Welcome to this week's edition of The Newy List!
Welcome to the first week of August in the Hunter. The winter chill is still very much with us, making it the perfect excuse to retreat indoors for world-class theatre, intimate gallery viewings, or a long, slow lunch in the vines. This week sees the much-anticipated opening of the 2026 Newcastle Music Festival, bringing a wave of classical, choral, and contemporary performances to the city. Meanwhile, out in the valley, the fires are lit and the wine walks are ready. Whether you're after a hit of nostalgia with The Sound of Music, a hearty laugh at a comedy showcase, or a quiet wander through a new exhibition, here is your curated guide to the best 20 things happening across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, and the Hunter Valley this week.
Featured Events
Come From Away
The incredible true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them comes to the Civic Theatre, courtesy of the Metropolitan Players. It’s a joyous, uplifting piece of theatre that reminds us of the power of human kindness. For something truly special, the Saturday evening performance features a post-show Q&A with real passengers from the flights diverted to Gander.
When: Friday 7 – Sunday 9 August 2026
Where: Civic Theatre, 375 Hunter Street, Newcastle
Newcastle Music Festival: Opening Weekend
The 2026 Newcastle Music Festival kicks off this week, bringing a sweeping program of classical, jazz, and contemporary music to the city. The opening weekend is packed with talent, transforming the Harold Lobb Concert Hall into a hub of musical brilliance. From lyrical clarinet sonatas to grand choral works, it’s a brilliant celebration of both local and visiting artists.
When: Thursday 6 – Sunday 9 August 2026
Where: Harold Lobb Concert Hall, Newcastle Conservatorium, Newcastle
The Sound of Music
Young People's Theatre Newcastle teams up with Lindsay Street Players to bring the world's most beloved musical to the Hamilton stage. Follow Maria and the von Trapp family through a trove of cherished Rodgers and Hammerstein songs, including "My Favorite Things" and "Climb Ev'ry Mountain." It's a beautifully staged local production of an absolute classic.
When: Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 August 2026
Where: Young People's Theatre, Cnr Lindsay & Lawson Streets, Hamilton
MUSIC
Rhapsody | Mitchell Berick & Erin Sweetman
Talented Novocastrians Mitchell Berick (clarinet) and Erin Sweetman (piano) officially open the Newcastle Music Festival with a concert of lyrical works. The evening promises a beautiful program featuring pieces by Poulenc, Bernstein, and Debussy, setting a high standard for the festival ahead.
When: Thursday 6 August 2026, 7:00pm
Where: Harold Lobb Concert Hall, Newcastle Conservatorium, Newcastle
Adam Newling
Adam Newling returns with a raw and resonant new chapter, bringing his full band to Wickham for a powerful live show. Known for his grit, soul, and unmistakable energy, Newling will be joined by a stacked line-up of local favourites including Angela Rose and Ella Day.
When: Friday 7 August 2026, 7:00pm
Where: The Lass O'Gowrie Hotel, 14 Railway St, Wickham
INDIE FEST
Four hours, four brilliant bands, all on the big stage at The Hamo. INDIE FEST brings together Poisoned Cherry, Sydney's Forever at Midnight, Untamed, and Imaginary Things for a massive night of alternative rock and indie energy.
When: Saturday 8 August 2026, 6:00pm
Where: The Hamilton Station Hotel, 6 Beaumont Street, Islington
ARTS & CULTURE
YOU ARE A UNIVERSE
Created for National Science Week, this immersive 360-degree projection experience inside MAP mima invites you on a poetic journey through the solar system. Featuring celestial imagery, contemplative sound design, and evocative narration by Juundaal Strang-Yettica, it’s a beautiful meditation on our place within the cosmos.
When: Opens Friday 7 August 2026 (Opening event Saturday 8 August, 12pm)
Where: Multi-Arts Pavilion (MAP mima), 96 Creek Reserve Road, Speers Point
Counterpoise with Hanna Kay
This is your final weekend to catch Hunter Valley-based artist Hanna Kay's stunning exhibition. Counterpoise zooms in on the subtle forces that define the character of the local landscape, exploring the quiet drama of nature through intricate, meditative oil paintings on linen.
When: Ends Sunday 9 August 2026
Where: Singleton Arts + Cultural Centre, 23 Maitland Road, Singleton
Sydney Symphony Orchestra
Described as "the best trumpet player in the galaxy," Swedish virtuoso Håkan Hardenberger leads the brass and percussion musicians of the Sydney Symphony. The shimmering program includes Bernstein’s swaggering Suite from West Side Story.
Where: Newcastle City Hall
When: Saturday 8 August, 2:00pm.
Tickets from $46.
