Plan your weekend with our guide to events in Newcastle

Have you made plans for this weekend yet? From markets and comedy gigs to live music and long lunches, there's always plenty happening in Newcastle. Keep reading for our guide to what's on this weekend in Newcastle, and start filling up your calendar.

List your event in our What's On Guide here

Please note: event information was accurate at the time of publication. Dates, times and details may change or events may be cancelled without notice. Please check with the organiser before attending.

Melbourne Cup at Adamstown Bowling Club | 3 Nov
Melbourne Cup celebrations featuring a shared cheese platter and two drinks per person, sweeps, Best Dressed prizes, TAB facilities and bistro dining. Cost: $49pp.
Where: Adamstown Bowling Club, Adamstown

Melbourne Cup at The Exchange | 3 Nov
The countdown to Melbourne Cup is on! Join us Tuesday 3rd November from 10am for the races live and loud, fashions on the field, sweepstakes, on-site TAB, The After Party band and DJs after the race. Free entry all day!
Where: The Exchange, 125 Denison St, Hamilton

Summer Launch Party | 3 Nov
Experience a little taste of Italy in the heart of the Hunter Valley! Join us for a beautiful afternoon of wood-fired pizza, delicious tiramisù, local wines and Italian music, surrounded by stunning vineyard views. Cost: Free for attending, tickets for wine tasting and pizza starting from $20 
Where: The Exchange, 125 Denison St, Hamilton

Melbourne Cup at Customs House | 3 Nov
Melbourne Cup celebration with three-course dining, drinks, live entertainment, sweepstakes and Fashions on the Field. Time: From 11:30am. Cost: From $169pp.
Where: Customs House Hotel, 1 Bond St, Newcastle

Melbourne Cup at The Nags | 3 Nov
Indulge in a delicious 3-course menu with a glass of bubbles on arrival OR Book a table for you and your friends in the sports bar, main bar or lounge. PLUS $2,000 cash to be won on the day! Cost: $80
Where: The Nags Head Hotel, 272 Brunker Rd, Adamstown

Melbourne Cup at The Shorty | 3 Nov
Melbourne Cup Day • From 12PM Canapés — $65 Add 3 hours of selected house drinks — $55 🔥 EARLY BIRD: $95 FOR BOTH! Book before 19 October & save $25. Get the crew together, dress up and spend Cup Day at your local. Cost: $65
Where: The Shorty Hotel, 269 Sandgate Rd, Shortland

NOAH'S Melbourne Cup Lunch | 3 Nov
Celebrate the race that stops the nation at NOAH’S on the beach. Enjoy a three-course lunch, four-hour beverage package, live entertainment, sweeps, prizes, best dressed and the Melbourne Cup live on the big screens. Cost: $195pp or $1900 table of 10
Where: NOAH'S on the beach, 29 Zaara st, Newcastle East

Melbourne Cup Luncheon - Club Macquarie | 3 Nov
Celebrate Melbourne Cup Day at Club Macquarie! Enjoy a seafood buffet, sparkling wine on arrival, live music by Zane Penn Duo, sweeps, door prizes, dancing, and prizes for Best Dressed and Best Hat. Tickets $89.90 per person. 18+. Cost: $89.90
Where: Club Macquarie, 458 Lake Rd, Argenton

Glitz & Spritz at the Pier | 3 Nov
An anti-Melbourne Cup event focused on fashion, food, spritzes, live DJ entertainment and fundraising, with no racing or gambling. Time: 12pm - 6pm. Cost: Ticketed.
Where: Pier Ninety Seven, Wickham

Melbourne Cup at Shoal Bay Country Club | 3 Nov
Something for everyone this Melbourne Cup Day: a Greek feast in Atmos, 3 course meal on The Patio, grazing station in Mermaids, or free entry on Beach Level. Enjoy live music and Fashions on the Field, hosted by MC Blanchy! Cost: From $79
Where: Shoal Bay Country Club, 35-45 Shoal Bay Rd, Shoal Bay

Melbourne Cup at Nonna Bizzarro | 3 Nov
Nonna doesn't do quiet Cup Days. Set menu, spritz on arrival, house made limoncello, cocktail package upgrade available. DJs all day, sweepstakes, dress loud, big race live & loud. $119pp (+$35pp cocktails), Tuesday 3rd November. Cost: $119 + BF
Where: Nonna Bizzarro, 125 Denison St, Hamilton

IncludingYOU art program | 5 Nov
IncludingYOU invites people of all abilities to explore art, connect, and learn new skills in a welcoming, inclusive FREE workshop. Cost: Free
Where: Museum of Art and Culture, yapang (MAC yapang), 2A First St, Booragul

The Maiming of the Shrew Christmas Murder Mystery Dinner | 5 Nov
An interactive Shakespeare-inspired murder mystery with sparkling wine on arrival and a shared-style dinner. Cost: $110
Where: 4 Pines at the Farm, 917 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin

