Good morning, Newcastle! Welcome back to the Newcastle Digest.

Another big weekend in Newcastle. Here’s what’s on, gigs, markets, and local events worth checking out, all in one place.

This week, I have not included the miscellaneous section at the end of the newsletter again. This is where I would rotate from topics such as local history, beach reviews, etc. Is this something you would like me to continue including in the newsletter each week?

Maddz on York
I’ve become a bit of a creature of habit when it comes to coffee, same spots, same routines. So, I’ve decided to change that. From now until the end of the year, I’m setting myself a challenge: to visit one new café each week across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie that I haven’t tried before.

Each week, I’ll share where I went, what I ordered, and whether it’s worth adding to your own coffee rotation. There’s no ranking or scoring system, just honest local finds, one cup at a time.

This week I checked out Maddz on York in Teralba. They serve breakfast, brunch, and lunch, with a strong focus on coffee and house-baked cakes.

We just grabbed dine-in coffees this time, and they were great, made with Glitch beans, which are roasted locally in Newcastle. It was a Sunday morning and the place was pretty busy, but the service was quick and friendly. There’s plenty of seating both inside and outside, and the food coming out looked really good. I’ll definitely be heading back soon for breakfast.

📍 5 York Street, Teralba

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Rollertopia 2025 – MAP mima, Speers Point Park | 14 November 5:30pm – 9pm
Celebrate 80’s Skaties 7th birthday with retro music, food trucks, stalls, and prizes for best disco outfits. Skates available to borrow on-site. More info.

The Greatest Showcase | 15 November – The Factory Theatre, Adamstown
Students from Trinity Catholic College take centre stage for a circus-themed spectacular packed with big vocals, inventive staging and show-stopping performances.

Garage Sale Trail | 15–16 November – Across the Hunter
Australia’s biggest second-hand treasure hunt is back! Host a sale or hit the trail to discover pre-loved gems, collectables and bargains across the region.

Family Fun Day Sundays – Kahibah Sports Club, 63 Kenibea Avenue, Kahibah | 16 November from 12pm
Enjoy free kids’ activities, mini golf, open green space, and soccer nets for the little ones — the perfect relaxed family Sunday. More info.

Free Community Pool Party – Lambton Pool, Lambton | 16 November 1pm – 4pm
Cool off and enjoy an afternoon of splashing, games, and family fun. Free entry for all ages with activities and entertainment throughout the day. More info.

Artspace: Family Artmaking | 16 November – MAC yapang, Booragul
Bring the whole family for a free, hands-on art session led by friendly educators. A relaxed, creative way to spend your Sunday morning. More info.

The Nutcracker | 16 November – Civic Theatre, Newcastle
BIG Live’s world-class dancers bring the magic of The Nutcracker back to the Civic Theatre for a festive, family-friendly ballet experience.

I’ll Show You Mine – Cathrine Mahoney | 13 November – Earp Distilling Co., Carrington
Divorce, dating, vibrators and chasing dreams — nothing’s off limits in Cathrine Mahoney’s hilariously unfiltered one-woman show. Expect raw honesty and plenty of laughs at this intimate evening inside Earp Distilling Co. More info.

Leah Wither Live | 14 November – The Gladdy, Stockton
Stockton favourite Leah Wither brings her warm country sound and heartfelt storytelling to The Gladdy for an easy Friday session of acoustic favourites and golden-era country tunes. More info.

Breathe Into Your Inner Child – Rasa Lila Arts, 27 Marton Street, Shortland | 14 November 6:30pm – 9pm
Journey into stillness and peace through Yogic Breath and Neurogenic Therapeutic Tremoring. Take time for self-care and reconnect with your inner child through intentional movement and breath practices.

Newcastle Bonsai Society Annual Show – Club Macquarie, Cockle Creek | 14–17 November
Discover stunning bonsai displays, demonstrations, and a sales area across three days. Friday 1pm–5pm, Saturday 9am–5pm, Sunday 9am–3pm. More info.

6-Week Intro to Stand-Up Comedy – Newcastle Comedy Club, Hunter St, Newcastle | Saturdays from 15 November 3:30pm – 5pm
A beginner-friendly six-week course covering joke writing, stagecraft, and confidence-building in a supportive environment. Includes an optional graduation showcase at the end of the program. More info.

