Alright. Another week. If you're crawling along the Inner City Bypass or trying to find a park at Marketown, here’s a quick rundown of what’s on. The pro surfers are down at Merewether for Surfest, The Whitlams are bringing an entire orchestra to the Civic, and the Fringe is taking over Hamilton with a street party. That’s the gist of it. The full list is in the article below, for when you’re safely off the road.

Newcastle Surfest 2026

The iconic Newcastle Surfest returns to Merewether Beach, drawing top surfers from around the globe to compete in the final event of the World Surf League Challenger Series. Catch all the action for free, with events running daily.

•When: Monday 9 – Sunday 15 March, 7am–5pm daily

•Where: Merewether Beach, Newcastle

•Price: Free

•More info: surfest.com

The Whitlams with Sydney Philharmonic

Australian indie legends The Whitlams team up with the Sydney Philharmonic for a spectacular orchestral show at the Civic Theatre. Experience their classic hits and new material with stunning symphonic arrangements. Saturday is sold out, but tickets are still available for Friday.

•When: Friday 13 March, 7:30pm

•Where: Civic Theatre, Newcastle

•Price: From $99.90

•More info: civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

Newcastle Fringe Festival

Kicking off this weekend, the Newcastle Fringe Festival brings three weekends of independent arts, with over 250 performances. The festival launches with the free Fringe Feast street party in Hamilton on Saturday.

•When: Saturday 14 – Sunday 29 March

•Where: Various venues, Newcastle

•Price: Various

•More info: festival.newcastlefringe.com.au

Winston Surfshirt

Catch the soulful sounds of Winston Surfshirt at The Beach Hotel in Merewether as part of the Surfest celebrations.

•When: Friday 13 March, 6pm

•Where: The Beach Hotel, Merewether

•Price: $35

•More info: thebeachhotel.com.au

Jack Carty: ‘In The Blue Of The Day’ Album Tour

Prolific songwriter Jack Carty brings his national album tour to The Stag and Hunter Hotel for an intimate show.

•When: Thursday 12 March, 8pm

•Where: The Stag and Hunter Hotel, Mayfield

•Price: $35

•More info: jackcarty.com

Music Trivia at Son Of A Gun Diner

Test your music knowledge from the past 70 years at this fun and free weekly trivia night in Carrington.

•When: Monday 9 March, 7pm

•Where: Son Of A Gun Diner, Carrington

•Price: Free

•More info: visitnewcastle.com.au

Occasional Combustible Disaster

A hilarious and heartbreaking new play by local playwright Daniel Cottier premieres at the Playhouse.

•When: Thursday 12 – Saturday 21 March

•Where: Playhouse, Civic Theatre, Newcastle

•Price: From $39

•More info: civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

Chasing Light Photography Exhibition

A stunning collection of fine art prints by T Visual, capturing the beauty of Newcastle’s coastline. Opening night is Friday from 5pm.

•When: Friday 13 – Friday 20 March

•Where: Junction Fair, The Junction

•Price: Free

•More info: tvisual.co

Life Drawing at Meantime on Beaumont

Join The Tipsy Sketching Club for a fun and relaxed life drawing session in the heart of Hamilton.

•When: Wednesday 11 March, 6:30pm

•Where: Meantime on Beaumont, Hamilton

•Price: $35

•More info: visitnewcastle.com.au

Festival of Two Palettes

Morpeth Gallery hosts its annual art exhibition, where you can meet 15 famous Australian artists painting live.

•When: Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 March, 10am–4:30pm

•Where: Morpeth Gallery, Morpeth

•Price: Free

•More info: morpethgallery.com

A Little Bit of Broke

Roam between 15 of Broke Fordwich’s best cellar doors, restaurants, and farms in this one-day food and wine celebration.