Radium Girls | 5–7 Nov
A historical drama based on the young dial painters who challenged the US Radium Corporation after discovering the effects of radium exposure. Cost: $49–$59 plus fees
Where: Civic Playhouse, 375 Hunter Street, Newcastle

Good Folk Brewing/Danny's House Party | 6 Nov
Live bands The Bloom and Trip Fandino, DJs and pizza till late at Good Folk Brewing and Danny’s Pizza. Friday 6 November 2026, 7pm–midnight, 80 Beaumont Street, Hamilton. Cost: $15 per person + $0.38 ticket service fee ($15.38 total).
Where: Good Folk Brewing Co. / Danny's Pizza, 80 Beaumont St, Hamilton

BUNT @ THE BEACH HOTEL | 6 Nov
BUNT. is coming to The Beaches, Newy! From global stages like Coachella and Lollapalooza, German DJ Levi Wijk is bringing the party to Merewether. You won't want to miss this! Cost: From $70
Where: The Beach Hotel, 99 Frederick St, Merewether

Live at The Lock-Up: A Deep Listening Experience | 6 Nov
Experience ambient electronic music and an immersive live performance with Newcastle artists homebody, WAY LIE and Rose White. Cost: From $20 + booking fee
Where: The Lock-Up, 90 Hunter St, Newcastle

A taste of Italy | 7 Nov 
Experience a little taste of Italy in the heart of the Hunter Valley! Join us for a beautiful afternoon of wood-fired pizza, delicious tiramisù, local wines and Italian music, surrounded by stunning vineyard views. Cost: Free for attending, tickets for wine tasting and pizza starting from $20 
Where: Mahony Estate, 656 Milbrodale Rd, Fordwich

Wine Beats Through Sunset at Harkham | 7 & 21 Nov
Spend a Saturday afternoon sipping Hunter Valley wines and soaking up live music as Wine Beats Through Sunset takes over Harkham. Bring your mates, grab a glass and settle in for a relaxed afternoon among the vines. Time: 3pm – 7pm
Where: Harkham, Pokolbin

Hoedown Throwdown | 7 Nov
Dust off your boots for Hoedown Throwdown Country Music Night on Saturday 7th November. Country DJs from 6pm, Line Dance Sydney's first-ever lesson from 8pm, and Katie Jayne Band live from 9pm. Free entry, no lockout, two levels & more. Cost: Free entry
Where: The Exchange, 125 Denison St, Hamilton

Sleap Walk 2026 | 7 Nov
A 2.5km community walk from Bar Beach to Merewether and back, raising funds for the PICU Courtyard at John Hunter Hospital. Time: 4pm. Cost: Fundraiser.
Where: Bar Beach Bowling & Sporting Club, Bar Beach

Darby Street Festival | 7 Nov
Darby Street comes alive with live music, food, pop-up bars, performers, family activities and extended trading from local businesses. Time: 12pm - 8pm. Cost: Free.
Where: Darby Street, Cooks Hill

Battle of the Bands | 7 Nov
Nine local high school bands compete for the title at Club Kotara, showcasing Newcastle’s emerging musical talent. Food and drinks available. Time: 4pm - 10pm. Cost: TBC.
Where: Club Kotara, 2 Howell St, Kotara

Australian Haydn Ensemble - Haydn's Oxford | 7 Nov
A feast of Haydn with the first instalment of a cycle of Haydn’s London symphonies in newly commissioned historical chamber arrangements for septet including the Oxford and Drumroll. Cost: $54 + b/fee Lake Mac Arts Member $60 + b/fee General Admission
Where: Rathmines Theatre, nawayiba, 25 Stilling St, Rathmines

Bottomless Brunch Grinch | 7 Nov - 27 Dec
This Christmas, we’re serving up a bottomless brunch with a wonderfully wicked twist. For two glorious hours, settle in for cocktail jugs, house wines and tap beers, accompanied by a share-style feast. Cost: $89 + booking fee
Where: The Lucky Hotel, 237 Hunter St, Newcastle

All That Jazz | 8 Nov
Three of Newcastle’s finest musicians join the Camerata, raising the roof in a joyous program that interweaves jazz, popular and classical music. From joyful Bach to moody Satie, with innovative and brilliant original music. Cost: $15-$45
Where: Newcastle Conservatorium Harold Lobb Hall, Auckland and Laman St, Newcastle
https://www.cccamerata.com.au/all-that-jazz

I Love Your Faces: The Don Lane Story | 8 Nov
A father. A son. A legacy brought to life I Love Your Faces: The Don Lane Story is a powerful, uplifting theatrical experience that brings a golden era back to the stage – while revealing the deeply personal story behind it. Cost: $79
Where: Civic Theatre, 375 Hunter St, Newcastle

Markets

Please always check the markets socials or website before attending in case of any adverse weather related changes or cancellations.

