What’s on in Newcastle
Newcastle Regional Show
The Newcastle Regional Show is one of the premier events on the events calendar in our area. Featuring all the traditions of the Show including competitions and displays which feature horses, cattle, animals, poultry, produce, cookery, arts and crafts and much more. There is also the colour and excitement of amusement rides and showbags. Evolving over the years, the Newcastle Regional Show features technology, industry, exhibitors, food, wine, fashion and local and national entertainment for all ages. Newcastle and the Hunter comes alive at this major annual event and visitors from local, national and international destinations delight in the magic of the Newcastle Regional Show. For more information visit the event website »
WHEN : March (check website for exact dates)
WHERE : Newcastle Showground, Brown Road, Broadmeadow
Light Up Newcastle
Light up Newcastle Lantern Walk is a fundraiser sponsored by the Rotary Club of Newcastle. The Lantern Walk is a family-friendly free-entertainment event held at Newcastle’s Honeysuckle Precinct. Walks are from Nobby’s foreshore park and Wickham Figtree park to Honeysuckle where visitors are entertained by Chinese musicians, singers, dancers, lion dancers and demonstrations of Chinese culture and sport. On Newcastle Harbour, visitors are entertained by dragon boat races, tug water ballets, a parade of sailing boats under light, and fireworks. For more information visit the event website »
WHEN : February
WHERE : Honeysuckle Precinct, Newcastle
What’s on in the Hunter Valley
Hunter Valley Food & Wine Festival
There’s no better time to take in the delights of Australia’s premium wine-growing region than the Hunter Valley Wine and Food Festival. Held over two months, the Festival showcases the epicurean pleasures of this iconic food and wine destination, and offers the perfect journey of discovery through the stunning region. From incredible gourmet dinners at award-winning restaurants to vineyard tours, wine making masterclasses, hands-on cooking classes and cosy evenings beside an open fire with friends, the Festival has something for everyone. For more information visit the event website »
WHEN : May – June
WHERE : Throughout the Hunter Valley
Spring Awakening Cessnock
Warm yourself among flaming sculptures and be intrigued by interactive installations. Enjoy roving performers, entertainment or take part in a creative workshop. There are always plenty of activities for kids and surprises for the whole family! Bring a picnic of yummy treats from home or find something delicious from one of our hand-picked gourmet food trucks. Make a lantern and join us for the Lantern Parade. For more information visit the event website »
WHEN : September
WHERE : Cessnock Tafe, Darwin Street, Cessnock
Picnic in the Vines
Bring your picnic blankets and indulge in a gourmet picnic fare accompanied by Saddler’s Creek’s award winning wines for this annual event. During Spring the Hunter Valley comes to life with fields of green that have been laying dormant during the winter. This event is an afternoon of live music, food and wine. For more information visit the event website »
WHEN : October
WHERE : Saddler’s Creek Wines, 15 Marrowbone Road, Pokolbin
Sculpture in the Vineyards
Visit Wollombi for a lavish indoor and outdoor exhibition of the intricate and the elegant in cellar doors, surrounding vineyards and in Wollombi’s historic village. Relax in nature amongst the sculptures. Entry to the outdoor exhibition is free and you’ll be surprised and delighted by the variety of creative approaches and innovative materials used in the artworks set within the Wollombi Valley’s uniquely picturesque surroundings. For more information visit the event website »
WHEN : November
WHERE : Wollombi
Christmas Lights Spectacular
The Hunter Valley Christmas Lights Spectacular is a family tradition in the area. Here the entire family can enjoy the festivities with a delicious selection of food and beverage stalls, roaming entertainment including Christmas carollers (until Boxing Day), and nightly performances. For more information visit the event website »
WHEN : December
WHERE : Hunter Valley Gardens, Broke Road, Pokolbin
Local Markets Raymond Terrace
Raymond Terrace Community Markets
Selling a variety of fresh locally grown produce and handmade products.
WHEN : 3rd Saturday every month, 9am – 1pm.
WHERE : Riverside Park, Hunter Street, Raymond Terrace (approx. 5 mins from Pacific Gardens Village)
The Sunday Muster
The Sunday Muster is a roundup of creative people; artists, crafts persons and designers, in a boutique artisan market.
WHEN : 3rd Sunday of month, 9am to 2pm.
WHERE : 1 Weakleys Drive, Thornton (approx. 18 mins from Pacific Gardens Village)
Local Markets Newcastle
Hunt & Gather Markets
A boutique fashion and design market featuring live acoustic music and an ocean breeze. The markets have plenty of options for food and drink, and a mix of fashion and design stallholders with local artists and creatives, ready to answer any questions you might have about their products. The people behind this wonderful market also run the Friday Flea and Street Feast.
WHEN : 3rd Saturday of the month, 9am – 2pm.
WHERE : Foreshore Park, Newcastle East (approx. 30 minutes from Pacific Gardens Village)
The Olive Tree Art & Design Market
Celebrating and supporting Newcastle’s artisan community, the Leading Contemporary Handmade Art & Design Market in Newcastle and the launching pad for over 150 creative minds! The market started in 2008 and is constantly growing with new talented creatives joining each month. Enjoy live music while browsing through gourmet artisan produce!
WHEN : 1st Saturday of the Month & 1st and 3rd Saturdays of November and December, 9am-3pm
WHERE : Civic Park, Cnr King & Darby Street, Newcastle (approx. 30 mins from Pacific Gardens Village)
Newcastle City Farmers Market
A showcase of fresh local produce and gourmet delights, where you can ask about how and where a product is grown or made, and how to best store or use it. The market organisers encourage visitors to make the most of the unique opportunity to interact directly with farmers, producers and artisans. From blacksmiths and jewellery makers, to painters, photographers, toy makers and more, there’s a wide range of artisans mixed with stalls selling gifts, hand-made and fair-trade products.
When: Most Sundays of the month 7am-1pm, check their website for market dates before going
Where: McDonald Jones Stadium, Turton Rd, Broadmeadow OR Newcastle Showground 1A Curley Rd, Broadmeadow (approx. 30 mins from Pacific Gardens Village)
Adamstown Lions Market
You’re sure to find a bargain here. Whether it’s second-hand clothing, books, a record, crafts, fresh produce or a special find, these markets won’t break the bank, but you may need to dig for the treasure. The markets are held every Sunday from 7am-1pm at Adamstown Uniting Church, with the exception of public holidays and January.
When: Every Sunday (except public holidays and January), 7am-1pm
Where: Adamstown Uniting Church, Corner of Brunker and Glebe Rd, Adamstown (approx. 30 mins from Pacific Gardens Village)
Hunter Street Organic Food Market
Held rain, hail or shine under the canopies on Hunter Street. Find farm grown roses, fresh organic fruit and vegetables, cakes, jams and preserves from the Country Women’s Association, toys, fashion, Gozleme, books and more. The Organic Food Markets have been operating for over 15 years.
When: Every Wednesday to Saturday, 9am-3pm
Where: Hunter Street Mall- Corner Hunter Street and Thorn Street, Newcastle (approx. 30 mins from Pacific Gardens Village)
Note: Whilst every attention has been paid to the correctness of the information on this page, events and dates may have changed. Please visit the Newcastle Visitor Information Centre, the Hunter Valley Visitor Information Centre and the Port Stephens Visitor Information Centre for up to date information.