There's always a fantastic array of events happening in Newcastle, from sporting festivals and live music, to art exhibitions, degustation dinners, and so much more. Check out our guide to what's on in Newcastle and start adding to your calendar.

DECEMBER 

Paco Lara Duende Flamenco Album Launch | 1 Dec
Critically acclaimed flamenco guitarist Paco Lara presents his new album launch show Duende in all its authenticity, culture, and artistry. Expect to see impressive articulation, mesmerising flamenco dance with musical elegance and imagination.
Where: The Playhouse, Civic Theatre, 375 Hunter St, Newcastle

The Farmer's Wife Distillery Summer Banquet Dinner | 1 Dec
Enjoy the flavours of summer at The Farmer's Wife Distillery's Summer Banquet Dinner. Founder and Distiller Kylie Sepos will take you through each of the four food and gin pairings while you soak up the company of fellow gin lovers.
Where: 1378 The Bucketts Way, Allworth

Santa Selfies and Pawtraits at Wheeler Place | 1 - 9 Dec
Santa Claus is coming to town, and he’s making his way to Wheeler Place for free Santa photos! The best part? Your furry friends can get in on the action too.
Where: Wheeler Place, Newcastle

Friday Night Foodies | 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 Dec
For a Friday night treat, grab dinner by the lake at the Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima. Friday Night Foodies delivers a series of events, eats from a selection of gourmet food trucks on site, a bar stocking local beer and wine, and cheeseboards from Harry and Lola’s.
Where: Multi-Arts Pavilion (MAP mima), 96 Creek Reserve Road, Speers Point

Pippin - The Musical Revival | Until 2 Dec
Pippin - The Musical Revival is not just a show – it's an immersive adventure into the heart of a young prince's quest for happiness and fulfilment. Don't miss your chance to see this iconic musical.
Where: Multi Arts Pavillion, 96 Creek Reserve Rd, Speers Point

Christmas Under the Stars | 2 Dec
Celebrate the festive season at Christmas Under the Stars, which is back at King Edward Park this December. This free event includes a screening of How The Grinch Stole Christmas, music from local artists, a visit from Santa, and plenty of kid's activities.
Where: King Edward Park, Reserve Rd, Newcastle

Wildest Dreams: The Music of Taylor Swift Orchestrated | 2 Dec
A 24-piece symphony orchestra conducted by internationally-renowned George Ellis will perform Taylor Swift’s greatest hits from all of her eras. Don't miss this special one-night-only performance!
Where: Civic Theatre, 375 Hunter St, Newcastle

Pelican Foreshore Christmas Markets | 2 & 16 Dec
With more than 100 stallholders, you can shop from local artists and creators for the perfect Christmas gift at the Pelican Foreshore Christmas Markets. Plus, stock-up on seasonal local produce for your Christmas table grown and harvested by regional producers.
Where: Pelican Foreshore, Lakeview Pde, Pelican

Fika Pop-up at Pappa Sven | 2 Dec
Sydney-based Swedish cafe Fika is popping up at boutique Nordic store Pappa Sven to celebrate the First Advent weekend. Enjoy heaps of Swedish goodies like cinnamon buns and cardamon buns – preorder via Fika's website if you don't want to miss out!
Where: Pappa Sven, 33 Union St, Cooks Hill

The Olive Tree Market | 2 & 16 Dec
The Olive Tree Market showcases a curated lineup of over 130 of the best emerging and established artists, designers, makers, gourmet artisan food producers, and delicious street food purveyors each month.
Where: Civic Park, Cnr Darby & King St, Newcastle

MEET Bottomless Brunch | 2 Dec
Head to MEET this December for hours of bottomless brunch fun. There'll be a set menu full of Brazilian favourites, and two hours of bottomless drinks, including beer, wine, soft drinks, and caipirinhas.
Where: MEET, 9 Darby St, Newcastle

Christmas Handmade Markets | 2 Dec
Need to get some Christmas shopping done? Head to the Christmas Handmade Markets from 10am-1pm at Wallsend Rotunda to find beautiful handmade gifts.
Where: Wallsend Rotunda, 120 Tyrrell St, Wallsend

