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.

Enjoy!

This week, I visited Outdo Café in Newcastle West, owned by local Brittany Saunders. It’s a small café with plenty of outdoor seating and a relaxed, easygoing feel.

The drinks menu covers everything from the usual coffees to trendier options like cold foam matcha. The food is simple but solid, more toastie-focused than a full café menu. I grabbed a ham and cheese croissant with thick-cut ham, plus an iced latte that was really good.

Good coffee, friendly service, and a chilled atmosphere make Outdo a solid stop for a quick breakfast or mid-morning caffeine break.

📍 464 King Street, Newcastle West

Viet Origin - Darby Street

Viet Origin on Darby Street is a strong option if you’re after proper Vietnamese food in a really relaxed setting. The menu is simple, well-priced, and the quality is spot on.

I went for lunch and had the pork and egg bánh mì, which was different to the usual but really good, plus the pork belly with rice. Both were fresh, generous, and full of flavour. The pho looked excellent, so I’m keen to go back and try it next time. They also serve matcha and Vietnamese iced coffee if you want something outside the usual drink lineup.

A reliable, no-fuss Vietnamese spot right in the middle of town.

3/115 Darby St, Cooks Hill

Based right here in the Hunter, Claire is a celebrant who truly loves love. She crafts ceremonies that feel like your story - warm, personal, and full of laughter. Whether it’s a beach wedding, a vineyard celebration, or something uniquely you, Claire helps every couple feel seen, celebrated, and entirely at ease. Whoever you are, however you love, she’ll make your day feel like home.

For a limited time, Claire is offering a black Friday discount. 10% off if couples book between 17-30 Nov.

P.S. Looking to advertise in the Newcastle Digest? Click here or reach out at [email protected]

Down the Park – Foreshore Park Tram Sheds, Newcastle | 20 November 4pm – 7pm
A free youth event with live music, skate comps, art workshops, and family fun featuring Charlie Farmer and Trophy Wyfe. More info.

Digitales: Storytime & Art – MAP mima, Speers Point | 20 November & 11 December 10am
Enjoy storytime on the big screen followed by hands-on art and shadow play for children aged 2–5. Free entry.

Flo’s Day Charity Fun Day – Club Lambton, 51 Karoola Rd, Lambton | 23 November 10am – 3pm
A family fundraising day for childhood cancer research featuring live music, stalls, raffles, and kids’ activities. More info.

Maitland Brickfest – Maitland High School, East Maitland | 23 November 10am – 4pm
A LEGO fan event with 80+ displays, shopping stalls, and family fun. Adults $10, Family $35. More info.

Hunter Drama Presents Fragments – Civic Playhouse, Newcastle | 23 November 7pm
A moving showcase of interwoven stories exploring connection, memory, and human fragility. Tickets $39.

Music of the Guns – Fort Scratchley, Newcastle | 22 November 6pm – 8pm
Enjoy a night of live music from the Australian Army Band and local performers, ending with a spectacular cannon finale. More info.

Santa’s Tea Party – Charlestown Square | 22–23 November 8:30am – 9:30am
A whimsical twist on Santa’s Breakfast featuring themed entertainment and treats. Bookings essential. More info.

Family Fun Day Sundays – Kahibah Sports Club, 63 Kenibea Avenue, Kahibah | 23 November from 12pm
Enjoy free kids’ activities, mini golf, open green space, and soccer nets for the little ones — the perfect relaxed family Sunday.

Chamber Club – The Underground, The Grand Hotel, 32 Church St, Newcastle | 19 November 7:30pm – 11pm
An immersive cabaret evening by Bizarre Haus Entertainment featuring world-class burlesque, live performance, and indulgent atmosphere. Tickets $65.

Lenny Kravitz: Blue Electric Light Tour – Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Broadmeadow | 19 November
The four-time GRAMMY® Award winner brings his global tour to Newcastle for one night only. Expect an electrifying mix of classic hits and new anthems. More info.

