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

Winter's arrived and Newcastle has responded the only sensible way, by cramming an extraordinary amount of things to do into a single long weekend. This week you've got the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow landing at the Civic, Helen Mirren playing the Queen at the Playhouse, and somewhere out in Merriwa, several hundred sheep being chased down a main street. If that's not enough, there's a ballroom dance spectacular, an international DJ taking over the Lass courtyard, and a First Nations art exhibition at the newly expanded Art Gallery that's genuinely worth your time. Read on for the full 20.

If the above pic got your interest of the old Stockton Ferry, Newcastle's been crossing this stretch of water for over a century. Marram has the story. Read here.

Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow

Australia's biggest comedy festival brings a rotating lineup of local and international comedians to the Civic Theatre for one night only. This year's Newcastle bill features Luka Muller, Ben Kochan, Chris Ryan, Dan Rath, and Jo Gowda.

•When: Saturday, 6 June | 8:00 PM

•Where: Civic Theatre, Newcastle

•Price: $65

•More info: Book at Civic Theatre

Merriwa Festival of the Fleeces

One of the Upper Hunter's most beloved community events. The main street fills with market stalls, shearing demonstrations, free kids' rides, yard dog trials, and the iconic Running of the Sheep parade at noon on Saturday. The Friday Opening Night is ticketed; Saturday and Sunday are free.

•When: Friday, 5 June – Sunday, 7 June (Fri from 6pm; Sat from 8am)

•Where: Merriwa Town Centre, Golden Highway, Merriwa

•Price: Free (Friday Opening Night ticketed)

•More info: Festival Programme

Lake Macquarie Dobell Festival

A month-long celebration of the life and work of esteemed artist Sir William Dobell. The festival features workshops, presentations, and exhibitions across Lake Macquarie, kicking off with the Wangi Lions Dobell Festival of Art & Craft over the long weekend.

•When: Monday 1 June – Tuesday 30 June

•Where: Various locations, Lake Macquarie

•Price: Free and ticketed events

•More info: View the full program

Queen Forever: Greatest Hits Tour

Queen Forever have been delivering their tribute show for 20 years and they're landing at the Civic on Friday night. This is the kind of show that fills a room with people who know every word and aren't embarrassed about it. If you've ever wanted to sing Bohemian Rhapsody at full volume in a theatre with 900 strangers, this is your moment.

•When: Friday, 5 June | 7:30 PM

•Where: Civic Theatre, Newcastle

•Price: $75

•More info: Book at Civic Theatre

Ship Wrek (USA): Under The Palms Winter Party

Under The Palms returns for a Winter XL party at The Lass, presenting their first international act: US DJ Ship Wrek. Alongside Aussie selectors Jordan Brando and William Kiss, plus a secret B2B set and a bass-heavy Tuckshop front room takeover.

•When: Saturday, 6 June | 6:00 PM – 3:00 AM

•Where: The Lass O'Gowrie Hotel, 14 Railway St, Wickham

•Price: From $50

•More info: Get Tickets

19-Twenty at The Stag & Hunter

Their last show at The Stag sold out in four weeks. 19-Twenty play a high-energy blend of blues, roots, rock, and their signature "blue-billy-grass" groove that reliably turns a room into a dancefloor.

•When: Saturday, 6 June | 8:00 PM

•Where: The Stag & Hunter Hotel, Mayfield

•Price: $44.40

•More info: Get Tickets

Sunset Sessions at Bimbadgen

Every Friday through winter, Bimbadgen runs live music in the courtyard from 5–8pm, with happy hour at the Woodfired Pizzeria and balcony bites and $12 martinis at Esca from 5–6:30pm. A reliable way to start a Friday in the Hunter.

•When: Friday, 5 June | From 5:00 PM

•Where: Bimbadgen, 790 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin

•Price: Free entry (dining bookings recommended)

•More info: More Info

ARTCHAT: What to paint next

Join artist Trevor Weekes as he discusses his diverse art practice, which spans sculpture, painting, illustration, and animation, with a particular focus on birds in flight.