Suburban Interventions | Until 3 Dec
This exhibition of works by Western Australian artist Ian Strange is the first large-scale survey of his photo media and film work, taking place at Museum of Art and Culture, yapang and Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima.
Where: Museum of Art and Culture, yapang, 1A First St, Booragul | Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima, 96 Creek Reserve Rd, Speers Point

Lateral Landscapes | Until 3 Dec
Lateral Landscapes features artists working within varied mediums who create work related to architecture, the home and Australian iconography.
Where: Museum of Art and Culture, yapang, 1A First St, Booragul

Modus Family Fun Day | 3 Dec
Celebrate the festive season with this huge, free family fun day at Modus Merewether. Expect Santa photos, a Mexican BBQ, a piñata, facepainting, and a mariachi band!
Where: Modus Merewether, 20 Merewether St, Merewether

Behrouz Boochani | 3 Dec
Award-winning Kurdish-Iranian journalist, writer, filmmaker, and human rights activist Behrouz Boochani will speak about his most recent book Freedom, Only Freedom, share his stories of resilience and shed light on Australian refugee policies.
Where: Newcastle Conservatorium of Music, Cnr Laman & Auckland St, Newcastle

Homegrown Markets | 3 & 17 Dec
There'll be plenty of locally made goodies on offer at Homegrown Markets, as well as live music and food trucks. Time to stock up on Christmas presents!
Where: Speers Point Park, Speers Point

Sunday Speakeasy | 3 Dec
Enjoy live music at Bartholomew's at Sunday Speakeasy. It's also Sippin' Sunday, which means $10 drink specials like Whisky Apple, G&Ts, and spritzes. This edition is a Christmas special, featuring the sensational voices of Vocal Connect.
Where: Bartholomew's, 145 King St, Newcastle

Beats on the Green | 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 Dec
From 4pm-7pm every Sunday at Club Kotara, Beats on the Green is bringing you vinyl DJs spinning tunes all afternoon, activities on the bowling green, plus happy hour from 3pm-5pm.
Where: Club Kotara, 2 Howell St, Kotara

Live Your Light – Body, Mind & Soul Expo | 3 Dec
Do some Christmas shopping or treat yourself to some end of year pampering at this expo featuring crystals galore, psychic readings, handmade body products, and much more.
Where: Souths Merewether, 46 Llewellyn St, Merewether

ETNA Wine Tasting and Dinner | 6 Dec
Josh and Florence from Vera Wine are pulling the corks on some of their most coveted wines from Mount Etna in Sicily. Try these delectable and curious wines at the ETNA Wine Tasting and Dinner while you enjoy snacks by Harrison's. 
Where: Vera Wine Forum, 121 Tudor St, Hamilton

Friday Night Feast | 8 Dec
Enjoy some seriously delicious eats as Friday Night Feast returns. Expect stacks of food trucks, a bar and beer garden, live music, market stalls, and kids entertainment. The event is dog friendly too!
Where: The Station, Cnr Scott St & Watt St, Newcastle

Nettwerk Tour | 8 Dec
This December, Sofar Sounds in conjunction with label giant Nettwerk presents Portair, Georgia Mooney and Laura Lucas – three rising artists on a national Sofar Sounds discovery tour.
Where: Secret location (revealed 36 hours before the show)

Sell All Salon | 9 Dec
Sell All Salon is a market-style event promoting local artistic talent. There will be a wide range of work available to purchase on the day from artists like Clare Walker, Xander Holliday, Jon Potter, and Nicole Pellow.
Where: Carrington Community Centre, 1 Hargrave Street, Carrington

Homegrown Markets | 9 Dec
Head to Homegrown Markets to shop locally-made goodies from stacks of stalls, plus eat delicious food and listen to live music.
Where: The Station, Cnr Scott St & Watt St, Newcastle

