What's on in Newcastle this October 2025!

Your complete guide to what's on in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens and the Hunter Valley...

 THURSDAY 2 OCTOBER

Brad Cox - The Album Launch Shows at King Street Hotel

Brad Cox is heading back to where it all began, playing a special run of intimate shows in Australia, with a memorable trip to Newcastle! It’s Brad at his best, going back to his roots, in your face, celebrating his latest album. For more information, visit www.iambradcox.com.

FRIDAY 03 OCTOBER

Manhattan Short Film Festival

Join over 100,000 film lovers across 500 cities for the 28th Manhattan Short Film Festival, where you’re not just watching, you're voting. Ten incredible short films, selected from global entries, will screen in one unforgettable week. Cast your vote for the best and help decide the winner. Every finalist qualifies for the 2026 Oscars, so make sure you see them first! For more info, visit www.arts.lakemac.com.au.

FRIDAY 03 OCTOBER

The Jungle Giants (DJ Set) at Shoal Bay Country Club

Kick off the October Long Weekend as Aussie indie-dance royalty The Jungle Giants hit Shoal Bay Country Club, Friday 3 October. With chart topping hits, new single Hold My Hand and their signature high-energy show, it’s set to be one unforgettable night of music and dancing. For more information, visit www.shoalbaycountryclub.com.au.

SUNDAY 5 OCTOBER

Pigs Day Out at Toronto Hotel

Get ready for a squeal-worthy day of family fun at this year’s Pig Day Out at the Toronto Hotel! Gates open at 11am with the first of five exciting piglet races kicking off at 12 noon. Enjoy food, drinks, face painting, a jumping castle, superhero visits, and support Jenny’s Place with every cheer! For more information, visit the Facebook Event page.

FRIDAY 10 - SUNDAY 12 OCTOBER

The Crucible at Civic Theatre

Arthur Miller’s The Crucible is a journey into the heart of mass hysteria and paranoia. In the heat of the Salem witch trials, a tightknit community is consumed by fear, where whispers of witchcraft turn neighbours into enemies and lies into deadly weapons. This chilling masterpiece is a razor-sharp exploration of power, manipulation, and the devastating impact of fear on a society, as relevant today as it was when first published. For more info, visit

www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au.

SATURDAY 11 OCTOBER

Maitland Riverlights at The Levee

Maitland’s flagship multicultural festival returns this Spring with a week of vibrant workshops and cultural events. The Levee will come alive with colour, sound and flavour, transforming into a global village to showcase over 40 cultures through music, dance, food and storytelling in a dazzling celebration of community and diversity at the main event. For more information, visit www.maitlandriverlights.com.au.

SUNDAY 12 OCTOBER

Festival of Sweet Treats at The Station

Newcastle’s sweetest day out is back and better than ever before; packed with cakes, lollies, food trucks, live music, kids’ activities, and more. It’s a sugar-filled celebration for all ages— don’t miss the ultimate dessert lover’s dream! For more information, visit www.festivalofsweetsandtreats.com.au.

MONDAY 13 OCTOBER

Techcreate Girls Program at Lake Mac Libraries Fab Lab

The TechCreate Girls Program is a free 10-week afterschool initiative for high school girls, blending STEM and creativity through digital art, wearable tech, bioart, and more. Participants gain skills in coding, electronics, and 3D printing, culminating in a public showcase of their innovative final projects. For more information, visit www.lakemac.com.au.

WEDNESDAY 15 – SATURDAY 18 OCTOBER

This Restless House at Civic Theatre

Cats in the Cupboard Productions presents the Australian debut of Oresteia by Zinnie Harris, a gripping reimagining of the Greek tragedy through a contemporary, female-led lens. Following a brutal cycle of vengeance and justice, this powerful retelling places women at the centre, exposing the untold truths hidden in history’s shadows. For more information, visit

www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au.

FRIDAY 17 OCTOBER

Whiskey Degustation at Hunters Quarter

Experience elegant indulgence with Hunter Quarter's whiskey tasting night! Five refined degustation courses, perfectly paired with curated selections from the Whiskey Compendium, served under warm lighting and soulful music. Whether you're a connoisseur or simply curious, this bold twist on fine dining promises an unforgettable evening of top-shelf whiskies and chef-prepared excellence. Visit www.huntersquarter.com/#reservation.

