Hunter Street at Christmas. 1970.
Welcome to this week's edition of The Newy List!
It is officially winter, which means it is perfectly acceptable to eat soup for breakfast, cancel plans you never wanted to make, and call it a cosy night in. But before you do any of that, have a listen to this week's list, because there is genuinely a lot going on. We've got Australian rock legends reimagining the Eagles, a blues festival at the Wicko, a winemaker's dinner in the Hunter Valley, and a family day in Maitland that involves a steam-powered blacksmith's forge, which is exactly the kind of thing you didn't know you needed in your life. Grab a coffee, and let's get into it.
Featured Events
ARC Plays Eagles
Kram from Spiderbait, Darren Middleton from Powderfinger, Mark Wilson from Jet, and Davey Lane from You Am I. Four living legends of Australian rock, 33 ARIA Awards between them, and one mission: to bring the Eagles' most iconic album to life. ARC have been doing this for over a decade now, and they do it with the kind of genuine enthusiasm that only comes from musicians who grew up as diehard fans. This is a one-night-only show at the Civic Theatre, and it is going to be very, very good.
When: Tuesday 9 June, 8:00 PM
Where: Civic Theatre, 375 Hunter Street, Newcastle
Hunter Valley Wedding Open Day 2026
If you're planning a wedding, this is the event to put in the diary. Two of the Hunter Valley's most beautiful venues, Bimbadgen Palmers Lane and Emma's Cottage, are opening their doors for a full wedding showcase featuring over 30 local vendors. From florals and photography to celebrants, styling, and entertainment, everything you need to start planning is in one place. The two venues are just a seven-minute scenic drive apart, so you can see both in a morning.
When: Sunday 14 June, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Where: Bimbadgen Palmers Lane, 409 Palmers Lane, Pokolbin, and Emma's Cottage, 438 Wilderness Road, Lovedale
Maitland Heritage Fest: Family Day
A full day of free fun spread across Maitland's beautiful historic Church Street precinct. There's vintage farm machinery, a steam-driven blacksmith's forge, classic cars, a silhouette artist, horse-drawn carriage rides, a Maitland City Choir concert, and enough soup and damper from the CWA to keep you warm all afternoon. It's one of those events that reminds you why living in the Hunter is genuinely great.
When: Sunday 14 June, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Where: Church Street Precinct, Maitland
MUSIC
Matt Corby: The Tragic Magic Tour
A soulful, intimate evening with Matt Corby as he returns to the Civic Theatre stage.
When: Friday 12 June, 7:00pm
Where: Civic Theatre, Newcastle
Dave Graney & Clare Moore: Laburnum of the Mind Album Launch
Dave Graney and Clare Moore are Australian music royalty, and they're bringing their brand-new rock album to Islington this Saturday. Playing as a full band, Dave Graney and the mistLY, they'll be performing tracks from the new record alongside songs from across their extraordinary 40-album career. Tickets are $45 plus booking fee, and this one is not to be missed.
When: Saturday 13 June, 8:00 PM
Where: The Stag & Hunter Hotel, Islington
Swampfest Blues & Rhythm Festival 2026
The Wicko is the place to be on Saturday afternoon. Swampfest is back for another year, and the 2026 lineup is a cracker. Headlined by the legendary Kevin Borich, with support from the Leadbellies, Jack & The Axes, Flattrakkers, Christina Crofts Band, and The Stomp'n Ramblers. It's a full afternoon of blues, rhythm, and rock 'n' roll in one of Newcastle's best live music venues.
When: Saturday 13 June, 2:00 PM
Where: The Wickham Park Hotel, Islington
Ovation
Marina Prior, David Hobson, Silvie Paladino, and Michael Cormick. Four of Australia's most celebrated performers in musical theatre and opera, together on one stage for the first time. Their combined credits include The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, Baz Luhrmann's La bohème, and Mamma Mia. Accompanied by piano and string quartet, this is a Sunday afternoon concert of solos, duets, and ensemble pieces that will stay with you.
When: Sunday 14 June, 3:00 PM
Where: Civic Theatre, 375 Hunter Street, Newcastle
ARTS & CULTURE
Bron Lewis: ChaosBron
Lewis is an ex-high-school teacher with three kids, a new puppy, and a comedy career that is somehow flourishing amid the wreckage. Her show Chaos is about juggling all of it, and doing it badly, and finding the humour in the mess. She's playing four shows across the week at the Civic Theatre complex, and she has added extra dates due to demand. If you've ever thought "what the hell was I thinking", this is the show for you.
When: Friday 12 June at 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM; Saturday 13 June at 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM
Where: The Playhouse, Civic Theatre, Newcastle
Pappa Sven's Nordic Film Club
Catch a brilliant piece of Scandinavian cinema on the big screen, hosted by our favourite local Nordic lifestyle store.
Tuesday 9 June, 6:30pm
Tower Cinemas, Newcastle
Melanie Bracewell: Dilly Dallying
Melanie Bracewell is back with a brand new hour about procrastination, which is a topic that will resonate with approximately everyone. She's one of the sharpest comedians working in Australia right now, and this tour has been selling out across the country. Newcastle City Hall is a beautiful venue for a night of comedy.
