Meet new friends at Newcastle’s best social, book, and craft clubs
Making friends as an adult can be hard, and while Newcastle has no shortage of run clubs, they’re definitely not the only way to meet new people. From book clubs, and craft circles, to puzzle comps and social sips, Newcastle has plenty to offer.
Whether you’re new to Newy, need to debrief after your latest read, or looking to pick up a new hobby, we’ve rounded up some of the best social clubs and groups in Newcastle.
Book Clubs
Autumn Rooms Book Club
Hosted upstairs monthly at Autumn Rooms Cafe, this book club covers a wide range of genres. In partnership with Betty Loves Books, it's the perfect evening for people who love books, cafes and slow evenings. Want to join? Send a DM to @autumnrooms with your name and email address to be added tothe RSVP list.
Where: Autumn Rooms Cafe, 127 Darby St, Cooks Hill
When: 5:30pm, Last Thursday of each month
Books at the Bowlo
A monthly meet up hosted by the Hunter Writers Centre, for book lovers to meet and mingle over a meal at Club Lambton. From 6pm enjoy some bookish chats and catch up on some reading, then at 7pm enjoy an in person Q&A with a new local author each month. To join, you can book a table online or call ahead with Club Lambton or just walk in!
Where: Club Lambton, 51 Karoola Rd, Lambton
When: 6pm, Second Tuesday of each month
Lily Pad Book Club
Want to fill your evening with good books, interesting ideas, and even better conversation? Lily Pad book club is Newcastle’s only book club dedicated to all things non fiction, classics, and theory. Meeting each month at Shout Brewing, enjoy an evening of approachable and social learning in good company and a drink in hand. To join, @lilypadbookclub announces the book monthly on their Instagram alongside a link to grab tickets
Where: Shout brewing, 22 Clyde St, Islington
When: 5:30pm, Last Wednesday of each month
MacLeans Book Club
MacLeans Booksellers host two book clubs a month, one literary book club, and one dedicated to sci fi and fantasy. Hosted at their store on Beaumont Street, settle in for an evening of all things books with Newcastle's oldest Indie bookstore.
Where: MacLeans Booksellers, 69 Beaumont St, Hamilton
When: Literary Book club hosted third Tuesday of the month at 7pm, Sci Fi fantasy book club hosted last Wednesday of each month at 6pm.
Moa and Co x Betty Loves Books
A meet up of great books, thoughtful conversation, and new connections. Covering all genres, the evening is guided alongside Betty loves Books over wine, coffee, and light snacks. Each month Moa and Co will release an RSVP link to their Instagram page.
Where: Moa and Co, 16 Gipps St, Carrington
When: 6pm, Last Wednesday of each month
Newy Queer Book Club
A book club for LGBTQ+ community members and allies to enjoy a saturday afternoon chatting all things queer books and authors. Join their Facebook group to see upcoming events.
Where: Goldbergs Coffee House, 137 Darby St, Cooks HIll
When: 3pm, last Saturday of each month.
Spine Book Club
Newcastle’s book club for all the “unhinged readers” on the hunt for strange tales . Spine has a monthly book rotation for those who love ‘weird girl’ literary fictions, feminist horror, and all the unhinged stories in between. To join, RSVP via the link at their instagram page @spinebookclub.
Where: varies
When: The 3rd of each month, time varies
Sips and Stories
Love reading a little bit of everything? Sips and Stories picks three books a month to read, one fantasy, one romance, and one main book that varies in genre. The group meets three times a month to chat over each book at The Press Book House, so you can pick and choose what book is best for you, or attend all three if that tickles your fancy. To join, keep an eye out on their Facebook group to RSVP to events.
Where: The Press Book House, 462 Hunter St, Newcastle
When: Often last weekend of each month, times vary
Tough Guy Book Club
Tough Guy Book Club is a global men’s book club that aims to bring real decent discussion back into the pub. They’ve got plenty of in person chapters you can join across Newcastle and the central coast, simply find your closest chapter and RSVP to attend the next meeting. Covering all genres, the club has one main rule: don't judge a book by its cover.
Where: varies
When: 7pm, first wednesday of each month
Crafty clubs
Artflow Sessions
Bringing together art, craft, conversation, and plenty of room to try something new Artflow Sessions offers a different activity, from painting and collage to mixed media, creative games, and the occasional social outing. No experience is needed, and there’s no pressure to create a masterpiece – it’s all about having a go and meeting new people along the way. Book an upcoming Artflow Session online.
Where: Allettare Dezigns
When: Each Thursday
Newcastle Craft Circle
A monthly meet up for those who love to make things and want to meet others who craft! No matter what you're working on, or if you're a complete beginner, all are welcome. Bring along some snacks, supplies, and a blanket and enjoy a wholesome afternoon of DIY. Keep an eye out on their social media for the next meet up details.
Where: varies
When: varies
Newcastle Branch NSW Embroiderers Guild
If stitching is your thing, the Newcastle Branch of the NSW Embroiderers Guild brings together almost 70 members for plenty of needlework, chatter, and shared creativity. Beginners and experienced stitchers are welcome, with mentors, casual classes, stitch-of-the-month activities, and plenty of opportunities to learn from other members. Bring along your current project, threads, frame, and sewing kit, then settle in for a few hours of stitching and good company. Find out more about the Newcastle Branch online.
Where: Good Shepherd Hall, 101 Joslin St, Kotara South
When: Mondays, 9:30am–2pm and 5pm–9pm, February to early December
Newcastle Garment Sewists
Need a group to chat about all things fabric, patterns, and stitching? This is the group for you. Meeting monthly, you’re bound to leave inspired and with plenty of ideas for your next project. The group announces their monthly meetups on their social media.
Where: 88 Patisserie, 88 Hobart Rd, New Lambton
When: Meet up time 10am - The last weekend of each month, day varies
Newy Puzzle Comps
Hosting three times a week, Newy Puzzle Comp is the perfect mid week wholesome activity. These puzzle comps are more than meets the eye, with competitions, prizes, and bragging rights to be won. With meet ups all across Newcastle, grab a ticket and join for an evening of some serious puzzling and leave with a few new friends.
Where: venues vary
When: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays
Scrap and Chat
Hosted at The Press Book House, Scrap and Chat is an evening of scrapbooking, journaling, and craftiness. You’ll be provided with all the supplies you need, just bring along your notebook and perhaps some special photos you want to add. Tickets for the scrappy evening are released monthly on their Instagram.
Where: The Press Book House, 462 Hunter St, Newcastle
When: 3-5pm, Last Sunday of each month
Social clubs
Sip Society Newcastle
The ultimate social club for women in their 20’s. Hosting regular events across Newcastle venues, you’re guaranteed to leave with a few new friends under your belt. To join along, keep an eye out on their Instagram for their next event.
Where: varies
When: varies
In Good Company Club
A club for all the twentysomethings looking to make the week a little less boring. Hosting everything from walks, dinners, workshops and everything else in between. Events and tickets are released monthly on their Instagram.
Where: varies
When: varies
Newy Active Co
Despite the name, Newy Active Co has plenty to do that won't leave you huffing and puffing. Welcome to anyone and everyone, NAC hosts events from karaoke, puzzle comps, to movie nights and trivia. Browse through all their upcoming events online, or keep up to date with their social media.
Where: varies
When: varies
Header photo credit: @Newyactiveco instagram
Think we’ve missed a spot? Let us know here.
