2026 LIVE MUSIC, FESTIVALS AND THEATRE PROGRAM
Your ultimate guide to what’s on in Lake Macquarie. Live music, comedy, jazz, pop-culture, opera, theatre and more!
2026 LIVE MUSIC, FESTIVALS AND THEATRE PROGRAM
Lake Macquarie is a vibrant city with a growing arts, culture, live music and performing arts scene. Fill your 2026 calendar with music, theatre, opera, dance and everything in between.
Dhumaan ngayin ngarrakalu kirraanan barayidin
We remember and respect the Ancestors who cared for and nurtured this Country.
Ngarrakalumba yuludaka bibayilin barayida baaduka
It is in their footsteps that we travel these lands and waters.
Lake Macquarie City Council dhumaan Awabakala ngarrakal yalawaa, yalawan, yalawanan.
Lake Macquarie City Council acknowledges the Awabakal people and Elders past, present and future.
Free event
Ticketed
Bar
Food
Accessible
Auslan interpretation
Open captions
Hearing loop
All ages event
Age restriction
Children's event
* Information is correct at the time of printing. Dates and prices are subject to change
BECOME A LAKE MAC ARTS MEMBER
Celebrate art, music, and performance. Connect with others who share your passion and enjoy exclusive perks all year round.
Be part of Lake Mac’s creative heartbeat MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS:
• Two free tickets to any Lake Mac Arts event
• 10% discount on events, programs and workshops
• 10% discount at Shop MAC (5% discount on books)
• Free wine tasting and other special offers at Ernest Hill Wines
• Invitations to exhibition openings, curator talks, and special events
• Free entry to the Art Gallery of NSW with your membership card
Adult - $91/year | Concession - $81/year | Student - $56/year
OVER THE SUMMER SEASON
TWILIGHT FRIDAYS AT MAP mima
Experience an electric atmosphere filled with diverse cultural experiences, featuring a rotating calendar of activities like Beats and Eats, Kids Cube Disco, and Art After Hours, as well as scheduled events like 80s Skaties - Rollertopia.
Fridays 17 October – 24 April
Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima
MUSIC IN THE PODIUM
The perfect setting to unwind on a Friday evening as the sun sets across the lake while you catch up with friends and family and listen to local bands belt out classic tunes from rock, jazz and blues.
Fridays 9 January – 27 March 2026
Warners Bay Foreshore
BEN LEE
Come and experience Ben Lee live at MAP mima, as he performs a selection of his most beloved songs on the scenic pavilion stage. This special event promises an intimate evening of music, connection, and storytelling from one of Australia’s most iconic singersongwriters.
10 January 2026
Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima
Image credit: Ash Sekulich
AKMAL
Akmal is heading to Warners Bay this January with his smash-hit tour, after a spiritual journey to India to find himself.
Stand-up, movies, sketch, TV appearances, radio DJ, talk show host and a published author, Akmal is one of Australia’s most respected, successful and accomplished comics. Lightning quick and a master of unscripted comedy gold, Akmal has an incredible ability to deal with hot topics in a hilarious and slightly offensive way.
Presented by A-List Entertainment
23 January 2026
Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba
(Babies in arms not permitted)
PRESS PLAY WEEKEND
From discos to immersive art play and 360 projections, Press Play is the ultimate weekend for kids to discover art and creativity at MAP mima, with free and ticketed events.
13-15 February 2026
Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima
LAKE MACQUARIE PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA: MYTHS AND LEGENDS
Be transported by a program of imagination and storytelling into the realms of myths & legends, with tunes from Orpheus in the Underworld, Adagio from Spartacus and to the magic of the Peer Gynt Suite and Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet.
