vampiric look.
- The Cocoa Chronicles Story Time (Thursdays) Every Thursday at 9:45am, enjoy stories, games, expansive gardens to explore, and a free chocolate treat for each little one at this mums-and-bubs morning session.
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Lace up the whole family for a morning dash along Geelong's stunning waterfront, where every registration dollar goes straight to supporting Barwon Health. There's a 1km Kids Dash perfect for the under-12s, plus grown-up distances that wind through some of the city's most beautiful spots. After you cross the finish line, refuel with sausage sizzles, sweet treats, and coffee while the kids burn off any remaining energy.
Last year's event sold out, so get in quick if you want to be part of this community celebration.
📍 Ritchie Boulevard, Geelong
📅 Sunday 9 November
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Why settle for just beach time or just playground time when there are plenty of brilliant spots that deliver both at once?
These 18 beachside playgrounds mean your crew can climb, swing, dig, splash, and explore without you having to choose between their favourite activities. From pirate ship adventures in the sand to flying foxes with ocean views, these are the spots that turn regular beach days into the kind of outings the kids will beg to repeat.
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PARTNER CONTENT
Lake Condah offers something truly special—a chance for your family to walk through landscapes that have been carefully shaped and tended for thousands of generations. Expert guides lead you to stone eel traps, through lava caves, and past smoking trees while sharing the knowledge and stories that bring this ancient place to life. The full day includes morning tea, lunch, and wetland exploration where you'll spot native birds and marvel at engineering that predates the pyramids. It's the rare kind of outing where stunning natural beauty and deep cultural learning come together in ways your kids will remember for years to come.
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Two of Geelong's most beloved Christmas traditions are joining forces for one spectacular waterfront evening. From 7:30pm, settle in with your picnic blanket or grab something from the food trucks as Denis Walter OAM leads singalongs on the big screens.
At 9pm comes that magical moment when the Christmas tree bursts into light and fireworks dance above Corio Bay, followed by Santa's arrival for photos and carols until 9:30pm. Best of all, this entire evening of festive fun is completely free.
📍 Steampacket Gardens, Eastern Beach, Geelong
📅 Saturday 22 November
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Sometimes the best days out are the ones where you can just show up, spread out your blanket, and let the afternoon unfold without worrying about costs or complicated logistics. Reggae Fest delivers exactly that kind of ease with a full day of island rhythms, food trucks, and kids' activities in Johnstone Park.
The fact that it's completely free (including parking) and features hours of live entertainment means you can bring the whole extended family without breaking the budget. Just remember to snag your free tickets from Eventbrite as there's a limit on capacity.
📍 Johnstone Park, Geelong
📅 Saturday 29 November
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