What’s On in Newcastle
There’s so much happening in our beautiful region this autumn: here is a list of fantastic events for March, April and May.
KURRI KURRI NOSTALGIA FESTIVAL
28 – 30 March
The annual Kurri Kurri Nostalgia Festival is a celebration of rock‘n’ roll, classic cars, hot rods,fashion, music, and dancing—everything that made the ‘50s and‘60s unforgettable. Each year, the festival draws large crowds from across Australia, as the town centre transforms into a vibrant tribute to this golden era.
Learn more at kurrikurrinostalgiafestival.com.au
HUNTER ARTS NETWORK ART BAZAAR
30 March
Hunter Arts Network Art Bazaar is a high-quality artisan market that has been held since 2002. All stallholders are creative makers who have been selected by Hunter Arts Network because of their unique, handmade, high quality, and original work. While wandering the stalls, enjoy live entertainment, food trucks and coffee.
A free community event at Lambton Park.
NEWCASTLE FOOD MONTH
1 – 30 April
A gastronomic celebration featuring 80 local restaurants and foodie businesses, 70 feature events and epic food trails to showcase the region’s culinary excellence. Think cocktail hours, chef-led gastro events or pasta and wine deals.
Check the program at newcastlefoodmonth.com.au
NEWCASTLE WRITERS FESTIVAL
4 – 6 April
A gathering of authors, poets, journalists and literary enthusiasts, offering workshops, readings, and discussions about radical ideas and trends. Leave feeling inspired by Australia’s biggest thinkers and dreamers in the Civic Precinct of Newcastle.
Check the program and book tickets at newcastlewritersfestival.org.au
THE NEWCASTLE RUNNING FESTIVAL
6 – 19 April
A mix of running events across two weekends that include the ‘Hill to Harbour’ fun run that takes participants from the scenic hills of Newcastle to its picturesque harbour, suitable for all fitness levels and the half and full marathon events.
Register your entry at newrun.com.au
REWIND 2000s DANCE PARTY
4 April
The Exchange are resurrecting every iconic club banger from the 2000s and early 2010s so we can remember what it was like to go out before iPhones and lockouts. Awesome tune asides, the nostalgic vibes of the 2000s stretch to the cheap drinks prices so round up your gang and charge the digital camera.
Find out more at theexchangehotel.com.au
MELODIES FOR MELANOMA
4 April
NBN news presenter Jane Goldsmith, paralympian Christie Dawes, Newcastle’s deputy lord mayor Callum Pull and TV travel guide’s Matt & Brett will swap their usual roles for belting out songs to raise vital funds for the Hunter Melanoma Foundation (HMF). The event will help support HMF’s mission to reduce melanoma rates through education, research, and support for patients and their families.
Purchase your tickets via hmf.org.au
CYNDI LAUPER’S GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN FAREWELL TOUR
7 April
Cyndi Lauper, a Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award-winning artist is coming to Newcastle for the very last time. Fans can expect dynamic performances of her greatest hits, along with special guests The Veronicas.
Find out more at tegdainty.com
THE MATILDAS VERSUS KOREA REPUBLIC
7 April
Get tickets to support the CommBank Matildas take on one of Asia’s top nations, Korea Republic.
Get out the green and gold and watch local stars Clare Wheeler, Michelle Heyman and Ellie Carpenter in action on the pitch.
Get your tickets from ticketmaster.com.au
SIX THE MUSICAL
10 April – 4 May
A modern retelling of the lives of Henry VIII’s six wives, this critically acclaimed musical brings history to life with a pop soundtrack across 80 minutes.
See it at Newcastle’s beautiful Civic Theatre.
Buy your tickets civictheatre.com.au
FASHION THRIFT SOCIETY AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST FASHION MARKET
13 April
Experience a fantastic day filled with fashion, friends and entertainment. With over 100 carefully curated stalls, offering an extensive selection of vintage, designer, boutique and preloved clothing. Expect footwear, accessories, home décor and art alongside food truck and talented local DJs, beauty bar and barber.
Find out more at fashionthriftsociety.com.au
NEWCASTLE EASTER FAIR
18 – 21 April
Enjoy a family fun day over Easter long weekend at Newcastle Racecourse including Australia’s largest Easter egg hunt, carnival rides for all ages, free face painting, animal nursery, circus workshops, live entertainment and so much more. Book in for early bird prices and deals.
Tickets from ticketebo.com.au
THE BONVILLA ESTATE EASTER WINE HUNT
19 April
Explore 100 acres of beautiful countryside and wines this Easter at Bonvilla Estate. Enjoy the Wine and Wander treasure map vineyard experience featuring three wines, cheese and crackers, Easter treats, plus access to the tree swing and Bocce court for additional fun. Open all Easter weekend. Adults are $45 each. Under 10s (kids snack pack) $15 each.
Find out more at bonvillaestate.com.au
EASTER AT HUNTER VALLEY GARDENS
18 – 21 April
The Easter Bunny is coming to Hunter Valley Gardens as part of the Mega Creatures event, bringing fun for the whole family. Join in for a weekend of fun, including Easter activities and fairground rides. Every child will receive an Easter chocolate at the completion of the Giant Easter Egg Hunt. Plus, there’s also a Golden Egg Hunt to win a Family Annual Pass.
