Fact of the day: Melbourne has the highest number of cafes and restaurants per number of people compared to any other city in the world. Aren't we lucky. Anyway, here is what's going on today.

The Headlines

• We are sure seeing Katy Perry in Chapel Street's famous Poof Doof on Thursday night was not on your bingo card - well you can tentatively pencil it in for now. She has been rumoured to be performing there ahead of her big performance on Saturday for the AFL grand finals, and for just $38, it could be worth the gamble. We must stress this is only a rumour - so no hate mail, please.

• For those of you looking to tick the Melbourne Grand Prix off the bucket list whilst you're over here, it looks like you've chosen a good year to do it. The team behind the event want to make it even bigger, expanding into the CBD, bringing in extra fan zones and collaborating with restaurants around Melbourne. It's also a win for the Drive to Survive converts who aren't quite dedicated enough to drop hundreds on a ticket, because it sounds like the F1 fever will be sweeping the whole city not just the track.

• This mayoral candidate has announced his plans for his re-election and the Melbournians on Twitter (X, if you must) aren't impressed. He is planning to build 28 new parks, and publicised his plans with some questionable AI generated images featuring some mutated people lying in kids playgrounds. But it’s not just the bizarre imagery that’s raised eyebrows – his plans seem to fall short of what the public is really asking for.

Where to Eat and Drink

If you’ve not heard of the A1 Bakery then you must be a Melbs newbie. Where the locals and gentrifiers unite for the love of cheap Lebanese food, A1 is a casual Brunswick eatery with a no-fuss menu of falafel, halloumi and hummus to die for. Always hustling and bustling, it’s a very popular place to grab lunch in the trendy northern suburb.

Where to Live

We've got another wine bottle hoarding house on our hands today, but it's a gorgeous one so they're forgiven. This room in Kensington is big enough to fit a sofa in your room and still look like there's plenty of room for activities. There's a spa bath in the second bathroom if you'd be brave enough to use one in a shared house, and a stunning little breakfast bar so you can live out your cutesy Sunday morning dreams.

Core selling point: Where's Wally cut out. 10 points if you spot it.

Where to Work

Kip Happy Stays are hiring casual animal attendants at various locations around the city. If you're missing your german shep (IYKYK) back home, this doggy daycare gig could be your dream job. Shifts do start at 6.30am, so if you have embraced the Aussie lifestyle and are now an early riser then get yourself in their talent pool.

Where to Go

Swap the apps for the dancefloor as The Espy wraps up it's month of matchmaking with Str8 Speed Dating. Whether you're looking for an Aussie lover to secure the green card, or a backpacker fling is more your thing, it's bound to be a fun night out even if you don't find anyone. Tickets are $35 with a few free drinks thrown in and a promise of no awkward silences.