What’s On Newcastle & Hunter

Friday 11^th September to Sunday 13th September 
D’Vine Food & Wine Festival
Where | Around Hermitage Wine and Food Trail
Enjoy a family-friendly weekend in Pokolbin with premium tastings, live music, and activities. The 2026 “Meet Your Makers” event showcases food and wine producers, offering great food, exceptional wine, and immersive experiences. 

Saturday 12^th September
Brokenwood Presents AWO- The finest in wine, food & music 
Where | Brokenwood Wines
Time | 7pm-10:30pm
Cost | $320
Brokenwood Wines hosts the Australian  World Orchestra for their Hunter Valley debut performance at their Pokolbin estate in the Hunter Valley. Expect world-class orchestral performances from Australia’s top musicians based globally, paired with Brokenwood’s award-winning wines, gourmet food by top chefs, and a stunning al fresco setting amid the vines. Gather your friends for this exclusive evening celebrating 15 years of AWO excellence. 

Sunday 13^th September
Lake Macquarie Running Festival
Where | Warners Bay Foreshore
Time | 7pm-10:30pm
Cost | From $35
The Lake Mac Run has been going since 1984 and is back this September on the 14th. Enjoy the iconic route past the beautiful Lake Macquarie along the Warners Bay Foreshore. Join in for either the Pure Performance 21.1km Half Marathon, the Coal Services 10.5km Fun Run or the 4km Family Scamper.

Friday 25th September – 4th October
New Annual Festival
Where | Various
Time | Various
Cost | Visit Website
Dive into a world of art, music, and bold ideas in your most inspired outfit for ten days of immersive fun at New Annual in Newcastle’s buzzing CBD. This family-friendly extravaganza is all about sparking joy, discovery, and connection. Team up with family and friends to wander interactive installations like Karla Dickens’ Locked On, catch the vibes at SOAK: Live at the Baths, or kick off with the electric First Night Art Party. Every discovery sparks joy in this family- and pet-friendly explosion of local talent!

Saturday 26th September 
Caves Coastal Beer, Food & Wine Festival
Where | Caves Beach
Time | 11am-5pm
Cost | Free
The Caves Coastal Beer, Food & Wine Festival returns to Caves Beach on Saturday 26 September, bringing together more than 40 local food, wine, beer, spirits and producer stalls. Now in its third year, the free beachfront festival celebrates the best of the region with great flavours and a relaxed coastal atmosphere.

Saturday 26th September 
Festa Italiana Hunter Valley
Where | Mahoney Estate, Broke
Time | 11am-Sunset
Cost | $20
From 11am until sunset, Festa Italiana invites guests to unwind among the vines, sip their way through Mahony Estate’s wines and enjoy woodfired pizza and Italian cakes available throughout the afternoon.

Friday 9th October
After Hours x Peterson House
Where | Local Connections 
Time | 12pm
Cost | From $110
Local Connections adds a little sparkle to October with a Seafood & Sparkling Dinner featuring Peterson House. On Friday 9 October, guests can enjoy a multi-course seafood menu paired with premium sparkling wines, celebrating beautiful food, Hunter Valley wine and good company.

Saturday 17th October
Strummingbird
Where | Foreshore Park 
Time | 12pm
Cost | From $209.95
Strummingbird is returning to Newcastle for its second year of international country music, line dancing, and festival fun. Headlined by Post Malone, the highly anticipated event will also feature an exciting lineup of country artists, bringing high-energy performances, boot-scooting crowds, and a vibrant festival atmosphere to the city. 

Sunday 18th October
Fernleigh 15
Where | Corner of Park Avenue and Bailey Street, Adamstown.
Time | 7:30am
Cost | $90
The much-loved Fernleigh 15 returns on Sunday 18 October, inviting runners to take on the scenic 15km journey from Adamstown to Belmont. Following the historic former rail line, the course winds along the picturesque Fernleigh Track for one of Newcastle’s favourite annual running events.

Tuesday 3rd November  
Melbourne Cup Lunch
Where | Château Élan
Time | 12pm 
Cost | From $169
Celebrate the excitement and glamour of the Melbourne Cup at Château Élan with an afternoon of fine dining, entertainment, and racing action. Enjoy canapés on arrival, a three-course lunch, a five-hour beverage package, live music, sweepstakes, and all the racing live on the big screens, with prizes for the best dressed.

Saturday 7th November  
Sleap Walk 
Where | Bar Beach Bowling Club
Time | From 4pm 
Cost | Donations encouraged
Slip into your PJs, jammies, jim-jams, or your favourite sleepwear for a night filled with fun, creativity, and a chance to win best dressed at Sleap Walk. This family- and pet-friendly event is all about coming together and enjoying the moment. Walk alongside your loved ones, gather your friends, or team up with your workplace as you take in the vibrant atmosphere. Every step matters!

Crafted Beer Festival
Where |  Camp Shortland 
Time | TBA
Cost | TBA

Crafted Beer Festival returns to the Newcastle Foreshore on the 7^th featuring 30+ breweries and over 250 brews. Expect a strong mix of local favourites and major names, plus the new “Crafted Smokeshow” BBQ experience with food vendors, demos, and competitions. Entertainment includes beer yoga, games, and live music headlined by Beddy Rays. With cocktails, diverse eats, and a lively atmosphere, it promises a full day of craft beer, food, and entertainment by the water.

Thursday 12^th November  
Foo Fighters Take Cover Tour 
Where | McDonald Jones Stadium 
Time | 5:30pm 
Cost | From $99.90 
The Fooeys are bringing their “Take Cover” tour to Newcastle. 

Tuesday 17^th November 
Robbie Williams BRITPOP World Tour 
Where | McDonald Jones Stadium 
Time | 5pm 
Cost | From $159.90 
Robbie Williams, global pop sensation will perform his first headline show in Newcastle.

Saturday 21st November 
City Cellar Door
Where | Newcastle East
Time | 1pm- 5pm 
Cost | $80
Newcastle East will transform into an urban wine trail as City Cellar Door brings the flavours of wine country into the heart of the city. Seven wineries will take over seven venues across the precinct, inviting guests to wander between tastings while enjoying food, olive oil and plenty of local flavour along the way.