•When: Wednesday 3 June, 10:30 am – 11:30 am

•Where: Hillier's Cafe, Newcastle Art Gallery

•Price: $20 Members / $25 Non-members

•More info: Reserve a seat

Civic Cinema: National Theatre Live: The Audience

Helen Mirren plays Queen Elizabeth II in the Olivier and Tony Award-winning production directed by Stephen Daldry, returning to cinemas for the first time in over a decade. For 60 years, Queen Elizabeth II met privately with each of her 12 prime ministers, this is that meeting.

•When: Friday, 5 June | 7:00 PM

•Where: Playhouse, Civic Theatre, Newcastle

•Price: $27 Standard | $22 Concession

•More info: Book at Civic Theatre

Flickerfest 2026 International Short Film Festival

Australia's only Academy Award qualifying short film festival tours to Newcastle for one night. Two sessions: Best of Australian Shorts (6:30pm) and Short Laughs Comedy 2 (9pm). A Rosnay Organic wine or Karma drink is included between sessions if you book both.

•When: Saturday, 6 June | 6:30 PM & 9:00 PM

•Where: Playhouse, Civic Theatre, Newcastle

•Price: $25 per session | $42 both sessions

•More info: Get Tickets

Ballroom Blitz

Choreographed by three-time Dancing with the Stars Australia champion Aric Yegudkin, Ballroom Blitz fuses traditional ballroom with cutting-edge choreography. Produced by the team behind Celtic Illusion and Celtica.

•When: Sunday, 7 June | 7:30 PM

•Where: Civic Theatre, Newcastle

•Price: From $59.90 | Concession from $54.90 | Under 16 from $49.90

•More info: Book at Civic Theatre

The City That Made Surfest

Take a ride down memory lane with this exhibition celebrating four decades of Surfest. It features rare objects, archival footage, and stories that highlight Newcastle's deep connection to surfing culture.

•When: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

•Where: Newcastle Museum, Newcastle

•Price: Free

•More info: Discover the history

Ibiza on the Bay

Shoal Bay Country Club hosts an early 2000s house music night with Ibiza-inspired energy. The first event of its kind at this Port Stephens venue, brought north by the team behind Ibiza on the Coast.

•When: Friday, 5 June | 7:00 PM – Late

•Where: Shoal Bay Country Club, 35-45 Shoal Bay Rd, Shoal Bay

•Price: Ticketed, check Humanitix for current pricing

•More info: Get Tickets

Picnic in the Grove: Stonehurst Cedar Creek

Set amongst the pear trees at Stonehurst in the Wollombi Valley, this annual winter event includes live music, mulled wine on arrival, a kids petting zoo (11am–2pm), and an open firepit. Pre-order an antipasto platter by Wednesday 3 June.

•When: Sunday, 7 June | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

•Where: Stonehurst Cedar Creek, 1840 Wollombi Rd, Cedar Creek

•Price: $15 Adults (includes mulled wine) | Kids 17 & under Free

•More info: Purchase Tickets

Margan Barrel Hall Sale

Margan's annual Barrel Hall Sale returns for the June long weekend. Expect museum releases, standout vintages, wines to cellar, and wines to drink now, direct from one of the Hunter's most respected producers.

•When: June Long Weekend (Sat–Sun)

•Where: Margan Wines, 1238 Milbrodale Rd, Broke

•Price: Free entry

•More info: More Info

Homegrown Markets at Speers Point Park

The largest market in Lake Macquarie, with 120+ stalls of handmade and locally produced goods, fresh produce, street food, and live music right on the waterfront. Held on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month.

•When: Sunday, 7 June | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

•Where: Speers Point Park, Speers Point

•Price: Free entry

•More info: More Info

Newcastle City Farmers Market

The weekly Sunday market at the Broadmeadow Showground. Fresh seasonal produce direct from local farmers, artisan bread, boutique wines, gourmet foods, and a good community atmosphere. Griffiths Road entry.