Rauschenberg and Johns: Significant Others | 9 Dec - 4 Feb
Rauschenberg and Johns: Significant Others will introduce the work of two of the 20th century’s most pivotal artists to Australian communities. The exhibition examines the legacy of Rauschenberg and Johns’ early creative exchanges and their printmaking practices.
Where: Museum of Art and Culture, yapang, 1A First St, Booragul

Conscious Christmas in Wallsend | 9 Dec
Looking to make your Christmas more eco-conscious this year? Make your way to Conscious Christmas in Wallsend from 10am-1pm for sustainable stalls and DIY ornament workshops.
Where: Wallsend Rotunda, 120 Tyrrell St, Wallsend

Lake Mac Carols by Candlelight | 10 Dec
Enjoy a spectacular evening of entertainment at Lake Mac Carols by Candlelight. There'll be kids activities, food trucks, roving entertainment and a jam-packed main stage program including a special visit from Santa!
Where: Speers Point Park, Park Rd, Speers Point

Made and Found Markets | 10 Dec
Made and Found Markets are all about locally-made goods and secondhand treasures. Get down to Webb Park in Redhead for a day of shopping, eating, and live music.
Where: Webb Park, Beach Rd, Redhead

Mayfield Carols | 10 Dec
Mayfield Carols is back after a four-year hiatus! This free event will start at 4pm, with amusement rides, a petting zoo, and more fun and games, with carols kicking off at 6pm.
Where: Webb Park, 84 Waratah St, Mayfield

Sunday Speakeasy | 10 Dec
Enjoy live music at Bartholomew's at Sunday Speakeasy. It's also Sippin' Sunday, which means $10 drink specials like Whisky Apple, G&Ts, and spritzes.
Where: Bartholomew's, 145 King St, Newcastle

MOA & CO Christmas Market | 10 Dec
Stay tuned for more details about MOA & CO's Christmas market!
Where: 16 Gipps St, Carrington

Shakespeare Under the Stars – A Midsummer Night's Dream | 14 - 17 Dec
Whale Chorus are back this summer with their sold out production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, set amongst the iconic fig trees of Pacific Park and performed with live music and an ensemble of local actors.
Where: Pacific Park, 1 Pacific St, Newcastle

Christmas Night Market | 14 Dec
Peggy Bee Shoppe is hosting a Christmas market from 6pm-8pm featuring plenty of stalls, yummy treats, complimentary gift wrapping, and lots of festive surprises.
Where: Peggy Bee Shoppe, 15/559 Freemans Dr, Cooranbong

Christmas @ The Station | 16 Dec
Come along to The Station's free family fun day for lots of festive fun, with jumping castles, rides, games, craft, live entertainment, and yummy treats. Plus, there'll be a visit from Santa!
Where: The Station, Cnr Scott St & Watt St, Newcastle

Vigil for Palestine | 16 Dec
Head to the Tram Sheds at Foreshore Park from 9.30am-1.30pm to listen to speakers on the situation in Palestine, and raise up the voice of humanity.
Where: Foreshore Park, Wharf Rd, Newcastle

Markets & Margs | 16 Dec
Get down to The Criterion Hotel from 1pm-4pm to shop pre-loved and vintage clothes, enjoy live music, and drink margaritas.
Where: The Criterion Hotel, 81 Bourke St, Carrington

Caves Christmas Carols | 16 Dec
Head to Caves Coastal for its debut Christmas carols. Focused on community and family, kids can look forward to an array of festive activities.
Where: Caves Coastal Bar and Bungalows, 27 Mawson Cl, Caves Beach

The Nutcracker Remixed | 16 & 17 Dec
Head to the Multi Arts Pavilion at Speers Point Park for a performance of The Nutcracker, but not as you know it – told with modern Christmas songs, comedic chipmunks, and loads of Christmas cheer.
Where: MAP mima, Speers Point Park, Speers Point

Lambton Park Carols | 17 Dec
Celebrate Christmas with your loved ones and community at Lambton Park Carols. There'll be food trucks, activities, rides, a fireworks finale, and of course, all your favourite carols performed live at this free, family-friendly event.
Where: Lambton Park, Elder St & Morehead St, Lambton

