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

It’s April in Newcastle, which means the weather can’t decide if it’s summer or winter, and neither can we. This week, we’ve got everything from oyster shucking in Carrington to a Britney Spears jukebox musical at the Civic Theatre. Plus, the school holidays are in full swing, so if you need to entertain the kids, we’ve found a few things that won’t make you want to pull your hair out. Grab a coffee, settle in, and let’s get into the best of what’s happening around town this week.

Shuck Fest

Get into the spirit of Newcastle Food Month with this collaboration between Earp Distilling Co., Dawson’s Oysters, and East End Ice Creamery. Expect live oyster shucking, a gin martini bar, and all-day live music in the Barrel Hall.

•When: Sunday 12 April, 12:00pm – 3:00pm

•Where: Earp Distilling Co., Carrington

•Price: $30

•More info: Book tickets

Once Upon a One More Time

Powered by the iconic hits of Britney Spears, this bold jukebox musical flips the fairy-tale world on its head. Presented by Hunter Drama, it’s a hilarious, heart-filled adventure packed with pop anthems and girl-power reinvention.

•When: Thursday 9 April – Sunday 19 April (Various times)

•Where: Civic Theatre Playhouse, Newcastle

•Price: From $49

•More info: Book tickets

Stardust Circus

Experience the fantastic array of talent and fun all under the red and yellow big top. Featuring the wheel of death, high wire, flying trapeze, aerial acts, magic, and hilarious clowns, it's a classic family night out.

•When: Thursday 2 April – Sunday 26 April (Various times)

•Where: Richardson Park, Hamilton North

•Price: From $35

•More info: Book tickets

Baker Boy | DJANDJAY Tour

Yolŋu rapper Baker Boy is bringing his high-energy DJANDJAY album tour to Newcastle. Expect an incredible live show blending hip-hop, dance, and Indigenous culture.

•When: Thursday 9 April, 8:00pm

•Where: King Street Band Room, Newcastle

•Price: $43.35

•More info: Book tickets

TV Smith's Adverts

Punk legend TV Smith, founder and singer of The Adverts, hits The Hamo for a night of classic punk rock. Supported by LauraPanic and The Dark Clouds.

•When: Wednesday 8 April, 7:30pm

•Where: The Hamilton Station Hotel, Islington

•Price: $43.35

•More info: Book tickets

Kevin Borich Express

Australian blues-rock legend Kevin Borich brings his Express to the Mezz Bar for a night of blistering guitar work and classic tracks.

•When: Friday 10 April, 7:00pm

•Where: Mezz Bar, Wallsend Diggers/

•Price: $35

•More info: Book tickets

RE-VIEW Exhibition

Held in conjunction with the Newcastle Writers Festival, this group exhibition features 25 Hunter region artists responding to books from the 2026 festival program.

•When: Friday to Sunday, 11:00am – 5:00pm (Until Sunday 12 April)

•Where: Back to Back Galleries, Cooks Hill

•Price: Free

•More info: Exhibition details

A Soft Space to Stand

This exhibition includes works by Jamie Bastoli, Jasmine Craciun, Alysha Fewster, Fiona Lee, David Lobb, Ali Noble, and Nicole Smede, exploring themes of comfort and resilience.

•When: Open daily, 10:00am – 4:00pm

•Where: The Lock-Up, Newcastle

•Price: Free

•More info: Exhibition details

Newcastle Comedy Club: Friday Night

Kick off the weekend with a lineup of top-tier comedians at Newcastle's dedicated comedy venue. Dinner and show packages are available.

•When: Friday 10 April, 8:30pm

•Where: Newcastle Comedy Club, Islington

•Price: From $32.35

•More info: Book tickets

Life Drawing: Nude in Newy

Join the Tipsy Sketching Club for a relaxed life drawing session at Meantime on Beaumont. All abilities are welcome, and drawing materials are supplied.

