Welcome to this week's edition of The Newy List!
It feels like we’ve finally hit that deep mid-winter chill where the mornings are crisp enough to justify a second coffee and the evenings demand a very good glass of Hunter Valley red. Whether you're chasing the warmth of a private dining dome, heading to the Hunter Valley for a massive wine and beer festival, or taking the kids to see Mickey on ice, there's no excuse to stay on the couch. Here are the 20 best things happening across Newcastle and the Hunter this week.
Featured Events
Disney On Ice presents Magic In The Stars
The magic returns to the Newcastle Entertainment Centre as Mickey, Minnie, and friends take to the ice. This year's spectacular features characters from Encanto, Frozen 2, Moana, and Aladdin. It's a massive production that promises to be the highlight of the school holidays.
When: Thursday 9 July – Sunday 12 July
Where: Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Broadmeadow
Tickets: Book via Ticketek
Hunter Valley Wine & Beer Festival
Warm up with a glass of the region's best at Rydges Resort. This massive festival brings together top local winemakers, brewers, and distillers alongside gourmet food stalls and live entertainment. It's the perfect excuse for a weekend trip to the vines.
When: Saturday 11 July, 11am–5pm
Where: Rydges Resort Hunter Valley, Lovedale
Tickets: Book via Universe
MUSIC
Omega Ensemble - Inner Landscapes
Experience a powerful evening of classical music at City Hall. The Omega Ensemble will perform Schubert's dramatic "Death and the Maiden" alongside the world premiere of Paul Stanhope's Clarinet Concerto, Paludarium Dreams.
When: Saturday 11 July, 7pm
Where: Newcastle City Hall
Tickets: Book via Civic Theatre
Pappa Sven's Nordic Film Club
If you prefer your entertainment on the big screen, head to Tower Cinemas for the latest instalment of Pappa Sven's Nordic Film Club. This month's feature is We Are Greenland, Football is Freedom, a documentary following five Greenlandic football players dreaming of the World Cup.
When: Tuesday 7 July, 6:30pm
Where: Tower Cinemas, Newcastle
Tickets: Book via Five Star Cinemas
Sunset Sessions at Bimbadgen
Ease into the weekend as golden hour settles over the vines. Enjoy happy hour, small bites on the balcony, live music in the courtyard, sweeping sunset views, and a vibey atmosphere.
When: Friday 3 July 2026, from 5:00 pm
Where: Bimbadgen, 790 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin
Link: More Information
ARTS & CULTURE
A Wrinkle in Time
Young People's Theatre brings Madeleine L'Engle's classic sci-fi fantasy to life. Follow Meg Murry as she travels through time and space to battle the forces of evil and rescue her father. A fantastic production showcasing young local talent.
When: Tuesday 7 July – Sunday 19 July
Where: Young People's Theatre, Hamilton
Tickets: Book via YPT
Open Space: Michelle Gearin
Step into the mystic inner world of Newcastle artist Michelle Gearin as she transforms the Newcastle Art Gallery's Open Space into her own working studio. It's a rare chance to see a brilliant local artist's creative process up close.
When: Opens Saturday 11 July
Where: Newcastle Art Gallery
Tickets: Free Entry
Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical JR.
Hunter Drama brings the delightfully rebellious story of Matilda to the stage. Featuring a talented local youth cast, this high-energy production is packed with the brilliant songs of Tim Minchin.
When: Friday 10 July, 10:00 am and 7:00 pm
Where: Hunter Theatre, Broadmeadow.
Tickets $49.50.Book tickets
Transformational Breathwork
Shake off the winter blues and reset your nervous system. This safely guided two-hour breathwork session is designed to help you release stored tension and leave feeling lighter and calmer.
When: Sunday 12 July, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm at
Where: Merewether Surf Life Saving Club.
Tickets required.Book tickets
Where is the Green Sheep?
The beloved Mem Fox and Judy Horacek children's book comes to life in this gorgeous, immersive stage production by Monkey Baa Theatre Company. Blending puppetry and animation, it's a magical 45-minute adventure perfect for the little ones.
When: Thursday 9 July, 10:00 am and 12:30 pm
Where: Civic Theatre Newcastle.