Glendale Farmers & Artisan Market | 7, 14, 21 & 28 Nov
Shop for farm-fresh produce, gourmet food, homemade products and artisan wares at this weekly all-weather market, with street food and live music. Cost: Free entry.
Where: Stockland Glendale, 387 Lake Rd, Glendale | 8am–2pm

Handmade in the Hunter Markets | 7, 14, 21 & 28 Nov
Meet Hunter-based makers and browse locally baked, sewn, grown and handcrafted goods in the gardens of Sobels Wines. The additional Sunday market is scheduled for the long weekend. Cost: Free entry.
Where: Sobels Wines, 5 Halls Rd, Pokolbin | 9am–2pm

Hunter Wine Country Markets |  7, 14, 21 & 28 Nov
Explore a boutique collection of jewellery, clothing, homewares, produce and other handmade goods from Hunter-region artisans. Markets are weather permitting. Cost: Free entry.
Where: De Bortoli Wines Hunter Valley Estate, 532 Wine Country Dr, Pokolbin | 9am–2pm

Perfectly Peculiar Market | 7, 14, 21 & 28 Nov
Discover an eclectic weekly collection of organic produce, artisan creations, vintage treasures, handmade products and food stalls among the vines. Cost: Free entry.
Where: Hart & Hunter at Amanda’s on the Edge, 1039 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin | 10am–2pm

Earth Market Maitland | 5 & 19 Nov
Buy seasonal fruit, vegetables, eggs, honey, olives, preserves and other produce directly from Hunter farmers and producers. Further markets run on 3 and 17 December. Cost: Free entry
Where: The Levee, 396 High Street, Maitland NSW 2320

The Olive Tree Market | 7 & 21 Nov
Browse more than 130 curated stalls featuring Australian-made art, design, handmade products, ethical goods and artisan food. Further markets run on 5 and 19 December. Cost: Free entry
Where: Civic Park, King Street, Newcastle NSW 2300

True Vintage Markets | 7 Nov
An indoor market featuring vintage clothing, collectables, rare coins, vinyl records, jewellery, toys and homewares, including a treasure hunt for selected free items. Free entry.
Where: Adamstown Uniting Church Memorial Hall, 228 Brunker Road, Adamstown NSW 2289

The Marina Christmas Twilight Market | 7 Nov
Shop handmade, locally designed and environmentally conscious products alongside street food, gourmet produce and live entertainment on the Nelson Bay waterfront. A further market is scheduled for 5 December. Cost: Free entry
Where: Nelson Bay Foreshore, Victoria Parade, Nelson Bay

Homegrown Markets Maitland | 8 Nov
A community market featuring handmade and design stalls, gourmet produce, street food, live music, children’s activities and face painting from 9am–1pm. A further market runs on 13 December. Cost: Free entry
Where: Harold Gregson Park, High Street, Maitland

Exhibitions, Theatre & Workshops 

Tactile - An exhibition exploring Clay and Wood | 24 Oct - 8 Nov
Opening Celebrations — Saturday 24 October, 3pm Karen and Jono draw on their Japanese training, bringing traditional pottery and timber craftsmanship into a considered collection of finely crafted sculptures and functional works. Cost: Free event
Where: Back to Back Galleries, 57 Bull St, Cooks Hill

Synergy | 4 Sep - 14 Nov
Group exhibition showcasing emerging Hunter artists and their mentors, shaped by collaboration, creative exchange and shared discovery. Time: Wed - Fri 10am - 5pm, Sat 12pm - 4pm. Cost: Free.
Where: University Gallery, Newcastle

History Illuminated | 30 Oct–8 Nov
Explore Lake Macquarie’s people, places, and stories through talks, exhibitions, performances, tours, and workshops. This year’s program includes Peter FitzSimons, Stuff the British Stole, an Aboriginal Cultural Tour of MAC yapang sculpture park, a history cruise, and vintage fashion parade.
Where: Various locations across Lake Macquarie

Open Mic Comedy @ Newcastle Comedy Club | 15 Sep–24 Nov
Emerging comedians test new material at a weekly open-mic night, with audience response helping shape their sets. Cost: Free
Where: Newcastle Comedy Club, 139 Maitland Road, Islington

Darkness in 589 | 25 Sep - 29 Nov
Immersive 360-degree projection artwork exploring darkness as an ecological, cultural and sensory condition, and the impacts of light pollution. Time: Fri - Sun, 9am - 2pm. Cost: Free.
Where: MAP mima, Speers Point

EXHIBITION / Izabela Pluta / Cavitation | 22 Sep - 31 Jan
'Cavitation' unfolds across water, sound and fractured cartographies, examining how systems of orientation fail under pressure, repetition and displacement. Cost: Free
Where: The Lock-Up, 90 Hunter St, Newcastle

A.A.Murakami: New Spring | 26 Sep - 31 Jan
Kinetic sculptural installation where thousands of mist-filled bubbles bloom and fall from tree-like sculptures, creating a multisensory exploration of nature and technology. Cost: Free.
Where: Newcastle Art Gallery, Newcastle