15 March 2026
Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba
EISHAN ENSEMBLE
ARIA-nominated Eishan Ensemble, led by PersianAustralian tar virtuoso Hamed Sadeghi, blends Eastern and Western traditions into a rich fusion of chamber jazz and Middle Eastern sounds. With original compositions and vibrant improvisation, their music has captivated audiences at major festivals and venues worldwide. Featuring saxophone, percussion, and double bass, Eishan’s layered soundscapes offer a thrilling and imaginative musical journey. Their performances are as emotionally powerful as they are musically intricate, leaving audiences inspired and uplifted.
15 March 2026
Rathmines Theatre, nawayiba
Image credit: Amirnaser Dabaghian
CATAPULT: UNCOILING VEILS OF ILLUSION
Using MAP mima’s 360-degree projection space, dancers move through projected landscapes that expand, distort and transform, with projections woven into the choreography.
27-29 March 2026
Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima
SPICY BRAIN
A free event for all ages, celebrating neurodiversity through music, dance, exhibitions and plenty of fun!
Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima
17 April 2026
CHAMBER QUARTET CONCERT IN THE CUBE
Enjoy this immersive concert, with music and imagery paired together within the MAP mima 360-degree projection Cube, as a Chamber Quartet performs a thrilling program of classical works.
26 April 2026
Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima
SONS OF SUN
Sons of Sun – Elvis, Jerry Lee, Johnny and Me is a rock and roll play that celebrates the legendary Sun Records and the artists who began their careers there. Told through the voices of founder Sam Phillips, his assistant Marion Keisker, and the stars he recorded, the show features a live three-piece band performing 35 classic hits from Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison and more. With a compelling script by Kieran Carroll and powerful performances, this innovative blend of theatre and concert has wowed audiences across Australia and enters an exciting new chapter in 2026.
16 May 2026
Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba
ARE YOU PULLING MY LEG?
With razor-sharp wit and undeniable charm, The Are You Pulling My Leg? line-up, showcasing some of Australia’s funniest comedians, brings to the stage hilarious and uncensored insights into disability. From awkward encounters to side-splitting observations that cut to the quick, no subject is off-limits.
6 June 2026
Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba
MACBETH BY COME YOU SPIRITS
Following the 2025 season of sold-out performances, this production, hailed as "THE Macbeth" (Sydney Arts Guide) comes to Warners Bay Theatre in 2026 to ignite audiences of all ages.
This fresh take on Macbeth is all about connection, energy, and unforgettable theatre. With a tight cast, powerful storytelling, and the electric presence of Wiradjuri dancer Ella Havelka as Second Witch, this adaptation blends Shakespeare’s drama with movement, spirit, and a touch of magic. It’s a chance to experience Macbeth like never before — bold, engaging, and full of moments that will spark conversation and leave you buzzing.
For school booking enquiries please email theatres@lakemac.nsw.gov.au.
27 June 2026
Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba
THE MAGIC FLUTE BY OPERA HUNTER
Opera Hunter proudly presents Mozart’s timeless masterpiece The Magic Flute, brought to life by an exceptional cast, the renowned Opera Hunter Chorus, and the Lake Macquarie Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Christopher Bearman OAM. This enchanting two-act opera, first performed in 1791, blends whimsical fantasy with deep philosophical themes. Audiences will follow Prince Tamino on a quest to rescue Princess Pamina, encountering magical instruments, trials of wisdom, and the unforgettable Queen of the Night. With its rich music, vibrant characters, and uplifting message, The Magic Flute promises a captivating experience for opera lovers and newcomers alike.
22 July - 2 August 2026
Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba
POP BAM FESTIVAL
Celebrate all things popular culture at Lake Macquarie's annual pop culture extravaganza. Explore the event zones and get involved in a full-day schedule of workshop, displays, battles, games, cosplay and more.
25 July 2026
Hunter Sports Centre, kaiyu nungkiliko
SYDNEY COMEDY FESTIVAL SHOWCASE
Expertly curated and lovingly presented, the Showcase will feature some of the Festival’s hottest acts live on stage for an incredible two hours of hard-hitting laughter. Boasting a line-up of veteran favourites and some of the freshest emerging talents, this jam-packed night of pure entertainment will leave you sore from belly laughs. So call your pals and grab your tickets to the funniest night of entertainment you will see all year – don’t miss out on a huge night of laughs!
