Welcome to this week's edition of The Newy List!
This week, we’re balancing out the winter chill with some serious heat, from hatted lunches and champagne degustations in the Hunter, to the Knights at home again, and even a 150-year-old pipe organ showing us what it’s made of in East Maitland. Here are your top 20 events to get you through the week ahead.
Featured Events
Bistro Penny x Bimbadgen
A Table Worth Being AtHatted Newcastle favourite Bistro Penny is taking over Bimbadgen for a one-day-only French-inspired shared feast. Hosted by award-winning winemaker Sam Boyd, this is a rare chance to experience exceptional food paired with unexpected Bimbadgen pours.
When: Saturday 27 June, from 12:00pm
Where: Bistro Penny, 8/10 Bolton Street, Newcastle
Tickets: bimbadgen.com.au
& Juliet
What if Juliet didn’t end it all for Romeo? This Broadway and West End smash hit explodes onto the Civic Theatre stage, delivering a pop-powered, hilarious remix of the greatest love story ever told. It's the final week, so don't miss out!
When: Running until Sunday 28 June
Where: Civic Theatre,
NewcastleTickets: civictheatrenewcastle.com.au
Newcastle Knights vs Wests Tigers
It's Sunday Funday at McDonald Jones Stadium as the Newcastle Knights take on the Wests Tigers in Round 17 of the NRL. Grab your red and blue gear and get ready to cheer.
When: Sunday 28 June, Kick-off 4:05pm
Where: McDonald Jones Stadium, Broadmeadow
Tickets: knightshub.com.au
MUSIC
The Ultimate Superstars of Country Tribute Concert
Saddle up for a massive Sunday session featuring tributes to country music heavyweights Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, and Chris Stapleton. Backed by a world-class band, this is a boot-stomping afternoon of anthems.
When: Sunday 28 June, Doors 4:00pm
Where: Honeysuckle Hotel,
NewcastleTickets: oztix.com.au
Doug Saxon Memorial Concert
The Newcastle Hunter Jazz Club presents a big day of great jazz featuring Doug's Cronies Jazz Band, Zackerbilks, and the HSPA School Band. A fantastic afternoon of live music in Wallsend.
When: Sunday 28 June, 11:00am – 4:30pm
Where: Wallsend Diggers Club
Tickets: newcastlehunterjazzclub.org.au
Doric String Quartet & Lloyd Van't Hoff
London’s acclaimed Doric String Quartet joins forces with Australian clarinettist Lloyd Van’t Hoff for an evening of musical alchemy. Expect a program featuring Britten, Beethoven, and Thomas Adès’ beguiling Alchymia.
When: Tuesday 23 June, 7:30pm
Where: Newcastle City Hall
Tickets: musicaviva.com.au
ARTS & CULTURE
COLLECT 2026 at The Lock-Up
Time is running out to see The Lock-Up's flagship fundraising exhibition. Showcasing over a hundred emerging and established artists from the region, every artwork sold supports the venue's future artistic program.
When: Running until Sunday 5 July
Where: The Lock-Up, 90 Hunter Street,
NewcastleTickets: visitnewcastle.com.au
Tiyan Baker: Mouth Mnemonica
Also at the newly expanded Newcastle Art Gallery, catch Tiyan Baker’s first institutional solo exhibition. Centred around a newly commissioned multi-channel video work, it explores the mouth as a cultural landscape.
When: Running until Sunday 6 September
Where: Newcastle Art Gallery
Tickets: newcastleartgallery.nsw.gov.au
Mantra Mandala Painting Workshop
Embrace a cosy winter afternoon of creativity at The Hemporium Wellness Centre. Learn mandala painting techniques, explore sacred mantras and colour therapy, and enjoy a guided meditation.
When: Saturday 27 June 2026 (1:00 pm to 3:30 pm)
Where: The Hemporium Wellness Centre, Carrington
Tickets: eventbrite.com.au
Stack: The Artist’s Book Club
Join MAC yapang Curator Ellen Hewitt for a relaxed, social space to read, discuss, and explore art. The first session dives into Poor Artists by Gabrielle de la Puente, The White Pube, and Zarina Muhammad.
When: Wednesday 24 June 2026 (6:00 pm to 7:30 pm)
Where: Museum of Art and Culture, yapang (Booragul)
Details: mac.lakemac.com.au
Maitland Heritage Fest: Bush Poets' Morning Tea
Start your Sunday with a light-hearted morning of verse, wit, and storytelling the old-fashioned way. Enjoy a true Aussie country morning tea featuring damper, golden syrup, and lamingtons.
When: Sunday 28 June 2026 (10:00 am to 12:00 pm)
Where: CWA Hall, Maitland
Tickets: trybooking.com
FOOD, WINE & MARKETS
Esca Degustation Series
Houses of ChampagneIndulge in an intimate evening exploring the world of Champagne. Enjoy iconic houses and standout styles paired across a decadent five-course degustation in Esca’s private dining room at Bimbadgen.
