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

August is truly hitting its stride in Newcastle and the Hunter Valley. This week is headlined by the much-anticipated return of the Newcastle Music Festival, bringing world-class performances to venues across the city. Whether you're chasing high-energy musical theatre, exploring the region's vibrant market scene, or settling in for a long, lazy wine lunch, here are the 20 best things to do this week.

The Dungeon Big Band, featuring vocalist Heather Price, delivers an uplifting evening of big band greats. Expect classics from Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, and Duke Ellington in a toe-tapping tribute to the golden era of swing.

•When: Thursday 13 August, 7:30pm

•Where: Adamstown Uniting Church, Adamstown

•Price: From $40

•More info: Book here

Australia’s premier Queen tribute act, The Killer Queen Experience, takes over MV Calmer for a high-energy cruise. Expect all the legendary anthems performed live as you take in the evening views of Newcastle Harbour.

•When: Saturday 15 August, 7:00pm

•Where: Queens Wharf Ferry Terminal, Newcastle

•Price: From $50.50

•More info: Book here

Take a guided tour through the historic underground tunnels of Newcastle's famous military fort. A fascinating look into the city's past with unbeatable coastal views from the top.

When: Wednesday 12 August – Sunday 16 August, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Where: Fort Scratchley, Newcastle East · Site entry free, tours ticketed

🔗 https://fortscratchley.org.au/events/

An evening of dazzling flamenco dance and Spanish guitar. Brilliant guitarist Paco Lara is joined by three flamenco dancers, led by Deya Giner, for the world premiere of Al Andalus.

•When: Saturday 15 August, 7:00pm

•Where: Harold Lobb Concert Hall, Newcastle Conservatorium

•Price: From $29

•More info: Book here

A showcase of the region's finest young musical talent. This recital features four outstanding local musicians, highlighting the bright future of classical performance in the Hunter.

•When: Wednesday 12 August, 7:00pm

•Where: Adamstown Uniting Church, Adamstown

•Price: From $10

•More info: Book here

Jazz royalty Vince Jones brings his signature smooth style and effortless trumpet playing to Warners Bay. Celebrating 50 years in music, he’ll be performing loved classics alongside tracks from his forthcoming album.

•When: Sunday 16 August, 4:00pm

•Where: Warners Bay Theatre, Warners Bay

•Price: From $50

•More info: Book here

A dark, tragi-comedy by award-winning Newcastle playwright Carl Caulfield. This new play explores a bereaved family brought to the brink by the arrival of a charming young stranger.

•When: Thursday 13 August to Saturday 15 August, various times

•Where: Playhouse, Civic Theatre Newcastle

•Price: From $39

•More info: Book here

A major exhibition celebrating artists connected to the Hunter River. The gallery spaces are energised with an expansive range of art and ideas resonating throughout the region.

•When: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00am - 4:00pm

•Where: Maitland Regional Art Gallery, Maitland

•Price: Free

•More info: More info

A touring exhibition showcasing contemporary ceramic works by artists from Central Australia. This diverse survey reflects Ancestral stories, contemporary experiences, and settler histories through clay.

•When: Opening Saturday 15 August, 11:00am

•Where: Performance Arts Culture Cessnock

•Price: Free

•More info: More info

A unique performance where music, art, and storytelling come alive. Acclaimed artist and composer Matt Ottley presents a multi-sensory journey featuring live music and projected illustrations.

•When: Monday 10 August, 6:00pm

•Where: Newcastle City Library

•Price: $20

•More info: Book here

An immersive afternoon where exceptional food meets award-winning Hunter Valley wine. Executive Chef Steve Scott presents a curated menu designed to complement premium Scarborough Wines.

•When: Sunday 16 August, 2:00pm

•Where: The Delany Hotel, Cooks Hill

•Price: $169

•More info: Book here

The region's premier farmers market returns for its weekly Sunday outing. Browse a huge selection of fresh local produce, artisan goods, gourmet foods, and excellent coffee.

•When: Sunday 16 August, 7:00am - 1:00pm

•Where: Newcastle Showground, Broadmeadow

•Price: Free entry

•More info: More info

A monthly market celebrating the quirky and creative. Explore alternative fashion, handmade art, oddities, and unique gifts in a lively, family-friendly setting.

•When: Sunday 16 August, 11:00am - 3:00pm

•Where: The Valley Brewhouse, Nulkaba

•Price: Free entry

•More info: More info

A vibrant shopping experience showcasing local artists, crafters, and handmade business owners. Find unique gifts, decor, and seasonal treasures right in the city centre.

•When: Saturday 15 August and Sunday 16 August, 10:00am - 5:00pm

•Where: Civic Park, Newcastle

•Price: Free entry

•More info: More info

A massive Sunday afternoon of footy at McDonald Jones Stadium. The day kicks off with an NRLW clash before the Knights take on the Titans in a family-friendly double-header.

•When: Sunday 16 August, 2:00pm

•Where: McDonald Jones Stadium, Broadmeadow

•Price: From $30

•More info: Book here

The Mark Hughes Foundation celebrates 10 incredible years of the Magic Ball. This highly anticipated black-tie gala event raises vital funds for brain cancer research.

•When: Saturday 15 August, 6:30pm

•Where: NEX, Newcastle West

•Price: Event sold out (donations welcome)

•More info: More info

The festival concludes with Mahler’s epic Symphony No. 1, performed by the Christ Church Camerata. The chamber orchestra expands to include wind, brass, and percussion for this soaring finale.

•When: Sunday 16 August, 2:30pm

•Where: Harold Lobb Concert Hall, Newcastle Conservatorium

•Price: From $15

•More info: Book here

New Moon Circle

An invitation to slow down, soften, and reflect as the new moon approaches. Led by a holistic counsellor, this gentle, beginner-friendly gathering offers a safe space for quiet reflection and open-hearted conversation.

📅 Thursday 13 August, 9:30 am · The Hemporium Cafe, Carrington · Ticketed

🔗 https://events.humanitix.com/new-moon-circle-e6n8yk3g

Life Drawing in Lambton

Set in the function room of the Lambton Park Hotel, the Tipsy Sketching Club offers a relaxed evening of life drawing. Whether you're an experienced artist or just looking for a creative night out, you can enjoy a drink, a pub meal, and a welcoming atmosphere while you sketch.

•When: Thursday 13 August, 6:00pm

•Where: Lambton Park Hotel, Lambton

•Price: $35

•More info: Book here

Australia’s favourite comedy duo are blasting off with a cosmic new show. Frank and Colin will bring their sublime, inventive, and ridiculous comedy to the Civic Theatre stage. Tickets are selling fast, so grab yours now for an evening of side-splitting intergalactic bickering.

•When: Saturday 29 August, 4:00pm and 6:30pm

•Where: Civic Theatre, Newcastle

•Price: From $59

•More info: Book here

Red Hot Summer Tour

Creating history in 2026, Australian Crawl will take to the stage for the first time in 40 years, alongside Men At Work. They'll be joined by an all-star Aussie lineup at Roche Estate. It's going to be a massive day of classic rock in the vines.

•When: Saturday 31 October, 12:30pm

•Where: Roche Estate, Pokolbin

•Price: From $169.90

•More info: Book here

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. 🙌

The Newy List