7 August 2026
Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba
LAKE MACQUARIE MUSIC SOCIETY:
STRINGS N
THINGS
Get ready for an electrifying afternoon of music as talented ensembles and soloists from across the region take the stage. From soaring string melodies to unexpected musical delights, this celebration of artistry and passion will leave you inspired and uplifted. Don’t miss this showcase of regional brilliance and musical magic!
13 September 2026
Rathmines Theatre, nawayiba
LAKE MACQUARIE MUSIC SOCIETY: FESTIVAL OF THE CHOIRS
Don’t miss this annual celebration of the Hunter Region’s rich choral tradition, Festival of the Choirs. Featuring a diverse mix of choirs from across the region, enjoy songs performed across a variety of genres, from the classics through to popular and jazz and ending with a massed choir performance.
20 September 2026
Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba
MAP MIMA ROCKS
MAP mima Rocks is a free live music event celebrating local talent at the Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima. The event showcases the best of the region’s live music scene and highlights the Pavilion as a vibrant hub for arts and culture in Lake Macquarie. 26 September 2026
Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima
MANHATTAN SHORT FILM FESTIVAL
Be one of the 100,000 film lovers in 500 cities across six continents as you gather for one reason...to view and vote on the Finalists' Films in the 29th Annual MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival. Ten short films are selected from entries from around the world and will screen in over 500 venues across six continents during one week. Audiences at each venue are handed a voting card and asked to vote for the one film they think is best. Votes are sent through to Manhattan Short HQ and the winner is announced the following day.
2 October 2026
Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba
JAZZ AT MAP MIMA
Immerse yourself in a captivating evening as a live three-piece jazz ensemble performs inside MAP mima’s stunning 360-degree projection Cube. Surrounded by dynamic, full-circle visualisations that respond to every note and rhythm, this multisensory experience blurs the boundaries between sound and sight—placing you at the heart of the performance.
9 October 2026
Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima
ARE YOU A LOCAL ARTIST, MUSO OR CREATIVE?
Join the Creative Lake network and learn about upcoming commissions, events and networking opportunities.
THE MIKADO
The Mikado is a sparkling Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera set in the fantastical town of Titipu, where eccentric laws, mistaken identities, and romantic complications collide. With bright melodies and sharp satire, the story playfully explores power and propriety in a topsy-turvy world that delights audiences.
Rathmines Theatre, nawayiba
16-18 October 2026
PAVILION FILM FESTIVAL
Step inside the immersive world of the Cube at MAP mima for the inaugural year of Lake Macquarie's very own Pavilion Film Festival, where contemporary short films, experimental works, and digital narratives come alive on 360° projections. The festival celebrates bold storytelling, innovative techniques, and unexpected encounters, inviting filmmakers from across Australia to enter for their chance to win.
22-25 October 2026
Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima
SONIDO ANDEAN & LATIN AMERICAN ROOTS
Home-grown sounds capturing the magic of Latin America. Presented in association with Musica Viva Australia and Lake Mac Arts. Sonido is one of Australia’s longest-lived and most renowned exponents of Latin American folkloric music. Formed in 1977 playing traditional Andean music, with instruments like the charango and zampoña, a new generation of musicians took the mantle in the 1990s, injecting broader and more modern influences, whilst staying true to their roots of Latin American traditional sounds.
24 October 2026
Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba
NEWK: STORY OF JOHN NEWCOMBE
NEWK (The John Newcombe Story) is a grand story about wanting life to be a huge ride, where rest is secondary and finally how that zest and appetite for life never disappears but needs to be tempered. Written by award-winning Australian playwright Kieran Carroll and performed by acclaimed Melbourne actor, Paul Armstrong, NEWK (The John Newcombe Story) traces the life of the great Australian tennis champion of the 1960s and 70s, John Newcombe. NEWK has been a big hit all over NSW and Victoria since 2019. So, grab a Cinzano and enjoy this rollicking ride about the life of one of Australia’s greatest sportsmen.