Beach Burrito Co Christmas Markets | 17 Dec
Beach Burrito is hosting Christmas markets from 12pm-3pm featuring a stellar lineup of local businesses, selling everything from jewellery and clothing to ceramics and art.
Where: Beach Burrito Co, 135 Darby St, Cooks Hill

Novotone Christmas Party | 17 Dec
In celebration of the Newcastle music scene and the year that has been, Novotone and Young Street Hotel will be hosting the Novotone Christmas Party. Headlined by Kim Churchill and featuring some of the best local talent, this is an afternoon not to miss.
Where: The Young Street Hotel, 132 Young St, Carrington

Carols by the Beach | 17 Dec
Gather beachside for Carols by the Beach at Empire Park. This free, family-friendly event is an evening of vibrant summer festivities, with carols, kids activities, a fireworks display, and even a visit from Santa.
Where: Empire Park, 107-109 Memorial Dr, Bar Beach

Carols by the Lake | 17 Dec
Enjoy an evening of Christmas cheer by the water with Carols by the Lake. There'll be community carols singing, musical entertainment, kids activities, and food vans.
Where: Thomas H Halton Park, Croudace Bay

Christmas Carols at the Rotunda | 20 - 23 Dec
From 6pm-7pm, catch After Five performing Christmas carols at the Wallsend Rotunda. Join in to get amongst the festive spirit!
Where: Wallsend Rotunda, 120 Tyrrell St, Wallsend

Neapolitan Christmas Dinner | 21 Dec
Chef Alessandra of Osteria Papazzo for an evening of authentic Neapolitan Christmas flavours to celebrate the festive season. Dine on a 3-course set menu with matching wines at this intimate dinner.
Where: Talulah, 52 Glebe Rd, The Junction

One Song Sing - How To Make Gravy | 21 Dec
Join friends, family and complete strangers as One Song Sing have you learning all the words to a quintessential Australian Christmas song – Paul Kelly's How to Make Gravy – before belting it out in three part harmony in just one hour.
Where: Wheeler Place, Newcastle

Carols in the Courtyard | 22 Dec
Head to the courtyard at Shoal Bay Country Club to catch local acts playing Christmas carols, plus a visit from the man in the red suit himself!
Where: Shoal Bay Country Club, 35-45 Shoal Bay Rd, Shoal Bay

Sleigh - The Disco | 23 Dec
Ring in the holiday cheer with a fierce twist at Argyle House this December! The Disco is turning up the festive fabulousness with Sleigh, headlined by none other than the legendary Hannah Conda from RuPaul's Drag Race.
Where: Argyle House, 311 Wharf Rd, Newcastle

Carrodise Festival | 23 Dec
Kick off your festive season with Carrodise Festival at Earp Distilling Co. This summer celebration event promises to be a full day of local food, great drinks and live music culminating with a headline act by BOO SEEKA.
Where: Earp Distilling Co, 41 Darling St, Carrington

Bartholomew's New Year's Eve Spectacular | 31 Dec
Ring in the new year in style with Bettie Bang Bang and her troupe of spectacular performers. Featuring aerial acts, fire performers, circus sideshows, burlesque beauties, and more, enjoy four hours of entertainment with canapes and drinks included.
Where: Bartholomew's, 145 King St, Newcastle

Modus NYE Warp Through Time | 31 Dec
Send off the year that was in style with this party at Modus Merewether. This New Year's Eve, DJs at Modus will be playing the greatest hits from every decade right up until midnight.
Where: Modus Merewether, 20 Merewether St, Merewether

New Year's Eve Underground Disco | 31 Dec
Underground Disco returns for another New Year’s Eve at The Grand Hotel! Dress-up, get down and dance through the night with 100% vinyl DJs dishing up disco delights from around the globe.
Where: The Underground, 32 Church St, Newcastle

More Than Sport – History, Culture and Connection in Deaf and Hard of Hearing Communities Exhibition | Until Mar
Curated by Deaf Sports Australia, this accessible exhibition will showcase stories of deaf and hard of hearing athletes and sports from across Australia and around the world through a series of videos, photographs and memorabilia.
Where: Lovett Gallery, Laman St, Newcastle