•When: Wednesday 8 April, 6:30pm

•Where: Meantime on Beaumont, Hamilton

•Price: $35

•More info: Book tickets

Perfect Pairings: Food and Music at the Pub

A unique Newcastle Music Festival and Newcastle Food Month collaboration. Enjoy a two-course meal and drink while listening to saxophonist Alice Morgan and keyboardist Ronan Apcar.

•When: Thursday 9 April, 6:30pm – 9:00pm

•Where: FogHorn Brewery, Newcastle

•Price: $95

•More info: Book tickets

Taste of Newcastle: A Seafood Masterclass

Get hands-on with local seafood in this masterclass at The Yellow Door Kitchen, complete with a guided wine tasting as part of Newcastle Food Month.

•When: Saturday 11 April, 4:00pm – 8:30pm

•Where: The Yellow Door Kitchen, Tighes Hill

•Price: $275

•More info: Book tickets

Sunset Sessions at Bimbadgen

Head to the Hunter Valley for live music in the courtyard, woodfired pizza, wine, cocktails, and sweeping sunset views.

•When: Friday 10 April, 5:30pm – 8:00pm

•Where: Bimbadgen Winery, Pokolbin

•Price: Free entry

•More info: Event details

Pokolbin Market

Spend your Sunday morning browsing fresh produce, artisan goods, baked delights, and crafts in the heart of the Hunter Valley.

•When: Sunday 12 April, 8:00am – 2:00pm

•Where: Pokolbin Village, Hunter Valley

•Price: Free entry

•More info: Market details

Footloose: The Musical

The smash hit 80s musical hits the stage for a strictly limited run, bringing explosive choreography and iconic pop tracks to the Civic Theatre.

•When: Thursday 9 April – Sunday 19 April

•Where: Civic Theatre, Newcastle

•Price: From $69.90

•More info: Book here

Homegrown Markets at The Station

Newy's biggest handmade and design market returns to the city centre with over 100 stalls, street food, and live music.

•When: Saturday 11 April, 10:00am – 2:00pm

•Where: The Station, Newcastle

•Price: Free entry

•More info: Learn more

Newcastle Jets vs Adelaide United

Get behind the local boys as the Newcastle Jets take on Adelaide United in this A-League Men clash at McDonald Jones Stadium.

•When: Saturday 11 April, 5:00pm

•Where: McDonald Jones Stadium, Broadmeadow

•Price: From $20

•More info: Book tickets

Lambourne Partners Race Day

Enjoy a day of thrilling racing, fashion, and DJ entertainment at the Newcastle Racecourse.

•When: Saturday 11 April, 11:00am – 5:00pm

•Where: Newcastle Racecourse, Broadmeadow

•Price: From $20

•More info: Book tickets

Good Vibrations Fun Run for Parkinson's

A scenic coastal loop fun run raising funds and awareness for Parkinson's. Runners, walkers, and families are all welcome.

•When: Saturday 11 April, 9:00am

•Where: Southy Canteen, Shortland Esplanade, Newcastle

•Price: From $25

•More info: Register here

School Holidays: Model Newcastle Minecraft Speedrun

If you've got a kid who is obsessed with Minecraft, this is the perfect school holiday activity. They'll get to explore Minecraft's creative mode to build their very own version of Newcastle, inspired by the museum's current exhibition. It's a clever, creative way to get them thinking about their city while doing what they love.

•When: Friday 10 April, 10:00am – 1:00pm

•Where: Newcastle Museum

•Price: Free (Bookings required)

•More info: Event details

Grace Movement Pilates x Krinklewood Estate

A Whimsical Long Lunch Experience tucked among the vines of Krinklewood Estate, where time slows and nature lingers, Grace Movement invites you into a day designed to awaken the senses and soften the spirit.

We have had this experience graciously curated by Krinklewood Winery, the first event of its kind for our studio, bringing together movement, stillness, and shared moments in one unforgettable setting. This thoughtfully curated experience begins in stillness.

A gentle Pilates class unfolds beneath open skies. In collaboration with the award-winning Fennel & Co., Krinklewood presents Cézan, a dining experience inspired by European feasting and modern Australian flavours.

Book here

That's your week, Go the Knights! 4-1. See you out there. 🙌

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