Welcome to this week's edition of The Newy List!
The Easter long weekend is finally here, and the region is absolutely buzzing with activity. April also marks the highly anticipated return of Newcastle Food Month, transforming the city into a vibrant gastronomic playground.
Whether you're hunting for Easter eggs with the kids, catching live music, hitting the local markets, or cheering on the Knights on Easter Sunday, we've curated the top 20 events across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens, and the Hunter Valley to make your long weekend unforgettable.
Let's dive in!
Featured Events
Newcastle Food Month: The Great Waiters' Race
When: Wednesday 1 April, 5:00 pm
Where: The Station & Signal Box, Newcastle
What: Kicking off Newcastle Food Month in style, watch the city's hospitality heroes dash across the foreshore in the HCA x First Creek Waiters' Race, followed by an epic after-party at Signal Box.
NRL: Newcastle Knights vs Canberra Raiders
When: Sunday 5 April, 4:05 pm
Where: McDonald Jones Stadium, Broadmeadow
What: Spend your Easter Sunday cheering on the boys in red and blue as the Knights take on the Raiders in a massive afternoon clash at home.
Frankie's Easter Feast-ival at Stomp! Wines
Head to Lovedale for a relaxed Easter weekend featuring Cranky Frankie's Asian Fusion food van, giant Jenga, Easter eggs for the kids, and a special Wine & Chocolate Tasting experience. Dog-friendly and perfect for a lazy afternoon.
When: Friday, 3 April - Monday, 6 April
Where: Stomp! Wines, 504 Wilderness Road, LovedaleMore
Info: Book via Stomp! Wines
MUSIC
Alex Lloyd at Shoal Bay Country Club
Aussie music legend Alex Lloyd is bringing his iconic sound to Shoal Bay for a massive Easter Thursday performance. Kick off the long weekend with classic hits and a great coastal atmosphere.
When: Thursday, 2 April | 7:00 PM
Where: Shoal Bay Country Club
Tickets: $56.05 via Oztix
Easter Thursday Party at King Street
The long weekend starts early at King Street! Featuring resident DJs across Street Level, the Band Room, and the Tiki Bar, plus great drink specials all night long.
When: Thursday, 2 April | Doors open 9:00 PM
Where: King Street Hotel, NewcastleMore
Info: King Street Events
Good Friday Special Edition at Soho
Hush Fridays presents a massive Good Friday Special Edition. Four storeys, five rooms of music, and an energetic crowd ready to make the most of the long weekend.
When: Friday, 3 April
Where: Soho, NewcastleTickets:
ARTS & CULTURE
Iconic Loved Unexpected at Newcastle Art Gallery
When: Ongoing
Where: Newcastle Art Gallery
What: Explore the newly reimagined gallery's inaugural exhibition, featuring almost 500 works drawn from its extensive permanent collection.
Ghibli Fest at Tower Cinemas
What: Experience the wonder of Studio Ghibli on the big screen with special weekend screenings of beloved animated classics for audiences of all ages.
When: Saturday 4 April
Where: Tower Cinemas, Newcastle
Other Worldly Exhibition
When: Until Sunday 19 April
Where: Newcastle Art Space (NAS)
What: Vaguely familiar yet tinged with the eerie, this captivating group exhibition features works from more than 90 talented local artists.
FOOD, WINE & MARKETS
Newcastle Food Month
Plate DatesAll throughout April, the city's best restaurants, cafés, and pubs are serving up exclusive Plate Dates: a signature dish paired with a drink for just $25-$30. It's the perfect excuse to try somewhere new!
When: 1 - 30 April
Where: Various venues across NewcastleMore
Info: Explore Plate Dates
FAMILY & KIDS
Newcastle Easter Fair
The biggest family event of the Easter long weekend is back! Featuring camel rides, a circus school, an interactive Easter egg hunt maze, a free animal nursery, and unlimited ride wristbands.
When: Friday, 3 April - Monday, 6 April | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily
Where: Newcastle Racecourse, Broadmeadow
Tickets: Entry $5 online via Ticketebo
Easter Sunday Free Kids Activities at SBCC
Gather the whole family for a massive annual Easter Egg Hunt, a special visit from the Easter Bunny, a Kids Disco, and fun games with plenty of prizes.
When: Sunday, 5 April | 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Where: Shoal Bay Country ClubMore
Info: Port Stephens Events
Stardust Circus
Australia's largest animal circus is coming to Newcastle! Featuring performing animals, hilarious clowns, and breathtaking aerial acts, it's a classic family night out.
When: Opening Thursday, 2 April | Runs until 26 April
Where: Richardson Park, Hamilton North
Tickets: Book via TicketSearch
Free Art Sunday
When: Sunday 5 April, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Where: Maitland Regional Art Gallery (MRAG)
What: Drop in for free, family-friendly art activities inspired by the gallery's current autumn exhibitions. Perfect for keeping little hands busy!
MARKETS & COMMUNITY
The Olive Tree Market
Newcastle's premier art and design market returns to Civic Park. Discover over 100 of the best emerging and established artists, designers, makers, and gourmet food producers.
When: Saturday, 4 April | 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Where: Civic Park, NewcastleMore
Info: The Olive Tree Market
Lake Mac's Easter Market (Homegrown Markets)
Spend your Easter Sunday morning browsing incredible local stalls, enjoying street food, and soaking up the community atmosphere right by the lake.
When: Sunday, 5 April
Where: Speers Point Park, Lake MacquarieMore
Info: Homegrown Markets
Wollombi Easter Market
A fabulous family day out in the historic village of Wollombi. Expect a huge variety of stalls, live music, a jumping castle, and a fantastic country market vibe.
When: Monday, 6 April | 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Where: Wollombi Cattle Yards, WollombiMore
Info: Visit Wollombi
Sunset Markets at Norah Head
Take a short drive down to Norah Head for a beautiful Easter long weekend sunset market. Great food, local artisans, and stunning coastal views.
When: Saturday, 4 April
Where: Mazlin Reserve, Norah HeadMore
Info: Newcastle Live Gig Guide
Morisset Shop & Feast Markets
A vibrant community market offering a great selection of local produce, handmade goods, and delicious hot food options to kick off your Saturday.
When: Saturday, 4 April
Where: 40 Ourimbah Street, Morisset
More Info: Newcastle Live Gig Guide
Bootleg Bakery, Merewether
Guaranteed to have you shaking in your boots the moment you spot it, Bootleg Bakery is a cozy food-truck café nestled right in the front yard of a Merewether home. Open from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, you'll need to get in early to beat the local crowd. They serve up artisan delights like fruit danishes and cinnamon scrolls, but the real star is The Bootstrap, a signature bready creation filled with bold flavours like spinach and cheese or bacon and pickle. A true suburban secret!
LOOKING FORWARD
That's your week, Go the Knights! 3-1. See you out there. 🙌
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