JANUARY 2024

Friday Night Foodies | 5, 12, 19 & 26 Jan
For a Friday night treat, grab dinner by the lake at the Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima. Friday Night Foodies delivers a series of events, eats from a selection of gourmet food trucks on site, a bar stocking local beer and wine, and cheeseboards from Harry and Lola’s.
Where: Multi-Arts Pavilion (MAP mima), 96 Creek Reserve Road, Speers Point

Beats on the Green | 7, 14, 21 & 28 Jan
From 4pm-7pm every Sunday at Club Kotara, Beats on the Green is bringing you vinyl DJs spinning tunes all afternoon, activities on the bowling green, plus happy hour from 3pm-5pm.
Where: Club Kotara, 2 Howell St, Kotara

Friday Chill | 12, 19 & 26 Jan
Soul Hub is back with Friday Chill for the summer! Head to Pacific Park for a picnic – BYO picnic food and beverages or take advantage of the gourmet food trucks available. There'll also be live music and activities to keep the kids entertained.
Where: Pacific Park, 1 Pacific St, Newcastle

Friday Night Feast | 12 Jan
Enjoy some seriously delicious eats as Friday Night Feast returns. Expect stacks of food trucks, a bar and beer garden, live music, market stalls, and kids entertainment. The event is dog friendly too!
Where: The Station, Cnr Scott St & Watt St, Newcastle

Rocky Horror Show | 12 Jan - 4 Feb
Iconic rock 'n roll musical Rocky Horror Show opens at the Civic Theatre in January starring Jason Donovan as Frank N Furter and Myf Warhurst as the Narrator. Don't miss this hit musical when it comes to Newcastle!
Where: Civic Theatre, 375 Hunter St, Newcastle

The Farmer's Wife Distillery Mid-Summer Festival | 13 Jan
Gather your fellow gin lovers and make a beeline for The Farmer Wife Distillery's Mid-Summer Festival! There'll be live music, gourmet food, and of course, gin.
Where: The Farmer's Wife Distillery, 1378 The Bucketts Way, Allworth

Katrina Burgoyne | 13 Jan
Katrina Burgoyne is making her way to Australia in January for The Nashville to Australia tour. Don't miss this showcase of her contemporary American country sound.
Where: Lizotte's, 31 Morehead St, Lambton

Australian Deaf Games | 13 - 20 Jan
The pinnacle multi-sport event for Deaf people in Australia which attracts more than 1000 competitors and participants from all over Australia and overseas is being hosted in Newcastle in 2024.

Lake Mac Festival | 20 Jan
Lake Mac Festival is a day full of family fun, with a community breakfast, family-friendly entertainment, food trucks, kids activities, and more.
Where: Thomas H Halton Reserve, Bareki Road, Eleebana

One Thread Road Launch Party | 21 Jan
One Thread Road launches their journey to creating a more sustainable way to dress. They'll be fashion trivia, a photography and modelling workshop, and giveaways from their sponsors, from 2pm - 6pm. Tickets $45 per person.
Where: Moa and Co - 16 Gipps St, Carrington

Phil Jamieson | 24 Jan
Catch Grinspoon frontman Phil Jamieson on his Nobody Else tour for his latest solo full-length album Somebody Else. 
Where: King Street, 15 Steel St, Newcastle West

THE DISCO - Wildhouse | 27 Jan
Prepare for a sensory overload as THE DISCO merges the captivating world of lasers with the pulsating rhythms of house music, headlined by UK DJ duo Freemasons.
Where: Argyle House, 311 Wharf Rd, Newcastle

FEBRUARY 2024

Friday Night Foodies | 2, 9, 16 & 23 Feb
For a Friday night treat, grab dinner by the lake at the Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima. Friday Night Foodies delivers a series of events, eats from a selection of gourmet food trucks on site, a bar stocking local beer and wine, and cheeseboards from Harry and Lola’s.
Where: Multi-Arts Pavilion (MAP mima), 96 Creek Reserve Road, Speers Point