1 November 2026
Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba
AUSTRALIAN HAYDN ENSEMBLE –
HAYDN'S OXFORD
Haydn, Mozart, and Boccherini share the stage in a program brimming with elegance, wit, and intimacy. From Boccherini’s storm-tinted piano quartet to Mozart’s sparkling chamber concerto and Haydn’s jubilant “Oxford” Symphony in Salomon’s nimble arrangement, expect music that charms, surprises, and graduates with honours — mortarboard optional. 7
Rathmines Theatre, nawayiba
PETER AND THE WOLF & OTHER TAILS
Join Lake Macquarie Philharmonic Orchestra for a joyful musical adventure, perfect for kids and families. Experience the enchanting story of Peter and the Wolf, with each character brought to life by a different instrument - the bird tweets on the flute, the duck waddles with the oboe, and the big, scary wolf growls with the French horns. Follow brave little Peter as he outsmarts the wolf and saves the day. This delightful performance will be an unforgettable introduction to the magic of orchestral music for audiences of all ages.
22 November 2026
Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba
WANT TO BE PART OF SHAPING
LAKE MACQUARIE'S ARTS, HERITAGE
& CREATIVE
FUTURE PLAN?
Register with Creative Lake Macquarie and learn about opportunities to be involved in surveys and workshops.
CULTURAL FESTIVALS
Don’t miss out on Lake Macquarie's annual cultural festivals, with full programs to be announced early 2026.
LAKE MACQUARIE DOBELL FESTIVAL
31 October -8 November 2026
Various locations
Discover and uncover the fascinating stories about Lake Macquarie’s past at this festival dedicated to history and heritage. Visit library.lakemac.com.au for all the details.
ARTISAN FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
13 June 2026
Meet the Makers is a whole day event where artists and makers from across Lake Macquarie will showcase and demonstrate their practice to the community at the Museum of Art and Culture, yapang (MAC yapang). There will be a range of artists participating in the event, and representing a broad range of mediums, including painting, drawing, textile art, glass making, ceramics and more. Members of the public will have the opportunity to meet artists and learn more about their creative process, and purchase unique artworks to take home.
15 August 2026
A day of creativity, hands-on tech, and innovation for makers and curious minds of all ages. Take part in interactive sessions, live demos, and practical workshops designed to spark fresh thinking and creative problem-solving. The program includes hands-on mini-maker workshops, demonstrations, and exhibitor booths and exhibitions featuring local makers, students, and creators. Maker-Con offers a unique opportunity to learn new skills, share ideas, and connect with a vibrant community of innovators and creators.
Museum of Art and Culture, yapang
Windale Hub, bilyabayi
7-8 November 2026
Various locations
Lake Mac Open Studios is weekend long event where local artists open their studio doors to the general public, giving art lovers the opportunity to meet artists, learn about the creative process and experience a unique behind-the-scenes look. Held in November each year, Open Studios is a great opportunity for visitors to purchase unique artisan-made gifts for Christmas.
Discover beautifully crafted pieces by Australian makers:
• Jewellery
• Ceramics
• Glassware
• Bags
• Textiles Every purchase supports makers, culture, community and MAC yapang.
mac.lakemac.com.au
OUR PARTNERS
Lake Mac Arts and its programs are delivered by Lake Macquarie City Council and key funding partners.
Supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW
LAKE MACQUARIE CITY COUNCIL
PROUDLY SUPPORTS LOCAL WINERIES AND BREWERIES, PROVIDING A FINE SELECTION OF WINES, BEERS AND CIDERS
OUR PARTNERS ARE ALL CERTIFIED SUSTAINABLE AND 100% LOCAL, SOURCED FROM WITHIN 50KM OF LAKE MACQUARIE.
EVENT/FESTIVAL DATE
