Creating a content strategy for a newsletter featuring free local weekend events involves planning engaging and informative content to keep subscribers interested and encourage them to attend the events. Here's a suggested strategy:

1. **Define Your Audience:**

   - Identify your target audience, considering demographics, interests, and preferences. Knowing your audience helps tailor content to their needs.

2. **Newsletter Format:**

   - Decide on the frequency of your newsletter (weekly or bi-weekly) and stick to a consistent schedule.

   - Keep it concise but informative, providing enough details about each event.

3. **Content Sections:**

   - **Featured Events:** Highlight a couple of the most exciting events happening over the weekend. Include eye-catching visuals, brief descriptions, dates, times, and locations.

   - **Community Spotlight:** Showcase a local business, artist, or community organization. This adds a personal touch to your newsletter and fosters community engagement.

   - **Quick Picks:** Provide a list of quick recommendations for events that may be of interest to different demographics (family-friendly, arts and culture, sports, etc.).

4. **Event Listings:**

   - Categorize events by type (music, arts, sports, family-friendly, etc.).

   - Include essential details: event name, date, time, location, a brief description, and any special features or highlights.

   - Add links to event websites or social media pages for more information.

5. **Local Partnerships:**

   - Collaborate with local businesses and event organizers for exclusive content or special promotions for your subscribers.

   - Feature interviews or profiles of event organizers and participants.

6. **User-Generated Content:**

   - Encourage subscribers to share their experiences or photos from events. Create a section where you feature user-generated content in each newsletter.

7. **Interactive Elements:**

   - Include polls, surveys, or quizzes related to upcoming events to engage subscribers.

   - Incorporate calls-to-action, encouraging readers to share the newsletter with friends or on social media.

8. **Seasonal and Thematic Content:**

   - Tailor content to holidays, seasons, or local celebrations.

   - Create themed event suggestions for special weekends (e.g., a summer festival edition, holiday-themed events).

9. **Social Media Integration:**

   - Promote the newsletter on social media to expand your reach.

   - Include social media handles for featured events and encourage subscribers to share their experiences online using a specific hashtag.

10. **Feedback and Surveys:**

    - Regularly gather feedback from subscribers to improve the newsletter.

    - Use surveys to understand the preferences and interests of your audience better.

11. **Email Design:**

    - Ensure a visually appealing and mobile-friendly design.

    - Use a clear and attractive layout that directs readers' attention to the most important information.

12. **Consistent Branding:**

    - Maintain a consistent tone, style, and branding throughout the newsletter to build recognition and trust.

13. **Metrics and Analytics:**

    - Track open rates, click-through rates, and other relevant metrics to assess the performance of your newsletter and make data-driven improvements.

By following these guidelines, you can create a comprehensive content strategy that keeps your subscribers engaged and excited about the local events happening over the weekend.