Friday Chill | 2, 9, 16 & 23 Feb
Soul Hub is back with Friday Chill for the summer! Head to Pacific Park for a picnic – BYO picnic food and beverages or take advantage of the gourmet food trucks available. There'll also be live music and activities to keep the kids entertained.
Where: Pacific Park, 1 Pacific St, Newcastle

Friday Night Feast | 9 Feb
Enjoy some seriously delicious eats as Friday Night Feast returns. Expect stacks of food trucks, a bar and beer garden, live music, market stalls, and kids entertainment. The event is dog friendly too!
Where: The Station, Cnr Scott St & Watt St, Newcastle

Kevin McCloud | 10 Feb
Get ready for a rollercoaster ride of design and storytelling as Kevin McCloud hits the stage live! This isn't just an evening – it's a full-blown adventure packed with hilarious anecdotes, insights from his TV career, and even a Q&A.
Where: Civic Theatre, 375 Hunter St, Newcastle

P!NK | 13 Feb
Newcastle has scored a coveted spot on the upcoming world tour of American pop powerhouse Pink.
Where: McDonald Jones Stadium

Russell Howard | 17 Feb
UK comedian Russell Howard is on his way to Australia in 2024. As we reel from one global crisis to the next, join Russell, ‘the uplifting Comedy King’, as he puts the world to rights in his own uniquely hilarious way.
Where: Civic Theatre, 375 Hunter St, Newcastle

Tim Minchin | 18 Feb
Tim Minchin is returning to Newcastle for a stop on his An Unfunny Evening with Tim Minchin and His Piano tour. The set list will be fluid, the chat unplanned, and the vibe informal – AKA Tim Minchin at his best.
Where: Civic Theatre, 375 Hunter St, Newcastle

Cinema Under the Stars | 24 Feb
Enjoy a warm summer evening full of family fun at Cinema Under the Stars. Grab your free popcorn and dinner from local food trucks, and watch Minions: The Rise of Gru at Speers Point Park.
Where: Speers Point Park

Matchbox Twenty | 24 Feb
Matchbox Twenty are making their long-awaited return to Australia for a 10-date tour in February. Touring in support their new album Where The Light Goes, it's the band's first new music in 11 years.
Where: Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Brown Rd, Broadmeadow

MARCH 2024

Newcastle Show | 1 - 3 Mar
The iconic Newcastle Show is back, with plenty of rides, competitions, animals, educational displays, showbags, entertainment, and a spectacular fireworks display.
Where: Newcastle Regional Showground, Broadmeadow

Friday Night Foodies | 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 Mar
For a Friday night treat, grab dinner by the lake at the Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima. Friday Night Foodies delivers a series of events, eats from a selection of gourmet food trucks on site, a bar stocking local beer and wine, and cheeseboards from Harry and Lola’s.
Where: Multi-Arts Pavilion (MAP mima), 96 Creek Reserve Road, Speers Point

Friday Chill | 1, 8, 15 & 22 Mar
Soul Hub is back with Friday Chill for the summer! Head to Pacific Park for a picnic – BYO picnic food and beverages or take advantage of the gourmet food trucks available. There'll also be live music and activities to keep the kids entertained.
Where: Pacific Park, 1 Pacific St, Newcastle

Josh Thomas | 2 Mar
Josh Thomas is making a much-anticipated return to comedy in 2024 with his show Let's Tidy Up. Starting in January, Josh Thomas will tour the country, stopping in Newcastle in March.
Where: Civic Theatre, 375 Hunter St, Newcastle

Women in Sport Festival | 2 - 10 Mar
Lake Macquarie's Women in Sport Festival offers something for everyone, with an extensive program that caters to sporting newcomers, aspiring professional athletes, coaches, administrators and anyone who wants to take on a new sport.