Visit huntervalleygardens.com.au for more information
NEWCASTLE GHOSTS WALK
20 and 21 April
Experience a two-hour walk around the oldest and most haunted areas of Newcastle East where the first settlement of Newcastle began.
Your guide is Renata Daniel, owner of Newcastle Ghost Tours who will talk about the history of Newcastle, but she will also share the ghost stories she has heard and freshly researched. She will tell you why Newcastle is so haunted! Wear comfortable shoes and meet Renata at the fountain at the front of Customs House at the harbour end of Watt Street for a prompt 8pm start.
Buy tickets at events.humanitix.com
ANZAC DAY DAWN SERVICES
25 April
The annual commemorative event honouring Australian and New Zealand servicemen and women featuring the emotional dawn service and march. Held at locations throughout the region.
Visit newcastle.rslnsw.org.au for more information.
THE GUM BALL FESTIVAL
25 – 27 April
Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025 and running across 3 nights, the art and music festival offers a unique visitor experience, designed for all ages and music tastes. It celebrates diversity, inclusivity and creativity and is a whole lot of fun.
Book tickets at dashville.com.au
RED HOT SUMMER TOUR
3 May
An electrifying concert at Roche Estate featuring rock legends ZZ Top, George Thorogood & The Destroyers, and Australian favourites The Living End, Rose Tattoo and Baby Animals. Enjoy some wine and the hospitality of the Roche Estate while you sing along.
Buy tickets at ticketmaster.com.au
TINA ARENA’S ‘DON’T ASK…AGAIN’ TOUR
6 May
Australia’s very own chart-topping Queen will light up the Civic Theatre’s stage in an unforgettable celebration of her career including all of her favourite hits and anthems. Tina promises an intimate yet electrifying live experience marking the 30th Anniversary of her album Don’t Ask.
Ticket information at tinaarena.com
DIVA’S ON THE GREEN
9 May
Gather your friends for a day of networking, champagne and a little bit of golf in support of Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service and the Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation. Held at Merewether Golf Club with a strict dress-up theme, this is a day for plenty of fun in the sunshine.
Get a team together and then find out more on divasonthegreen.com.au
ROCK RHAPSODY PRESENTS: QUEEN – THE SHOW
9 May
A massive two-hour tribute to Queen featuring a huge video wall, costumes, high-energy performance and big concert sound and lighting, making it one of the most sought-after Queen tribute shows in Australia. Taking place at Wests in Nelson’s Bay – this is a one-off event so be sure to get your ticket and get ready to rock!
Tickets from trybooking.com
WALLAROOS VS THE BLACK FERNS
10 May
Watch the mighty Wallaroos take on the NZ Black Ferns in a clash at McDonald Jones Stadium. Prepare to cheer on Rugby Australia’s women in the gold and green in this big match ahead of the Rugby World Cup.
Secure your seats at ticketmaster.com.au
MOTHER’S DAY CRUISE NEWCASTLE
11 May
Treat your mum or yourself to a memorable morning or afternoon aboard the All Event Cruises luxurious 87ft Superyacht for a two and a half-hour scenic cruise on Newcastle Harbour. For just $79 per person, enjoy a gourmet buffet breakfast or buffet lunch while sipping on a Mimosa as we cruise through the stunning views of the harbour.
Children under 15 can join the celebration for only $49, with the buffet lunch cruise included. There will also be a professional photographer onboard to capture this special day, perfect for making memories that last forever.
Buy tickets at alleventcruises.com.au
THE MOTHER’S DAY CLASSIC
11 May
The Mother’s Day Classic race at Stockton in May is a cherished annual event, bringing the community together to honour and support breast cancer and ovarian cancer research. Set along Stockton’s scenic foreshore, the event features a 5km run and walk and a 1.5km dash, uniting participants of all ages in a meaningful event of strength and solidarity.
Buy tickets at mothersdayclassic.com.au
WESTPAC HUNTER RESCUE BALL
16 May
Celebrate 50 life-changing years of operation in Northern NSW with this year’s ‘golden glamour’ themed event.
Hosted by celebrity MC David Campbell, the night will feature fabulous live entertainment by Planet Groove and a delicious three-course meal and beverage package.
Tickets at rescuehelicopter.com.au
LOVEDALE LONG LUNCH
17 – 18 May
A progressive food and wine festival where participants can indulge in gourmet dishes and local wines across various Lovedale wineries.
Book tickets at lovedalelonglunch.com.au
HUNTER VALLEY CARAVAN, CAMPING, 4WD, FISH AND BOAT SHOW
23 – 25 May
The biggest show on the Rural Scene calendar is the Hunter Valley Outdoor Show held in May each year at the Maitland Showgrounds. The Hunter Valley Show has led the way for Rural Scene’s Hunter Valley Outdoor Show being the first of its kind to be presented by the company for the first time in 1997.
Find out more at ruralscene.com.au