DNA – Civic Playhouse, Newcastle | 20–22 November 2pm & 7pm
Hunter Drama presents DNA by Dennis Kelly — a gripping teen thriller exploring guilt, loyalty, and morality. Tickets $39.

Here You Come Again – Civic Theatre, Newcastle | 20–23 November
The hit Dolly Parton musical featuring all her greatest hits and plenty of rhinestones. Starring Tricia Paoluccio and Dash Kruck. More info.

Julbord Nordic Christmas Dinner – Signal Box, 155 Wharf Rd, Newcastle | 20 November 6pm
A Nordic-style festive dining experience presented by Pappa Sven and The Signal Box. Tickets $110.

The Imperfects - Newcastle Entertainment Centre | 21 November, 6:30pm
With over 8 million downloads, The Imperfects Podcast has become one of Australia's most popular. Now hosts Hugh van Cuylenburg, Josh van Cuylenburg and Ryan Shelton are taking The Imperfects live! More info.

Rewind 2000s Dance Party – The Exchange, 125 Denison St, Hamilton | 21 November from 8pm
Throw it back to the glory days of Myspace and flip phones at this free night of nostalgic bangers. More info.

Mixed-Media Assemblage Workshops – MAC yapang, Booragul | Fridays 21 & 28 November, 5 & 12 December
A four-week series exploring creative assemblage using recycled materials with artist Emma Florence May. Tickets $80+bf.

Crafted Beer Festival – Camp Shortland, Newcastle Foreshore | 22 November
Newy’s biggest beachside beer bash returns with 25+ breweries, 250+ brews, food trucks, and live music. More info.

Wabi Sabi Gallery: Little Treasures – 501 Glebe Rd, Adamstown | 22–23 November 10am – 4pm
Explore small works by 15+ artists celebrating the beauty of detail in this local art exhibition.

Newcastle & Hunter Jigsaw Puzzle Buy Swap & Sell – Toronto Multi Purpose Centre | 22 November 9.30am – 12.30pm
This non profit event is held every 3 months and offers hundreds of preloved and new jigsaw puzzles for sale or swap. As the final event for 2025, there will be plenty of puzzles, raffle prizes (tickets $2 or 3 for $5), a Lucky Door prize, and light refreshments for a gold coin donation. Proceeds are donated to charity. More info.

Medowie Christmas Markets – Ferodale Oval, Medowie | 22 November 9am – 2pm
Over 100 local stalls, live entertainment, and community activities as part of the Sustainable Living Festival. More info.

The Sunday Muster – 1 Weakleys Dr, Thornton | 23 November 9am – 2pm
A relaxed market with handmade goods, food stalls, and local charm — perfect for a Sunday browse. More info.

Carpark Thrift Markets: Christmas Edition – Mayfield Hotel | 22 November 9:30am – 2pm
Local small business stalls, food, and coffee. Free entry. More info.

Christmas Market – St Thomas Church, 3 Thomas St, Cardiff | 22 November 8am – 12pm
Enjoy coffee, BBQ, live music, kids’ activities, and stalls with handmade crafts and gifts. Cash preferred.

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The Ballpark - Kotara

The Ballpark has opened in Kotara and it brings something you don’t really find anywhere else in the area. The venue mixes a social bar setup with interactive batting cages, digital darts, pool tables, and a big-screen sports layout that feels built for hanging out rather than rushing through activities.

The baseball cages are the main draw. You jump into a simulation booth, choose from a range of different game modes, and just start swinging. It’s easy to get into and genuinely fun, whether you’re competitive or just there for a laugh.

The bar side is strong too, plenty of beers on tap, a good selection of drinks, and food that’s much better than your typical sports-bar offering. Burgers, pizzas, and snacks come out quickly and are ideal for sharing between rounds in the cage. The space itself is big, well set out, and has screens everywhere, so you can catch whatever sport is on while you’re there.

Overall, it’s a great option if you want to do something a bit more active than the usual pub visit. A good mix of atmosphere, games, and food that makes it really easy to spend a couple of hours without noticing.