Friday Night Feast | 8 Mar
Enjoy some seriously delicious eats as Friday Night Feast returns. Expect stacks of food trucks, a bar and beer garden, live music, market stalls, and kids entertainment. The event is dog friendly too!
Where: The Station, Cnr Scott St & Watt St, Newcastle

Newcastle Fringe Festival | 14 - 24 Mar
Dubbed the biggest little fringe festival in Australia, Newcastle Fringe Festival showcases a smorgasbord of performing arts across two weekends.

RENT: The Musical | 15 - 17 Mar
Experience Jonathan Larson's electrifying, multi-Tony Award winning musical RENT. Step into the vibrant streets of New York City's East Village, where dreams are born, friendships are tested, and the power of love prevails against all odds.
Where: Civic Theatre, 375 Hunter St, Newcastle

Jessica Mauboy | 22 Mar
Catch Aussie superstar Jessica Mauboy on her Yours Forever tour, in celebration of her highly anticipated fifth studio album Yours Forever, when she stops at Newcastle's Civic Theatre.
Where: Civic Theatre, 375 Hunter St, Newcastle

Sip and Savour | Returning 2024
Experience a three day celebration of food, wine and live entertainment in Lake Macquarie with Sip and Savour.

APRIL 2024

Newcastle Food Month | Apr
Newcastle Food Month is a celebration of all things food in Newcastle, with events happening across the city throughout April. Get ready to dive into a delicious lineup of eats.

Tom Jones | 2 Apr
Tom Jones is heading to Australia on his Ages & Stages tour, his first national tour since playing full houses across Australia in 2016. With a remarkable career spanning more than six decades, Tom Jones is widely considered to be one of the greatest singers and recording artists of all time.
Where: Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Brown Rd, Broadmeadow

Newcastle Writers Festival | 5 - 7 Apr
Experience a program full of world-class writers and thinkers when the Newcastle Writers Festival returns in 2024.

Friday Night Foodies | 5 & 12 Apr
For a Friday night treat, grab dinner by the lake at the Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima. Friday Night Foodies delivers a series of events, eats from a selection of gourmet food trucks on site, a bar stocking local beer and wine, and cheeseboards from Harry and Lola’s.
Where: Multi-Arts Pavilion (MAP mima), 96 Creek Reserve Road, Speers Point

Hill to Harbour | 7 Apr
The iconic Hill to Harbour is now a stand alone event, happening on a new and permanent version of the stunning course from Bar Beach to Carrington.

Friday Night Feast | 12 Apr
Enjoy some seriously delicious eats as Friday Night Feast returns. Expect stacks of food trucks, a bar and beer garden, live music, market stalls, and kids entertainment. The event is dog friendly too!
Where: The Station, Cnr Scott St & Watt St, Newcastle

Dawn French | 19 Apr
Don't miss iconic British comedian Dawn French as she heads to Newcastle on her Dawn French is a Huge Twat tour.
Where: Civic Theatre, 375 Hunter St, Newcastle

Newcastle Marathon | 21 Apr
The Newcastle Marathon is now a standalone event as part of NewRun, and also includes a flat half marathon on the same course.

The Imperfects | 21 Apr
After their hugely successful debut live show tour of Australia in 2023, The Imperfects are back on the road for their biggest show yet. Join co-hosts Hugh Van Cuylenburg, Ryan Shelton, and Josh Van Cuylenburg as they discover how perfectly imperfect we all are.
Where: Civic Theatre, 375 Hunter St, Newcastle

MAY 2024

CraftAlive Newcastle | 9 - 11 May
CraftAlive is Australia’s longest-running craft event series. With both local and interstate craft talent, the show is packed full of the latest craft supplies, kits and equipment.
Where: Newcastle Racecourse, Darling St, Broadmeadow

Sculptures @ Scratchley | Dates TBA
The hugely popular Sculptures @ Scratchley is returning in 2024, bringing sculptures by local and international artists to the grounds of Fort Scratchley.
Where: Fort Scratchley, 1/3 Nobbys Rd, Newcastle East

JUNE 2024

Float Your Boat | 21 Jun
Watch colourful, brightly-lit boats glide across the water at Lake Macquarie for Float Your Boat. Keep warm on the shore watching fire-twirling, LED light artists, and musicians.