•When: Sunday, 7 June | 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM

•Where: Newcastle Showground, Broadmeadow

•Price: Free entry

•More info: More Info

The Loxford Maitland Running Festival

A multi-distance running and walking event along the Maitland foreshore and through the town centre. Choose from a 4km, 8km, 12km, or the new two-lap Half Marathon. Chip-timed and suitable for all levels.

•When: Sunday, 7 June | From 7:00 AM

•Where: Maitland Regional Athletics Centre, Loxford, Maitland

•Price: From $35 (child) / $45 (adult) + processing fee

•More info: Register Here

World Bicycle Day at the Fernleigh Track

City of Newcastle and the Newcastle Cycleways Movement are running a free drop-in event at the Adamstown end of the Fernleigh Track. Free bike safety checks, cycling maps, and giveaways. No booking required.

•When: Wednesday, 3 June | 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM

•Where: Adamstown end of the Fernleigh Track, near Park Avenue

•Price: Free

•More info: Facebook Event (Note: Facebook login may be required to view full event details)

CommBank Matildas v Mexico Women

Cheer on the Tillies as they light up McDonald Jones Stadium in this exciting international friendly. It's a massive night for local football fans.

•When: Saturday 6 June, 7:15 pm

•Where: McDonald Jones Stadium, Broadmeadow

•Price: From $20 Adults / $50 Families

•More info: Grab your tickets

You're Kidding Me Family Expo

The Hunter's largest parenting expo, connecting families with local services, programs, and childhood experts at Charlestown Square. Free entry, and particularly well suited to families with children under 8. Runs until Friday.

•When: Monday, 1 June – Friday, 5 June | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Mon–Wed); 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM & 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Thu)

•Where: Charlestown Square Centre Court, Charlestown

•Price: Free

•More info: More Info

Young Dobell Exhibition 2026 — MAC yapang (Free)

Now in its third year, Young Dobell is an annual exhibition celebrating artworks from young artists aged 5–18 from Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Port Stephens, Maitland, the Hunter, and the Central Coast. The exhibition opens Saturday 30 May and runs through to July. Free entry.

•When: Opens Saturday 30 May; open Tuesday–Sunday through 19 July

•Where: MAC yapang, 2A First Street, Booragul

•Price: Free

•More info: MAC yapang

Cooks Hill Books and Records

Tucked away on Darby Street, this carefully curated secondhand bookshop is an absolute treasure trove. Whether you're hunting for a rare vintage find, a cheap paperback, or just want to browse their impressive vinyl collection, it’s the perfect place to lose an hour on a chilly winter afternoon. The turnover is healthy, the prices are modest, and the vibe is exactly what a local bookshop should be.

•When: Open 7 days, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

•Where: 72 Darby Street, Cooks Hill

•Price: Free to browse

•More info: Follow them on Facebook

Lake Mac Meet the Makers: Saturday, 13 June

Over 50 local artists and makers set up at MAC yapang in Booragul for this free annual market. Jewellery, ceramics, textiles, paintings, sculptures, live music, and food. It's free and it fills up, worth planning for next weekend now.

•When: Saturday, 13 June | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

•Where: Museum of Art and Culture (MAC yapang), 2A First Street, Booragul

•Price: Free

•More info: More Info

Picnic in the Grove at Stonehurst Cedar Creek

Looking ahead to next Sunday, Stonehurst Cedar Creek is hosting a beautiful winter picnic set amongst their pear trees. With live music, mulled wine, a kids' petting zoo, and face painting, it’s an idyllic family day out in the Wollombi Valley. Grab your tickets early and pre-order an antipasto platter.

•When: Sunday 14 June, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

•Where: Stonehurst Cedar Creek, Wollombi

•Price: Adults $15 (includes mulled wine) / Kids 17 & under Free

•More info: Book your picnic

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! 9-4. See you out there. 🙌

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