When: Friday 26 June, 6:00pm
Where: Esca Restaurant, Bimbadgen Estate, Pokolbin
Tickets: bimbadgen.com.au
Pepper Tree Annual Harvest Lunch
Celebrate the end of vintage with the Pepper Tree team at their beautiful Mount View Estate. Enjoy a smart-casual afternoon of excellent wines, great food, and vineyard views.
When: Saturday 27 June, 11:00am – 4:00pm
Where: Mount View Estate, 502 Mount View Road, Mount
ViewTickets: peppertreewines.com.au
Dobell Festival - Lake Macquarie
U3A Orchestra in ConcertAs part of the Lake Macquarie Dobell Festival, enjoy a free morning concert by the LMU3A Orchestra. Comprised of passionate senior musicians, they'll be performing a mix of well-known classical and modern pieces.
When: Wednesday 24 June, 11:00am – 12:30pm
Where: Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba
Tickets: arts.lakemac.com.au
Tomaree Markets
Spend a perfect Sunday morning at Fly Point browsing artisan treasures, handmade creations, and tasty treats at the vibrant Tomaree Markets, set against a stunning coastal backdrop.
When: Sunday 28 June, 9:00am – 1:00pm
Where: Neil Carroll Park, Fly Point, Nelson Bay
Tickets: Free entry
A Taste of Morpeth
Morpeth is one of those villages that rewards a slow wander, and this guided walking tour gives you the perfect excuse to do exactly that. Led by Umbrella Events & Tours, the leisurely one-kilometre stroll takes in the town's quaint historic streetscapes while your guide unpacks the stories behind the buildings, including the famous biscuits that once put Morpeth on the map. The tour wraps up at the gorgeous Boydell's Restaurant, where a spread of chef-prepared tapas and local Hunter Valley wines is waiting for you. Small groups, big charm.
When: Sunday 28 June, 10:00am – 12:00pm (recurring dates available)
Where: Starts at Morpeth Deli & Fine Food Store, 160 Swan Street, Morpeth
Cost: $100pp
Book: events.humanitix.com
SPORT & COMMUNITY
NAIDOC Week Street March and Fun Day
Join the community in celebrating NAIDOC Week 2026 early in Port Stephens. The day begins with a street march, followed by a free family-friendly Fun Day featuring a smoking ceremony, dance, stalls, and a BBQ.
When: Thursday 25 June, 10:00am – 2:00pm
Where: Riverside Park, Raymond Terrace
Tickets: portstephens.nsw.gov.au
Celebrate: Choirs at the Civic
Join ASPIRE for a massive celebration of voices from across the region. Featuring the VoiceWorx ensembles and a host of primary school choirs, this showcase promises to be a joyfully uplifting evening of song.
When: Monday 29 June & Tuesday 30 June, 6:00pm
Where: Civic Theatre, Newcastle
Tickets: civictheatrenewcastle.com.au
Voices of Winter Concert - The Song Sisters Choir
There are few better ways to spend a Sunday afternoon in winter than being wrapped in the warmth of live choral music. The Song Sisters Choir, conducted by the highly respected Kim Sutherland OAM, presents their annual Voices of Winter Concert, a heartfelt blend of fresh new songs and beloved classics, performed with the kind of community spirit that makes these events so special. Joining them on the day is Newcastle jazz trio Round Midnight (Heather Price, Ben Barnes, and Terence Koo), bringing a touch of humour and swing to round out a truly lovely afternoon. Grab a spot on the waitlist if tickets have sold out, it's worth it.
When: Sunday 28 June, 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Where: Adamstown Uniting Church, 228 Brunker Road, Adamstown
Book: trybooking.com
Newcastle Cystic Fibrosis Race Day
Racing with purpose! Enjoy the thrill of live racing and vibrant trackside fashion while raising vital awareness and funds for those affected by cystic fibrosis. A wonderful excuse to dress up and make a difference.
When: Saturday 27 June 2026 (From 12:00 pm)
Where: Newcastle Racecourse
Tickets: newcastleracecourse.com.au
Organ Recital Series: 150 Years of the Father Willis Organ
Experience a piece of history in East Maitland. St Peter’s Anglican Church is celebrating 150 years of its treasured 'Father' Henry Willis pipe organ—the oldest playable one in Australia. Enjoy a special Sunday afternoon recital by Gavin Ward.
When: Sunday 28 June, 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Where: St Peter's Anglican Church, 47 William Street, East Maitland
Tickets: 123tix.com.au
LOOKING FORWARD
Hunter Valley Wine & Beer Festival 2026
Mark your calendars for a full day of tasting, food, and fun. The Hunter Valley Wine & Beer Festival returns to Rydges Resort with over 45 local wineries, breweries, and distilleries, plus live music and entertainment.
When: Saturday 11 July, 11:00am – 5:00pm
Where: Rydges Resort Hunter Valley
Tickets: huntervalleywinefestival.com
Recommendation:
If The Newy List is what's on this week, Marram.com.au is the slower companion to it, a Sunday letter about the people and places that make this stretch of coast what it is.
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That's your week, Up the Knights! 9-5. See you out there. 🙌
The Newy List