Urzila Carlson | 28 Jun
Urzila Carlson's all-new show Just Jokes is touring nationally in 2024. Don't miss the chance to catch this comedy queen when she hits the stage in Newcastle.
Where: Civic Theatre, 375 Hunter St, Newcastle

Newcastle Comedy Festival | Dates TBA
The month-long Newcastle Comedy Festival returns in 2024 with a lineup of the funniest international stars, homegrown legends, and the next big things in comedy, giving locals the opportunity to laugh long and hard all month long.

JULY 2024

COLLECT at The Lock-Up | Dates TBA
Featuring nearly 100 artists from Newcastle and the Hunter, COLLECT is one of The Lock-Up’s most anticipated exhibitions of the year. Showcasing the works of a diverse roster of local artists, COLLECT also raises funds for not-for-profit, independent art space The Lock-Up.
Where: The Lock-Up, 90 Hunter St, Newcastle

AUGUST 2024

Tom Gleeson | 9 Aug
Hard Quiz Overlord, Master of Tasks and Gold Logie Winner Tom Gleeson has been on the road for the past two years with Hard Quiz Live. Now he’s giving audiences an opportunity to see a master stand-up at work with his brand-new live show, Gear.
Where: Civic Theatre, 375 Hunter St

Wallsend 150 Years Celebration | 17 Aug
Celebrate the 150th anniversary of Wallsend's municipality in 2024. The event will be planned in partnership with the Wallsend community and include family-friendly activations throughout the town centre, cultural performances, and more.

Whisky & Craft Spirits Festival | Date TBA
The Whisky & Craft Spirits Festival celebrates great whisky and craft spirits from Australia and around the world, featuring a wide range of spirits, including some not seen before.

Taste of the Hunter Valley | Dates TBA
Sample Hunter Valley wine, beer, spirits, and produce at Taste of the Hunter Valley, returning to Newcastle in 2024.

SEPTEMBER 2024

Living Smart Festival | 21 Sep
Living Smart Festival is one of Australia’s largest community sustainability events, with a mission to encourage people to learn about and embrace everyday sustainability practices.
Where: Speers Point Park

The Tap Pack | 21 Sep
Following sold-out shows and rave reviews on London’s West End and around the world, Australia’s hottest tap dance sensation, The Tap Pack, is coming to Newcastle! The Tap Pack gives a modern twist to the crooners and artists from the 50s through to the noughties.
Where: Civic Theatre, 375 Hunter St, Newcastle

Belinda Carlisle | 24 Sep
Returning to Australia with her ‘Decades’ tour, which celebrates 35 years of her solo career Belinda Carlisle's kicked off in 1978 with the Go-Go’s where she achieved stardom with hits including ‘We Got The Beat’ and ‘Our Lips Are Sealed’. 
Where: Civic Theatre, 375 Hunter St, Newcastle

New Annual | Dates TBA
Ten days of art, culture and creativity in the centre of Newcastle. The vision of New Annual is to put Newcastle on the radar nationally and internationally, as a creative city where exciting, ambitious and accessible contemporary art and culture grows and thrives.

OCTOBER 2024

Fernleigh 15 | 20 Oct
Run the Fernleigh Track and experience the beauty of this classic old rail line that has become the place to run and ride in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.

Newcastle Pride Festival | Dates TBA
Brought to you by Newcastle Pride, Newcastle Pride Festival is all about celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community with Fair Day, parties, and more.

Italian Film Festival | Dates TBA
Celebrate some of the best of Italian cinema with the Italian Film Festival. There's comedies, dramas, and more to suit all tastes.

Fast & Loud Festival | Dates TBA
Catch exhilarating boat races, live music, roving entertainment, car shows, and more at Fast & Loud Festival.

NOVEMBER 2024

Spark Helmore Triathlon | 10 Nov
The 31st annual Spark Helmore Triathlon is happening in 2024. With an electric atmosphere and a picturesque course, don't miss this iconic triathlon.