Opera Cocktails
Enjoy an evening of opera favourites in the stunning, tranquil setting of The Barn at Stanley Park in Fullerton Cove. Featuring performances by acclaimed soprano Patricia Turner, accompanied by a finger food supper and organic wines.
Where: The Barn at Stanley Park
Sunday 9 August, 5:30pm.
Tickets $75.
FOOD, WINE & MARKETS
Hunter Valley Verdelho Dinner
Celebrate the eve of National Verdelho Day with an exceptional five-course dining experience. Tulloch Wines has partnered with Oak & Vine Restaurant to showcase the versatility of Verdelho, thoughtfully paired with a menu by acclaimed chef Vinura de Silva, inspired by the vibrant flavours of Sri Lanka.
When: Friday 7 August 2026, 6:00pm
Where: Oak & Vine Restaurant, Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort, Pokolbin
Saddler's Creek Wine Walks
Start at the fire pit with warm baked Brie, then take a leisurely guided stroll through the Pokolbin vines. Your wine host will pause for four specific wine and food pairings along the way, before bringing you back to the cellar door for a sit-down Italian-inspired lunch from Mangia, accompanied by live music.
When: Sunday 9 August 2026, 10:30am
Where: Saddler's Creek Wines, 15 Marrowbone Road, Pokolbin
Handmade in the Hunter Markets
Set among the vines, this long-running market is the perfect Saturday morning detour. It exists specifically to showcase the region's makers and creators, offering an eclectic selection of handmade goods, local produce, great coffee, and live music.
When: Saturday 8 August 2026, 9:00am–2:00pm
Where: Sobels Wines, 5 Halls Road, Pokolbin
Newcastle City Farmers Market
The ultimate Sunday morning ritual. Head to the showground to stock up on the freshest regional produce, artisan breads, gourmet treats, and lifestyle goods. Grab a coffee and a hot breakfast from the food trucks while you browse.
When: Sunday 9 August 2026, 7:00am–1:00pm
Where: Newcastle Showground, Griffiths Road, Broadmeadow
High Tea on the Harbour
Step aboard the MV Calmer for an elegant afternoon cruising Newcastle Harbour. The new season menu features everything from classic scones with jam and cream to rare roast beef cucumber bites and pumpkin arancini. Enjoy the stunning water views from three levels with access to a fully licensed onboard bar.
When: Saturday 8 August 2026, 12:00pm
Where: Queens Wharf Ferry Terminal, Wharf Rd, Newcastle
SPORT & COMMUNITY
Comedy All Stars
For one night only, the Barrel Room at Saddler's Creek transforms into an intimate comedy lounge. Peter Berner headlines, alongside Andrew Barnett and MC Julia Wilson. Make a night of it with a three-course Italian dinner by Chef Chiero before the laughs begin.
When: Saturday 8 August 2026, 5:30pm (Dinner), 8:00pm (Show)
Where: Saddler's Creek Wines, 15 Marrowbone Road, Pokolbin
MeditationHQ Sunrise Meditation
Redhead BeachStart your weekend with a peaceful, community-led sunrise meditation on the sand. The session includes a welcome circle and a 20-minute meditation focused on gratitude and kindness. No experience necessary.
Saturday 8 August, 6:30am.
Free to attend.
Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase
The funniest month of the year hits the road, bringing a taste of the Sydney Comedy Festival to Lake Macquarie. This expertly curated showcase features a brilliant line-up of veteran favourites and the freshest emerging talents for two hours of hard-hitting laughter.
When: Friday 7 August 2026, 7:30pm
Where: Warners Bay Theatre, 39 Lake Street, Warners Bay
Adamstown Arts at Adamstown Uniting Church
Tucked away on Brunker Road, this beautiful, intimate community space is one of Newcastle's best-kept secrets for live performance. Over the next two weeks, it transforms into a key venue for the Newcastle Music Festival, boasting superb acoustics and a wonderfully welcoming atmosphere that feels miles away from a traditional concert hall.
Got a hidden gem of your own? Hit reply and let us know - we’re always looking for new local secrets to share.
LOOKING FORWARD
New Annual Festival 2026 - Tickets On Sale
Newcastle’s flagship festival of art, music, and ideas returns this September, and the full program has just dropped. Expect 10 days of ambitious new works, a Laman Street takeover, pop-up bars, and performances from the likes of Hermitude and Ngaiire. Tickets officially go on sale this Monday morning—get in quick before the marquee events sell out.
When: Tickets on sale Monday 3 August 2026, 10:00am (Festival runs 25 Sep – 4 Oct)
Where: Various locations across Newcastle
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, Onward for next week Knights 11-6. See you out there. 🙌
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