To ask when to message him?

[MsPeabody]

Very casually want to invite someone I've met a couple of times out for a drink. We've been on a couple of dates and he seemed keen and was lovely, but things have been quiet over past few days.
Added difficulty is we live far away from each other so can't just plan a meetup spontaneously..
As luck would have it I'm going to be in his area for friend's bday on Saturday for a few nights.
When should I message him with heads up that I'll be in the city? I was thinking early on Thursday?? Also is drinks a good or boring third date, if he agrees to it that is!

No drinks is a good idea! I would message earlier tho incase he made plans. So message tomorrow saying there's a chance your in te area and would you like a drink?

Fab, thank you!!!
Message so far is: hi, hope all's good! If you're around this weekend, I'm heading to [his city] on Saturday for a couple of days - let me know if you fancy a drink xx"
Sound ok?

Personally I'd replace:
let me know if you fancy a drink xx
With
do you want to have a drink at [bar]? Xx

It's only a small change but the first way could be read and forgotten by accident, where as asking directly requires an answer.
Iyswim?

Yes message asap in case he makes plans! Maybe mention that you are in town visiting friends so he dosent think you've randomly decided to go up / down there. Hope it goes well :)!

I'd tell him why you're heading to his hometown too so he doesn't think you're some strange stalker lady

yeah definatley tell him your there meeting friends it might be a bit odd if he thinks you are just going on the off chance of seeing him plus theres no pressure then he can either meet you or not but you will be out anyway?

It depends on how well the dates went, have you been in contact since the dates or is this going to be out of the blue?

Yeah we have been in contact since the dates, they were good. I've got lots of friends who live in his area as lived there myself originally but agree I should probably say something so he doesn't think I'm a weirdo!

Ok so now I've got "Hi, hope all's well! If you're around this weekend, I'm heading to x city on Sat for a few days to see friends - do you want to go for a drink in [place]? x"