Hunter Record Fair | 15 November – Kotara High School
Vinyl lovers, dig in! Thousands of records and CDs across every genre await, with rare finds, bargains and collectibles from local and interstate sellers. More info.

Greenroof Busking Competition | 15 November – The Greenroof, Hamilton
Support local talent and enjoy a few tins in the sun at the first ever Greenroof Busking Comp. Good music, cold drinks and laid-back Hamilton vibes. More info.

LUCA: A Queer Party | 15 November – Ground Floor, Hunter St, Newcastle
Created by lesbians for lesbians, non-binary and trans folk (and allies), LUCA is a celebration of queer joy with DJs Kat & Brooklyn, DJ Queerio and more lighting up the dance floor. More info.

A Very Newy Christmas | 6–15 November – Civic Theatre, Newcastle
A queer Newcastle comedy about divorced mums, chaotic colleagues and one stubborn pothole. Heartfelt, messy and hilariously local — the ultimate pre-Christmas laugh. More info.

Creative Abstract Workshop with Brett Piva | 15 November – MAC yapang, Booragul
Explore vibrant colours and textures inspired by Lake Macquarie’s natural beauty in this creative workshop with local artist Brett Piva. All materials provided. More info.

Rainbow Family Identity Art Workshop | 15 November – MAC yapang, Booragul
A free inclusive art workshop for LGBTQIA+ individuals, rainbow families and allies, guided by artist Emma Florence May. Celebrate identity and connection through creative expression. More info.

Christmas Earring Workshop – Modus Merewether, Newcastle | 16 November 12pm – 2pm
Create your own festive polymer clay earrings while enjoying drinks and good company. Tickets $65pp, all materials provided. More info.

Reflections Mini Fest – The Lass O’Gowrie, Newcastle | 15 November from 4:30pm
A 15-band mini festival featuring indoor and outdoor stages with local legends and rising acts. Tickets $15 on the door, live music until 1am. More info.

Basketry Looping Workshop | 16 November – MAC yapang, Booragul
Learn the art of basket weaving using natural, found materials in this hands-on workshop with artist Catriona Pollard. Leave with your own organic creation. More info.

Blanca Sundaze | 16 November – Blanca, Newcastle East
Sip, graze and soak up Mykonos-inspired coastal vibes with Mediterranean bites, crafted cocktails and DJ sets from 4–8pm. More info.

Monty Franklin – Is That Your Mate? | 16 November – Newcastle Comedy Club
Aussie expat Monty Franklin returns with his sharp, relatable comedy in a brand-new show that’s already selling out across Australia. More info.

Hemp & House: Morning Coffee Rave – The Hemporium Wellness Centre, Newcastle | 15 November 8am – 10am
Start your morning with uplifting music, hemp elixirs, cacao, and community vibes. A family-friendly, alcohol-free dance gathering for all ages. More info.

Olive Tree Market | 15 November – Civic Park, Newcastle
Support Newcastle’s creatives and shop handmade art, design, and locally crafted gifts at this vibrant market day filled with live tunes and good food. More info.

Christmas Twilight Edition – Pelican Foreshore, Lakeview Parade | 15 November 4pm – 8pm
Celebrate Christmas by the lake with food trucks, sweet treats, festive tunes, and local stalls — a perfect evening for families and friends. More info.

Christmas Twilight Markets – Rowlands Park, The Junction | 15 November 4pm – 8pm
Twilight shopping under the palms and stars with handmade stalls, street food, and live entertainment. More info.

Bloom & Gather – 16 Gipps Street, Carrington | 15 November 9am – 1pm
Explore a curated inner-city market in a rustic-industrial warehouse setting featuring local creators and handmade goods. More info.

Speers Point Christmas Market – Speers Point Park | 16 November 9am – 1pm
Lake Mac’s biggest Christmas market with 150 stalls, live music, food, and family-friendly activities. Perfect for local gift shopping. More info.

Sago Sun Flea | 16 November – Sago Studio, Hamilton
Browse local makers, vintage finds and community vibes at this beloved Sunday morning flea market. Perfect for treasure hunters and coffee lovers alike. More info.

Do you want me to share an event in the Newcastle Digest?