Welcome to this week's edition of The Newy List!

Newcastle has handed us a week that requires at least one calendar reminder and perhaps a small lie about being free on Saturday. Pavilion Film Festival brings independent cinema to Speers Point, Mudhoney lands at King Street, and the Pride parade heads along the harbour to Nobby's. There are markets from Broadmeadow to Pokolbin, because apparently one set of fresh produce was not enough. Read the full article for the practical details and the rest of this week's list.

An 18+ Bavarian festival with bier halls, German food stalls, DJs, roving performers, a silent disco, live entertainment and multiple stages.

•When: Saturday 24 October, 1:00pm

•Where: The Station, Newcastle

•Price: GA Final Release $59.90; VIP $139.90; transaction fee applies

•More info:

Tickets

The inaugural festival brings short films, experimental cinema and 360° immersive audiovisual work to MAP mima. Sunday screens the winners and highly commended works.

•When: Thursday 22 October, 6:00pm to 9:00pm; Friday 23 October, 6:00pm to 9:00pm; Saturday 24 October, 3:00pm to 5:00pm and 6:00pm to 9:00pm; Sunday 25 October, 3:00pm to 5:00pm

•Where: Multi-Arts Pavilion, MAP mima, Speers Point

•Price: $0 to $22.26

•More info:

Festival program

This first major survey of the Newcastle-based Sāmoan/Australian artist brings together 20 years of video, photography and installation examining climate, capitalism and colonisation. Some works include low-level nudity, endurance performance and depictions of tattooing.

•When: Tuesday 20 October to Sunday 25 October, 10:00am to 4:00pm

•Where: Newcastle Art Gallery, Cooks Hill

•Price: Adult $20; concession/member $18; tertiary student $15; child or teen $8; under-5s free

•More info:

Exhibition details

Seattle four-piece Mudhoney bring their alternative, grunge and rock catalogue to King Street with Primitive Ring from the United States.

•When: Friday 23 October, 7:00pm

•Where: King Street Band Room, Newcastle West

•Price: $72.95 GA, including booking fees

•More info:

Tickets

Formed in 1977, the Australian Latin American folkloric ensemble performs original songs and traditional Andean and Latin American sounds, using more than 40 instruments including charangos, panpipes, congas, bass and piano.

•When: Saturday 24 October, 7:00pm to 9:00pm

•Where: Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba, Warners Bay

•Price: General admission $53.87; Lake Mac Arts member $48.60

•More info:

Book tickets

ARIA-nominated, three-time Golden Guitar-winning singer-songwriters Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham play songs from their third studio album, Everything Around You, alongside fan favourites across folk, country, blues and roots.

•When: Saturday 24 October, 7:30pm

•Where: Playhouse at Civic Theatre, Newcastle

•Price: All tickets $45, plus applicable fees and charges

•More info:

Show details

Ireland’s folk favourites arrive at City Hall with Ciaran O’Sullivan for a night built around close harmonies, well-known songs and the storytelling that makes Irish folk travel so well. This is the big-ticket music pick for the week.

•When: Saturday 24 October, 8:00pm

•Where: Newcastle City Hall, 290 King Street, Newcastle

•Price: From $99.90; VIP $249.90

•More info:

Book The High Kings

One of Australia’s longest-running Latin American folkloric groups brings a vibrant program to Warners Bay Theatre. It is a chance to hear Andean and Latin American music in a comfortable, intimate room rather than while scrolling through holiday photos.

•When: Saturday 24 October, 7:00pm–9:00pm

•Where: Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba, Warners Bay

•Price: GA $53.87; Lake Mac Arts members $48.60

•More info:

Book SONIDO

This all-day Cessnock country gathering brings Mak & Shar, The Rams, Katie Jayne, Brother Hollow and guest Nikisha Priest to one stage. Line dancing, games and a shoey contest round out the 18+ program.

