Hey Newy 👋
Welcome to the very first edition of The Newy List, your weekly shortcut to the best things happening in Newcastle and the Hunter.
Every Monday morning, we do the legwork across 20+ local sources so you don't have to. This week we've got free outdoor live music, a world-class comedy show, a family triathlon festival, a kids market, a harbour cruise, and the gig of the week at King Street. There's genuinely something for everyone.
Let's get into it.
ARTS & CULTURE
Newcastle Art Gallery: Grand Reopening Weekend ⭐ PICK OF THE WEEK
📅 Friday 27 Feb, 5–9pm · Saturday 28 Feb & Sunday 1 Mar, 10am–4pm · Laman St, Newcastle · FREE
After a landmark $50 million expansion, the Newcastle Art Gallery opens its doors this weekend with a three-day celebration of art, music and community. Friday night is the headline event, Laman Street transforms into a free open-air street party with large-scale sculptures, food trucks, a pop-up bar and live music headlined by Kinder, plus The Pitts and Bonnie Anne. Step inside for the debut of Iconic Loved Unexpected, featuring works from Rodin to Emily Kam Kngwarray to Margaret Olley. Saturday and Sunday bring artist talks, community art making and the new exhibition A Soft Space to Stand.
ARTEXPRESS 2026: Maitland Regional Art Gallery
📅 Until Sunday 19 April · Tue–Sun 9am–4pm · Maitland Regional Art Gallery · FREE
The annual showcase of exceptional HSC Visual Arts projects from students across NSW. Always a genuinely impressive exhibition, the talent on display every year is remarkable. Free entry, all ages.
Ocean Yachts: Exhibition Opening by Mike Phelps
📅 Friday 6 March, 6pm · Wester Gallery, Newcastle · FREE entry
Celebrated Newcastle artist Mike Phelps opens his latest exhibition, Ocean Yachts, a stunning series of large-format paintings capturing the drama and beauty of sailing on open water. Opening night is free with drinks and the artist in attendance. A genuinely beautiful way to spend a Friday evening.
LIVE MUSIC
Mariachi El Bronx & The Bronx: Super Show Australia Tour 2026
📅 Thursday 5 March, 7pm · King Street Band Room · $89.90
This is the gig of the week. LA punk legends The Bronx bring their full mariachi alter ego Mariachi El Bronx for a double-header super show, two completely different sets, one incredible night. With support from C.O.F.F.I.N and Fungas, this is a must for anyone who loves live music done properly. 18+ event.
Honky Tonk on the Harbour: Viper Creek Band (Afternoon Session)
📅 Saturday 7 March, 12pm–4pm · Queens Wharf Terminal · From $59
Set sail on Newcastle Harbour aboard a 3-deck superyacht with the Viper Creek Band playing live country, Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, Keith Urban, and more. Licensed bars, harbour views, and a proper party atmosphere. Almost full, book now.
Music in the Podium: Warners Bay Foreshore
📅 Friday 6 March · 6–9pm · Warners Bay Foreshore · FREE
Lake Macquarie City Council's outdoor live music series runs every Friday evening through March at the beautiful Warners Bay Foreshore. Local musicians, waterfront setting, free entry. One of the most underrated free events in the region.
The Umbilical Brothers: Speedmouse · Civic Theatre
📅 Saturday 7 March · 7pm · Civic Theatre, 375 Hunter Street · From $64
Two BAFTA and Emmy winners. Described by the Sydney Morning Herald as "Marcel Marceau on really good drugs." The Umbilical Brothers' most beloved show is back for its 25th anniversary tour, a live action, fast-paced comedy experience that has no equal. Recommended 15+. Running time 1hr 15min.
FAMILY & KIDS
My Kids Market: Newcastle Entertainment Centre
📅 Sunday 8 March · 9am–12pm · Newcastle Entertainment Centre Exhibition Hall · $5 entry (kids FREE)
Buy, sell and recycle preloved babies and kids' items, clothing, toys, shoes, nursery gear. A genuinely useful Sunday morning outing for families with young children. Arrive early for the best finds.
Mitch Tambo: Musical Performance & Storytime · Rathmines Theatre
📅 Saturday 7 March · 10–11:30am · Rathmines Theatre · $12 GA / $40 Family (4 people)
Australian world music star and proud Gamilaraay man Mitch Tambo brings his I AM ME tour to Lake Mac, a special storytime and music performance using music, storytelling and culture to inspire young people and encourage self-belief. Books available for sale and signing. Designed for children of all ages with a parent or guardian.
Inflatable Pool Day: Lambton Pool
📅 Sunday 8 March · 11am–2pm · Lambton Pool · $6 entry
Three hours of inflatable fun in the pool, suitable for children 6 and over. Little ones under 5 can enjoy the pool in designated areas with supervision. Included in normal pool entry. A great low-cost Sunday activity for families.
