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

This week, Newcastle is buzzing with the return of the Great Southern Nights Midtown Gig Trail, transforming eleven venues into a massive live music hub on Friday night. The Ampol Women's State of Origin series opener brings top-tier rugby league to McDonald Jones Stadium, while the Olive Tree Market and Warners Bay Markets offer perfect weekend browsing. From the electrifying 80s tribute at the Civic Theatre to the family-friendly Cessnock Chill-Out, here are the 20 best things to do across Newcastle and the Hunter Valley this week.

Great Southern Nights Midtown Gig Trail

Midtown Newcastle transforms into the ultimate music destination as Great Southern Nights takes over eleven venues across the precinct. Chart your own course through the night with live music, DJs, and pop-up performances.

•When: Friday 1 May, 5:00 pm – 2:00 am

•Where: Multiple venues, Midtown Newcastle

•Price: Free (registration required for some venues)

•More info: Register here

Ampol Women's State of Origin Game I

The Ampol Women's State of Origin series gets underway with Game I, bringing the fierce rivalry between the NSW Blues and QLD Maroons to Newcastle.

•When: Thursday 30 April, 7:45 pm

•Where: McDonald Jones Stadium, Broadmeadow

•Price: From $20

•More info: Get tickets

Tocal Field Days

The premier agricultural field day event in the Hunter Region returns, featuring over 370 exhibitors showcasing the latest farming techniques, machinery, and livestock, plus local food and wine.

•When: Friday 1 May – Sunday 3 May, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (4:00 pm Sunday)

•Where: Tocal Ag College, Paterson

•Price: Adults $25 / Children $10 (online discounts available)

•More info: Buy tickets

Paulini & Tim Campbell: ELECTRIFYING 80s

Vocal powerhouses Paulini and Tim Campbell unite for a high-voltage show packed with the biggest synth-pop hits of the decade.

•When: Friday 1 May, 7:30 pm

•Where: Civic Theatre, Newcastle

•Price: $79.90

•More info: Book tickets

John Williamson 55 Years - My Travellin' Days are Done!

True Blue himself, John Williamson, returns to Newcastle for one night only on his 55th-anniversary tour, performing his iconic catalogue of Australian stories.

•When: Saturday 2 May, 8:00 pm

•Where: Civic Theatre, Newcastle

•Price: From $109

•More info: Book tickets

BOY SODA

Catch BOY SODA live as part of the Great Southern Nights program, bringing his smooth R&B and soul sounds to the King Street Warehouse.

•When: Saturday 2 May, 7:30 pm

•Where: King Street Warehouse, Newcastle

•Price: $40.80

•More info: Get tickets

Ride the Cyclone

A hilarious and haunting musical where a mechanical fortune teller gives six teenagers who perished on a rollercoaster the chance to sing for a second shot at life.

•When: Wednesday 29 April – Saturday 2 May, various times

•Where: Civic Theatre Playhouse, Newcastle

•Price: From $45

•More info: Book tickets

Friday Night Comedy @ Newcastle Comedy Club

Kick off the weekend with a rolling lineup of 5-6 different comedians, featuring a mix of local talent and touring acts.

•When: Friday 1 May, 8:30 pm

•Where: Newcastle Comedy Club, Islington

•Price: $37.20

•More info: Get tickets

The Timelessness of Stitch

An exhibition bringing together international and Australian textile artists to explore identity and place through the language of stitch and fibre art.

•When: Wednesday – Sunday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

•Where: Timeless Textiles Gallery, Newcastle East

•Price: Free

•More info: Gallery info

Iconic Loved Unexpected

Explore the newly reimagined Newcastle Art Gallery with its landmark reopening exhibition, featuring more than 500 works from local and national artists.

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

•Where: Newcastle Art Gallery, Cooks Hill

•Price: Free

•More info: Exhibition details

Urban Wine Walk Newcastle

Grab your crew for an afternoon of wine tasting as you wander between some of Newcastle's coolest venues, meeting winemakers along the way.

•When: Saturday 2 May, 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

•Where: Multiple venues, Newcastle

•Price: $79

•More info: Buy tickets

The Olive Tree Market

Newcastle's premier art and design market returns to Civic Park, featuring a curated lineup of local makers, designers, and gourmet food stalls.

•When: Saturday 2 May, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

•Where: Civic Park, Newcastle

•Price: Free entry

•More info: Market details

Warners Bay Markets

Take in the scenic backdrop of Lake Macquarie while browsing a fabulous array of stallholders selling homewares, fashion, and fresh produce.

•When: Saturday 2 May, 8:00 am – 2:00 pm

•Where: Warners Bay Foreshore

•Price: Free entry

•More info: Market info

Handmade in the Hunter Markets

Discover the variety and quality of goods grown, made, and crafted by Hunter Valley artisans, set in the beautiful grounds of Sobels Wines.

•When: Saturday 2 May, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

•Where: Sobels Wines, Pokolbin

•Price: Free entry

•More info: Market details

Sunset Sessions at Bimbadgen

Ease into the weekend with live music, good food, and drinks as golden hour rolls over the vines at Bimbadgen Estate.

•When: Friday 1 May, from 5:30pm

•Where: Bimbadgen, Pokolbin

•Price: Varies

•More info: More info

Newcastle Knights v South Sydney Rabbitohs

The Knights take on the Rabbitohs in a Sunday afternoon clash at home. Get behind the boys and enjoy the game day atmosphere.

•When: Sunday 3 May, 2:00 pm

•Where: McDonald Jones Stadium, Broadmeadow

•Price: From $30

•More info: Get tickets

Cessnock CHILL-Out!

A family-friendly, outdoor market-style event featuring a wide range of free entertainment including a fire show, circus play space, magic, and roving performers.

•When: Saturday 2 May, 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm & Sunday 3 May, 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm

•Where: Cessnock Showground

•Price: $2 entry

•More info: Event details

Make N Do at Newcastle Museum

A creative, hands-on program for adults focused on curiosity, connection, and making, led by resident artist Ken O'Regan.

•When: Thursday 30 April, 10:00 am

•Where: Newcastle Museum, Honeysuckle

•Price: Free

•More info: Program details

AHA Newcastle + Pitcher Partners Race Day

Buckle up for a high-energy day at the races. Expect thrilling on-track action, vibrant crowds, and an unbeatable race day buzz at the Newcastle Racecourse.

•When: Saturday 2 May, 11:00am – 6:00pm

•Where: Newcastle Racecourse, Broadmeadow

•Price: From $20

•More info: Book tickets

Open Mic Comedy @ Newcastle Comedy Club

If you want to see the raw, unfiltered beginnings of Newcastle's next great comedians, head to the Tuesday open mic night. It's free, it's unpredictable, and it's the perfect excuse to get out of the house on a Tuesday. You might see a seasoned pro testing new material, or someone stepping on stage for the very first time.

•When: Tuesday 28 April, 7:30 pm

•Where: Newcastle Comedy Club, Islington

•Price: Free

•More info: Register here

Ovation

Four of Australia's best-loved artists come together for the performance of a lifetime, accompanied by a piano and string quartet. This one is selling fast, so grab your tickets now for a spectacular afternoon of musical theatre and opera.

•When: Sunday 14 June, 3:00 pm

•Where: Civic Theatre, Newcastle

•Price: From $99

•More info: Book tickets

That's your week, Next time Knights! 4-4. See you out there. 🙌

The Newy List

Know someone who'd love this? Forward it on, they can subscribe free at thenewylist.com

Have a local event or business you think we should feature? Just hit reply, we read every message.