Whether you’re heading to a beer, wine, or spirit focussed event, enjoying a new exhibition, experiencing a comedy gig, eating your way through our restaurant scene, booked into an upcoming live music gig, or exploring our local art and culture offering, there’s a little something to suit everyone’s tastes.

To keep you on your toes and out and about socialising with your friends as the warmer months approach, we’ve pulled together a guide on where the best boozy activities are (and exactly what they are) across Newcastle and beyond.

Super Chill Sessions at The Edwards

With the ever-so bubbly team behind Sydney-based beer company, Akasha Brewing taking over the reins to our much-loved food and bev Newcastle West venue, The Edwards back in December 2022; we’re excited to share the news that their Friday afternoon SUPER CHILL Sessions are back!

Clock off work and bring in the weekend at The Edwards every Friday arvo from 4pm. Joining forces with their closest neighbour, Rudderless Records, you can expect vinyl DJs taking over the beer garden whilst you’re chillin’ to the tunes and enjoying drink specials.

Go on, make it your weekly habit, and head to The Edwards to make every Friday a Super Chill one!

Cocktail Making Classes

Nothing says booze-filled fun than bringing together your closest mates and booking into a cocktail-making class.

Book a private cocktail-making or whiskey masterclass with Coal & Cedar; nail the Blue Kahunas’ signature fun and bangin’ cocktails with their cocktail class; learn the tricks of the trade with Bar Mellow’s classes; experience The Koutetsu all to yourself in their cocktail course; or pull up at the bar at Bartholomew’s as they take you through their very own private cocktail, gin, or whiskey masterclasses.

Paint & Sip

There’s something about joining painting and booze together on a night out. Whether you’re a true artist at heart or a complete novice, there’s a paint-and-sip workshop made for you. Whether it’s Newcastle CBD’s Pinot & Picasso, Darby Street’s Paint & Sip Studios, or creative workshops with Mayfield’s Artalicious Studios; there’s plenty to choose from.

Gin Making Class 

Big lover of gin? Well, you’ve got to experience Carrington-based Earp Distilling Co’s Spirit School. The two-house class is the perfect offering for the spirit curious. Welcomed into the class with a G&T on arrival, you’re walked through the history and process of gin distilling before getting stuck into learning what elements come together to create the perfect gin before concocting your very own creation.

Bottomless Dining

Did someone say bottomless mimosas? You have my attention! The bottomless dining craze has well and truly taken off in Newcastle and will no doubt continue to grow in years to come.

Select from Ginger Meg’s Sunday Bottomless Yum Cha, Bottomless Brunch at Darby Street's Autumn Rooms, or Bottomless Brunch at Hamilton-based venue, The Exchange.

Brewery Tours

It’s nothing new to know that Newcastle’s craft beer scene has just skyrocketed over recent years. With OG favourites such as The Grain Store and Happy Wombat still standing tall alongside new arrivals Method Brewing and Shout Brewing Co. it’s got me asking, when can we drop in for a tour?

Whilst they don’t all run their own personal brewery tours (yet), there are a few places that do. Drop into Foghorn Brewery on King St for a personalised tour, or experience the beer journey with Modus Merewether.

The Press After Hours 

Books and wine – is there even a better pairing in this world? For the bibliophiles, the answer is absolutely not. Long-loved Newcastle CBD coffee spot, The Press Book House converts their café space into a book-loving cocktail spot on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings (until 8pm), and for those cosy winter nights, I wouldn’t want anything more.

Live Music Venues

Nothing says I’m making the most of the weekend than enjoying a little bit of live music. Drop into a local venue like Rogue Scholar Brewing, The Lucky, Honeysuckle Hotel, and Queens Wharf Hotel (to name a few).

Enjoy a Comedy Gig

Check out Newcastle’s very own Comedy Club for their upcoming gigs and book your spot to enjoy a variety of comedy acts including showcases with local regulars and headliners from Sydney and interstate.

Do you think we've missed something worth including? Email us!