SPORTS & OUTDOORS
Lake Macquarie Triathlon Festival: Speers Point Park
📅 Sunday 8 March · 6–11:30am · Speers Point Park · Various entry fees
Swim, cycle and run in beautiful Lake Macquarie. This welcoming event is perfect for all levels, from juniors and first-timers to experienced athletes. Calm protected swim waters, flat closed-road cycle, scenic lakeside run. Events include Standard, Sprint & Short Course Triathlons, Junior Triathlons (ages 7–11), Aquathlon, and Open Water Swim (1km or 2km). Free to spectate.
Newcastle Surfest: Coming Monday 9 March
📅 Monday 9 – Sunday 15 March · Various Newcastle beaches · FREE to spectate
The largest surfing festival in the southern hemisphere kicks off next Monday. 800+ competitors from across the globe competing in nine events, culminating in the WSL Challenger Series. Free to watch from the beach, one of the great free sporting spectacles in Australia. Start planning your beach days now.
COMEDY & THEATRE
Spicks and Specks Music Trivia Night
📅 Saturday 7 March, 6:30pm · Mayfield West Bowling Club · From $27.78
Based on the beloved ABC TV show, this is a full evening of music trivia, team rounds, and prizes. Perfect for groups, grab a table, order some food, and see how well you really know your music. A great value Saturday night out.
MARKETS
Homegrown Market
📅 Sunday 1 Mar, 10am–2pm · Speers Point Park · Free entry
A Sunday morning favourite, fresh produce, handmade goods and a beautiful park setting on the lake. Bring the kids and the dog, grab a coffee from the market stalls, and ease into Sunday properly.
Glendale Farmers Market
📅 Saturday 8 March · 8am–12pm · Glendale · FREE entry
One of the Hunter's best weekly farmers markets. Fresh local produce, artisan goods, coffee and a great community atmosphere. A Saturday morning institution for Newcastle locals.
EXPERIENCES
TARTY PARTY: Lass O'Gowrie Hotel, Wickham
📅 Friday 6 March · Lass O'Gowrie Hotel, Wickham · Tickets from $15
A fun, inclusive night out at one of Newcastle's most beloved pubs. Good music, good vibes, great crowd. The Lass is a Newcastle institution.
City LOVE Scavenger Hunt: Newcastle CBD
📅 Saturday 7 March · Newcastle CBD · From $35/team
Explore Newcastle's streets, laneways and landmarks through a self-guided scavenger hunt. A great date activity or group outing, you'll discover parts of the city you've never noticed before. Teams of 2–6 people.
COMING UP NEXT WEEK - SAVE THE DATE
Newcastle Surfest: WSL Challenger Series
📅 Monday 9: Sunday 15 March · Newcastle Beach · FREE to spectate
The world's best surfers descend on Newcastle Beach for the WSL Challenger Series, the final event in the Surfest program. Free to watch from the sand. One of the great free sporting events in Australia.
Bernard Fanning: Tea & Sympathy 20th Anniversary Tour · Civic Theatre
📅 Tuesday 17 March · 7pm · Civic Theatre · From $121.30
One of the great Australian albums performed in full, with special guests Sam Cromack and Georgia Mooney. Tea & Sympathy debuted at No. 1 and won three ARIA Awards. A communal sing-along in one of the country's most iconic theatres. Book now, this will sell out.
Newcastle Fringe Festival: Tickets on Sale Now 14–29 March 2026 · Multiple venues across Newcastle · Various prices
Three weekends of indie arts, bold ideas and unexpected delights across Hamilton, Newcastle and the beaches. Comedy, cabaret, burlesque, theatre, dance, kids shows and choirs. The festival launches with Fringe Feast — a free community street party on Saturday 14 March. Dozens of shows are already selling out.
SoundBites Food & Wine Festival Saturday 28 March, 11am–6pm · Newcastle Racecourse, Broadmeadow · $55–$199
Celebrity chef Miguel Maestre, headline performers Hindley Street Country Club, micro-breweries, wineries and food producers all under one roof at the Racecourse. One of Newcastle's best annual food events, general admission includes a tasting glass and 10 tasting vouchers.
Hiss & Crackle Records, Wallsend
While you're heading to Peter Black's Sunday show, take 20 minutes to browse the vinyl. This independent record store is one of the best in the region — the kind of place where you always find something you didn't know you needed. The staff actually know what they're talking about, which is rarer than it should be. 81 Kokera St, Wallsend.
What people decide they want to do this weekend?
That's your week, Go the Knights!. See you out there. 🙌
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