SATURDAY 18 OCTOBER

Oktoberfest in the Gardens at The Station

Experience the magic of Germany’s famous celebration of beer, food, and fun in the luxury of your own home! Australia's Oktoberfest in the Gardens is a wonderland of nonstop entertainment! Arriving in Newcastle for one day of epic bands, DJs, roving performers, and much more, there’s entertainment for everyone! If you’re more interested in exploring the food and drink scene, you can sip on beers from the world's most iconic breweries and feast on mouthwatering pretzels, bratwurst, pork knuckle, and so much more! For more info, visit www.oktoberfestinthegardens.com.au

SATURDAY 18 OCTOBER

Mob Stars at Multi-Arts Pavilion, Mima

Celebrate the extraordinary creativity and vibrant cultural heritage of the Aboriginal community in the Lake Macquarie region. This event is a celebration of dance, music, and performance, bringing together local artists to share their stories and creativity with the broader community. For more information, visit www.arts.lakemac.com.au.

SATURDAY 18 OCTOBER

The Screaming Jets at Club Macquarie

Get ready for an unforgettable night at Club Macquarie as Aussie rock legends The Screaming Jets take the stage! With decades of hard-hitting hits and electric live shows, this powerhouse band, led by the iconic Dave Gleeson, guarantees a performance full of energy and nostalgia. Enjoy Club Macquarie’s family-friendly facilities before the show, from delicious dining at Bistro 458 to the free kids’ games area packed with entertainment. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.clubmacquarie.com.au.

SATURDAY 18 OCTOBER

Mayfield Day at Danghar Park

Enjoy a fun-filled, free community celebration with market stalls, live music, kids’ activities, street food, and local pop-ups. Bring your family, friends, and even your pup for a vibrant day of shopping, snacking, and supporting locals in Mayfield! For more information, visit the Facebook Event Page.

SUNDAY 19 OCTOBER

Lets Surf Lake Mac at Redhead Beach

Let’s Surf Lake Mac brings two weekends of elite junior surfing to Redhead Beach, featuring the final WSL Pro Junior of the season and a 6,500-point, six-division Cadet Cup for boys and girls under 12, 14, and 16 years old. The festival’s feature event, the Let’s Surf Pro Junior, will crown champions across the weekend of 26-27 October, celebrating rising surfing talent in our community. For more information, visit www.letssurflakemac.com.au.

THURSDAY 23 – SATURDAY 25 OCTOBER

Birds and Brush Art Exhibition at Morpeth Gallery

Morpeth Gallery presents Avian Art, a stunning exhibition of lifelike bird paintings by Australia’s top avian artists. Perfect for bird lovers preparing for the Great Aussie Bird Count 2025, the showcase captures the beauty and detail of native species, from Rainbow Lorikeets to Wedge-tailed Eagles. For more information, visit www.morpethgallery.com.

SATURDAY 25 OCTOBER

Red Hot Summer Tour at Roche Estate

The Red Hot Summer Tour is bringing an unforgettable night of music to Roche Estate, with legendary band Crowded House headlining a powerhouse all-Australian lineup. Joining them are Angus and Julia Stone, The Church, Mark Seymour with Vika & Linda, and The Waifs. Start organising your transport, you don’t want to miss this. For tickets and info, visit www.redhotsummertour.com.au.

SATURDAY 25 OCTOBER

Live on the Green at Mayfield Bowling Club

Mayfield Bowling Club comes alive with a full day of Australia’s best tribute acts, from surf rock to pop-rock anthems. Enjoy The Beach Boys, ABBA, 90s rock, Bryan Adams and P!nk tributes on the big outdoor stage. Pack a picnic rug, grab a drink, and enjoy non-stop live music. For more info visit www.mayfieldbc.net.

SUNDAY 26 OCTOBER

Voco Pink High Tea at Voco Kirkton Park Hunter Valley

In partnership with Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation (HBCF), join us for a heartfelt afternoon of live music, wine tastings, and a delicious Pink High Tea, raising funds and awareness for women facing breast cancer in Australia. Gather your friends for an uplifting day of food, fun, raffles, and entertainment. $10 from every booking goes directly to HBCF, plus all raffle and merchandise proceeds. Visit www.huntervalley.vocohotels.com.

SATURDAY 1 NOVEMBER

Strummingbird at Foreshore Park, Newcastle

This brand-new country music festival is set to tour Australia, offering a fresh take on country culture by combining chart-topping acts with a full-on country experience. Strummingbird blends the best of international and homegrown talent, with headliners Jelly Roll and Shaboozey leading a stacked lineup of modern country stars. Festivalgoers can expect line dancing, mechanical bull rides, smoky BBQs, and country-style merch. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.strummingbird.com.au.