Tickets from $37. Book tickets
FOOD, WINE & MARKETS
Bastille Day at Boydell's
Celebrate the French national day with a proper long-table lunch in Morpeth. Head Chef Michael Ross has curated a five-course menu featuring duck liver profiteroles and slow-braised beef short rib bourguignon. Add the optional France vs Australia wine pairing for a little friendly rivalry.
When: Sunday 12 July, 11:30am–3pm
Where: Boydell's Restaurant, Morpeth
Tickets: Book via Tock
Kingsley Winter Lodge
Newcastle's cosiest winter tradition is back. Reserve your own exclusive dining dome on the terrace at Ms Mary. You'll get two hours in a private igloo, complete with a share-style winter menu, cocktails, and a communal fire pit.
When: Friday to Sunday (sittings at 3pm, 5:30pm, 8pm)
Where: Crystalbrook Kingsley, Newcastle
Tickets: Book via SevenRooms
Duck Sensations Degustation
Warm up fireside at Gartelmann Wines with a cleverly designed four-course duck degustation. Chef Matt Dillow has perfectly paired each dish with Gartelmann's finest drops. It's an intimate experience limited to just 20 people per session.
When: Friday 10 July, 6pm
Where: Gartelmann Wines Cellar Door, Lovedale
Tickets: Book via Wine Country
Homegrown Markets Maitland
Spend your Sunday morning browsing fab handmade and design stalls at Harold Gregson Park. Grab a coffee, tuck into some street food, and enjoy live tunes while the kids hit the craft zone and face painting station.
When: Sunday 12 July, 9am–1pm
Where: Harold Gregson Park, Maitland
Tickets: Free Entry
SPORT & COMMUNITY
Awabakal Newcastle NAIDOC March and Festival
Join the community to celebrate 50 Years of NAIDOC Week. The day kicks off with a flag-raising ceremony at Civic Park, followed by a march to the Foreshore Park where a massive festival of live music, traditional dance, food, and stalls awaits.
When: Monday 6 July (March at 9am, Festival from 10am)
Where: Civic Park to Newcastle Foreshore
Tickets: Free Entry
Newcastle Pro Wrestling: Rumble in the Jungle
It's going to get loud at City Hall. Thirty wrestlers will battle it out for one ultimate prize in the massive 2026 Rumble Match. The night also features a Heavyweight Title Match and plenty of high-flying action.
When: Friday 10 July, 8pm
Where: Newcastle City Hall
Tickets: Book via Civic Theatre
Port Stephens Winter Festival: Family Fun Night
The nine-day Port Stephens Winter Festival kicks off this weekend. Head up the coast on Saturday for the Family Fun Night, featuring great food, community vibes, and plenty of entertainment by the water.
When: Saturday 11 July
Where: Nelson Bay, Port Stephens
Tickets: More Info
Newcastle Winter Fun Fest
Nobby's Foreshore has been transformed into a winter wonderland. For just a $5 entry fee, you can enjoy carnival rides, live entertainment, a petting zoo, and all the classic carnival food you can handle. It's a brilliant, budget-friendly day out for the family.
When: Saturday 4 July – Sunday 19 July (closed Mon/Tue), 11am–8pm
Where: Nobby's Foreshore, Newcastle
Tickets: Book via Website
Natural Art & Silent Disco with Uncle Amos Simon
As part of NAIDOC Week, the Newcastle City Library is hosting a brilliant free session. Learn to make rope from stringybark and create artwork using natural materials with Uncle Amos Simon. You'll also get to share in Awabakal language and enjoy a mini silent disco featuring music by Aboriginal artists.
When: Thursday 9 July, 10am & 11:30am
Where: Newcastle City Library
Tickets: Free Entry
LOOKING FORWARD
Newcastle Comedy Festival Launch
ShowcaseThe Newcastle Comedy Festival is back for its ninth year, and it all kicks off next week with a massive launch party. Head to the Conservatorium for a one-night-only showcase featuring a hand-picked selection of the funniest comedians from the 2026 program. It's the perfect sampler to set the tone for a month of laughs.
When: Friday 17 July, 9pm
Where: Newcastle Conservatorium
Tickets: Book via Sticky Tickets
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! 11-5. See you out there. 🙌
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