•When: Saturday 24 October, 1:00pm–7:00pm

•Where: Hunter Valley Sports and Social, Neath Street, Cessnock

•Price: Ticketed; see booking page

•More info:

Book Country Under the Dome

University Galleries and Newcastle Art Space present work developed by emerging Hunter Region artists through the 2026 Mentorship Program, with Jo O'Toole as mentor and Melody Suranyi as mentee on the curatorial team.

•When: Wednesday 21 October to Friday 23 October, 10:00am to 5:00pm; Saturday 24 October, 12:00pm to 4:00pm

•Where: The University Gallery & Senta Taft Hendry Museum, Callaghan

•Price: Not published

•More info:

Exhibition details

Lucy Butler's solo exhibition gathers watercolour memories and moments in nature, shaped around the atmosphere and energy of place. Sunday workshops are inspired by the exhibition.

•When: Saturday 24 October, 4:00pm to 8:00pm; Sunday 25 October, 9:00am to 5:00pm

•Where: Glenrock Scout Camp, Whitebridge

•Price: Free

•More info:

Event details

Spend a fourth Sunday exploring the homestead and gardens at your own pace with a self-guided audio tour, picnic lawns and Visitor Centre refreshments.

•When: Sunday 25 October, 10:00am to 3:00pm

•Where: Tocal Homestead, Tocal

•Price: Adult $15; concession $10; child aged 2 to 16 $2

•More info:

Open day details

Award-winning comedian Danielle Walker brings a compact early-evening stand-up show to Newcastle Comedy Club. A neat choice if you like your Saturday plans funny and finished early enough to still have dinner afterwards.

•When: Saturday 24 October, 6:00pm–7:00pm

•Where: Newcastle Comedy Club, Islington

•Price: Ticketed; see booking page

•More info:

Book Danielle Walker

Dangar Park hosts a community day of local food and beverage vendors, market stalls, pop-ups, live music and performances, alongside free children's creative activities and face painting.

•When: Saturday 24 October, time not published

•Where: Dangar Park, Mayfield

•Price: Not published

•More info:

Event details

Tomaree Markets is held on the second and fourth Sunday of each month at Neil Carroll Park.

•When: Sunday 25 October, 9:00am to 1:00pm

•Where: Neil Carroll Park, Nelson Bay

•Price: Free

•More info:

Market details

For a more considered Hunter Valley afternoon, Whispering Brook offers a hosted wine and olive-oil tasting, a shared premium bottle and a generous spring picnic box among the grove. There is an all-weather verandah option if the forecast develops ideas of its own.

•When: Thursday 22–Sunday 25 October, 1:00pm–4:00pm

•Where: Whispering Brook, 165 Hill Street, Broke

•Price: $180 for two people

•More info:

Book the olive-grove picnic

A special Grandparents' Day storytime with morning tea, stories, songs and craft, held at two Port Stephens Libraries locations.

•When: Saturday 24 October, 10:30am

•Where: Raymond Terrace Library, Raymond Terrace, or Tomaree Library, Salamander Bay

•Price: Free; booking essential

•More info:

Choose a library session

Take a picnic rug to Robinson Reserve for a free afternoon of live music with Rachel Rachel. It is an easy way to finish the weekend outdoors with family or friends.

•When: Sunday 25 October, 4:30pm to 6:30pm

•Where: Robinson Reserve, Robinson Street, Anna Bay

•Price: Free

•More info:

Event details

Settle in at Soldiers Point for an intimate Bellissima: An Australian-Italian Affair conversation with the designer, spanning travel, food, art, design and entertaining. French Champagne, freshly shucked Holberts oysters and a book-signing make a civilised case for an afternoon by the water.

•When: Saturday 24 October, 5:00pm to 7:00pm

•Where: Port Stephens Yacht Club, Soldiers Point

•Price: PSYC members $75; non-members $95

•More info:

Book tickets

A November heads-up for anyone planning a stadium night: Robbie Williams brings the BRITPOP World Tour to Newcastle with G Flip and UK outfit Lottery Winners supporting. Tickets are on sale through the official listing, though show times are still to be confirmed.

•When: Tuesday 17 November, show time to be confirmed

•Where: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle

•Price: Not published

•More info:

Show details

Recommendation:

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