•When: Saturday 14 March

•Where: Various locations, Broke Fordwich

•Price: $35 (includes glass and 4 tastings)

•More info: winecountry.com.au

Shoal Bay Food and Wine Festival

Enjoy the best of local food, wine, and entertainment at this free festival on the stunning Shoal Bay foreshore.

•When: Saturday 14 March, 3pm–9pm

•Where: Shoal Bay Road, Shoal Bay

•Price: Free entry

•More info: portstephens.org.au

Handmade in the Hunter Markets

Discover unique, handmade goods from local artisans at one of the Hunter Valley’s most popular markets.

•When: Saturday 14 March, 9am–2pm

•Where: Sobels Wines, Pokolbin

•Price: Free entry

•More info: handmadehuntermarkets.com.au

Newcastle City Farmers Market

Stock up on fresh produce and gourmet goodies at the weekly Newcastle City Farmers Market.

•When: Sunday 15 March, 7am–1pm

•Where: Newcastle Showground, Broadmeadow

•Price: Free entry

•More info: newcastlecityfarmersmarket.com.au

Seniors Festival: Chair Yoga Wellness Event

Join a massive, free chair yoga session at Foreshore Park as part of the NSW Seniors Festival.

•When: Wednesday 11 March, 10am–12pm

•Where: Foreshore Park Railway Sheds, Newcastle East

•Price: Free (bookings essential)

•More info: newcastlelibraries.com.au

Fringe Feast

The official opening of the Newcastle Fringe Festival is a free street party in Hamilton with food, music, and performance.

•When: Saturday 14 March, 4pm–9pm

•Where: Beaumont Street, Hamilton

•Price: Free

•More info: festival.newcastlefringe.com.au

SailFest Newcastle

Watch the thrilling final weekend of racing at SailFest Newcastle, with yachts competing offshore and in the harbour.

•When: Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 March

•Where: Newcastle Harbour & Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club

•Price: Free to watch

•More info: sailfest.com.au

Newcastle Comedy Club Showcase

Catch a lineup of top local and visiting comedians at the Newcastle Comedy Club’s Saturday night showcase.

•When: Saturday 14 March, 8:30pm

•Where: Newcastle Comedy Club, Islington

•Price: From $32.35

•More info: events.humanitix.com

Idea Workshop: Value Proposition Design

Got a business idea rattling around in your head? The University of Newcastle's I2N Hub is running a practical workshop to help you figure out if your idea actually solves a problem people care about. It’s not your usual night out, but it might just be the start of something big. A proper hidden gem for the aspiring entrepreneur.

•When: Thursday 12 March, 4pm–6pm

•Where: Q Building, Level 2, University of Newcastle City Campus

•Price: Free

•More info: newcastle.edu.au

Once Upon A One More Time

Dust off your double denim, because the music of Britney Spears is coming to the Civic Theatre in this hilarious, fairy-tale-twisting musical. It’s a few weeks away, but tickets for this one are already flying out the door. Don’t be the one who misses out.

•When: 9–19 April 2026

•Where: Playhouse, Civic Theatre, Newcastle

•Price: From $79

•More info: civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

Bernard Fanning: Tea & Sympathy 20th Anniversary Tour · Civic Theatre

📅 Tuesday 17 March · 7pm · Civic Theatre · From $121.30

One of the great Australian albums performed in full, with special guests Sam Cromack and Georgia Mooney. Tea & Sympathy debuted at No. 1 and won three ARIA Awards. A communal sing-along in one of the country's most iconic theatres. Book now, this will sell out.

🔗 Book tickets → civictheatrenewcastle.com.au/what-s-on/all-shows/bernard-fanning

SoundBites Food & Wine Festival Saturday 28 March, 11am–6pm · Newcastle Racecourse, Broadmeadow · $55–$199

Celebrity chef Miguel Maestre, headline performers Hindley Street Country Club, micro-breweries, wineries and food producers all under one roof at the Racecourse. One of Newcastle's best annual food events, general admission includes a tasting glass and 10 tasting vouchers.

🔗 Get tickets →

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

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