When: Friday 12 June, 7:30 PM
Where: Newcastle City Hall, 290 King Street, Newcastle
Dave Hughes: Cooked
There is no one else quite like Dave Hughes. He's been Australia's best stand-up comedian for a long time now, and he's back in Newcastle with a new show that promises to be more brutally honest than ever. Five-star reviews, a packed national tour, and one night only at the Civic Theatre.
When: Saturday 13 June, 7:00 PM
Where: Civic Theatre, 375 Hunter Street, Newcastle
FOOD, WINE & MARKETS
Stomp! Winemaker's Table Dinner
A limited-capacity, intimate dinner in the private dining room at voco Kirkton Park, hosted by winemakers Michael and Meredith McManus. The evening starts with sparkling Verdelho by the firepit, moves inside for a three-course menu paired with premium Stomp! wines, and finishes fireside with a warming fortified. It's $180 per person, and it is exactly the kind of thing winter was made for.
When: Saturday 13 June, 6:30 PM
Where: voco Kirkton Park, Oakey Creek Road, Pokolbin
Newcastle City Farmers Market
Your Sunday morning ritual. Fresh local produce, excellent bakery and butchery stalls, live music, and a warm community atmosphere at the Newcastle Showground. The perfect way to start a Sunday, and a great place to stock up for the week ahead.
When: Sunday 14 June, 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Where: Newcastle Showground, Griffiths Road, Broadmeadow
Lake Mac Farmers Market
Every Saturday at Glendale, the Lake Mac Farmers Market brings together fresh produce, artisan goods, and local crafts under the big white top. It's a great way to support local growers and makers, and the coffee is reliably good.
When: Saturday 13 June, 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Where: Stockland Glendale, GlendaleMarket info here
Newcastle Book Boyfriend Author Expo 2026
A multi-genre author signing expo featuring over 50 authors, held at Newcastle City Hall. This year's theme is Welcome to the Enchanted Wonderland, so feel free to dress up. There are raffles, giveaways, and a VIP package that includes early entry and a gift bag. A brilliant day out for romance and fantasy readers.
When: Saturday 13 June, 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Where: Newcastle City Hall, 290 King Street, Newcastle
SPORT & COMMUNITY
Moist Mondays
It started with a few Newcastle mates who loved the ocean, the sunrise, and a good chat. No plan, just showing up to watch the sun come up, jump in the water, and start the week right. Now anyone's welcome.
Zero barrier to entry. No membership, no skill level, no catch. Just turn up before the sun does, get in the water, and have one of those conversations that make Monday worth looking forward to.
When: Every Monday 6am
Where: Merewether Ocean baths
Infamous: The Show
An adults-only circus cabaret under the Spiegel Big Top at Richardson Park. Expect astonishing acrobatics, cheeky comedy, and a vibrant atmosphere with bar service and live music from doors open. It's a genuinely fun night out, and it's on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday this week.
When: Thursday 11 June to Saturday 13 June, doors from 6:30 PM, show at 7:30 PM
Where: Richardson Park, 16 Chatham Road, Hamilton North
Ashton's Super Cirque
A spectacular family-friendly circus experience with high-flying trapeze artists, hilarious clowns, and all the traditional circus magic you could want. A great Sunday afternoon outing for families.
When: Sunday 14 June, doors from 1:30 PM, show at 2:00 PM
Where: Richardson Park, 16 Chatham Road, Hamilton North
Port Stephens Marine Creatures: Great and Small
A free interactive display at the Port Stephens Visitor Information Centre celebrating the incredible marine life found in local waters. From giant humpback whale displays to nudibranch sculptures and an interactive dolphin exhibit, it's a wonderful outing for families and anyone who loves the ocean.
When: Daily throughout June
Where: Port Stephens Visitor Information Centre, 60 Victoria Parade, Nelson Bay
Deep Exhale Sound Immersion
Soften, release, and relax at this intimate 90-minute sound and light immersion. A perfect nervous system reset in a safe, curated container.
When: Saturday 13 June, 4:00pm
Where: Sala Wellness, Wickham
Coal & Cedar
Hidden in plain sight on Hunter Street, this speakeasy-style cocktail bar is the perfect winter hideaway. There's no sign on the door, you have to text a number on the wall to get the entry code. Once inside, you'll find exposed brick, low lighting, exceptional classic cocktails, and bartenders who really know their whisky. It's dark, moody, and exactly where you want to be on a chilly Friday night.
Where: 380 Hunter Street, Newcastle
LOOKING FORWARD
Harlem Globetrotters
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, get ready for the most fun you'll ever have at a basketball game! They've dazzled fans in over 120 countries for nearly a century. They're the magicians of the hardwood, the kings of comedy, the masters of the impossible shot. Put your hands together and make some noise for the world-famous... HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS!
When: Saturday 05 July
Where: Newcastle Entertainment Centre
Thrashville 2026: Slightly Heavier
Mark your calendars for Saturday 27 June. Dashville's beloved punk and rock festival returns to the Hunter Valley with a lineup that includes The Bennies, Fear, Disentomb, and more. Set amongst the lush bushland of Dashville in Lower Belford, it's a one-day explosion of energy, and camping is available.
When: Saturday 27 June
Where: Dashville, 103 Kirkton Road, Lower Belford, Hunter Valley
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
