Good morning Newcastle!

Welcome back to The Newcastle Digest. I hope everyone is staying safe in this horrendous weather.

This edition is slightly shorter as I am travelling for work. Back to normal next week.

Table of Contents

• Live Music

• Events

Newcastle trivia

Thursday 22 May

Friday 23 May

Saturday 24 May

Sunday 25 May

Families

Hunter Valley Outdoor Show – Maitland Showground | 23-25 May | 9 am – 4 pm (Fri & Sun); 9 am – 5 pm (Sat) The largest event of its kind in NSW, featuring over 300 sites, a variety of entertainment and food areas, free car parking with courtesy bus—making it a great day out for the whole family. More info.

Africa Day – Islington Public School | 24 May | 10 am – 4 pm
You’re invited to celebrate Africa’s diverse culture through music, dance and all things African! This day commemorates the founding of the Organisation of African Unity on 25 May 1963 and reflects on the rich history, diverse cultures and progress of the African continent.
Cost: Free

Variety Family Fun Day – Camp Shortland, Pasha Way, Newcastle | 24 May | 11 am – 3 pm
Celebrate the end of the Variety Bash as colourful Bash cars arrive at lunchtime alongside characters like Lightning McQueen, Captain America, Shrek, Star Wars, Toy Story, Scooby Doo and more. Free entry, with a $5 wristband for unlimited access to jumping castles, face painting, a petting zoo, mini golf and other kids’ activities. Proceeds support Variety’s work with kids who are sick, disadvantaged or living with a disability in the Newcastle and Hunter area.
Cost: Free

Move for MADA 2025 – Harold Gregson Park, Maitland | 25 May | 9 am – 12 pm
Join the community walk/run/stroll around Harold Gregson Park to take a stand against domestic abuse. Enjoy free family and kids’ activities, face painting, Soldier Fit Mini Olympics, live music, food trucks, market stalls and more.
Cost: Free

Adults

Old Mervs Album Launch – Bar on The Hill, Ring Rd, Callaghan | 22 May
Join indie-rock duo Old Mervs in celebrating the release of their debut, self-titled album featuring “What You’ve Lost,” “Parched,” “Forget It,” “See You Again,” “Everyone Will See It” and more. Cost: $55

Singles Dating Event – Grainfed Brewing, 1/52 Young Rd, Lambton | 22 May
Grainfed hosts a relaxed singles mixer—no speed dating, just good conversation over craft beer. Cost: $20–$30. More info.

Hunter Drama Presents The Tempest – The Playhouse, Civic Theatre Newcastle, 375 Hunter St, Newcastle | 22 May – 24 May
Storm warning! Shakespeare’s tale of magic, betrayal and redemption on a mysterious island. Cost: $39

Emotion Creatures by Emily Lloyd – Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima, 96 Creek Reserve Rd, Speers Point | 23 May
Experience animated “emotion creatures” brought to life in texture and movement. Free event

Merge Dating: Under 30s Disco Singles Night – Bar Mellow, Ground Floor, 744 Hunter St, Newcastle West | 23 May
Disco-themed singles mixer—funky beats, flirty vibes and dance-floor connections. Cost: $20

TWO OF US – Songs of Lennon & McCartney – Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba, 39 Lake St, Warners Bay | 23 May | 8 pm – 10:20 pm
Darren Coggan and Damien Leith pay tribute to Lennon and McCartney. Cost: $65 adult; $60 concession. More info.

The Greek Taverna Newcastle – 13–17 Steel St, Hamilton | 23 May, 24 May & 30 May
Limited-time pop-up of authentic Greek dishes and hospitality. More info.

Tom Gleeson – Newcastle Comedy Club – Newcastle Comedy Club, 1A Darby St, Newcastle | 13 May – 24 May
See the Gold Logie–winning host of Hard Quiz and Taskmaster Australia live in stand-up. More info.

Holistic Speaking & Presenting Workshop – Hamilton Community Hive, 152 Beaumont St, Hamilton | 24 May
Learn holistic speaking techniques for work, community and confidence. Cost: $78 + $4.52 fee

FROST BITES – Crown & Anchor Hotel, 189 Hunter St, Newcastle NSW 2300 | 24 May | 7 pm
Get ready to party like it’s 2007! Reassemble the crew—Newcastle’s classic 2000s club night returns with slushies on tap, pristine club audio, iconic decor and Newy’s all-time greatest club DJs. More info.

Breakthrough Breathwork – The Station, Watt Street, Newcastle NSW 2300 | 25 May | 2 pm – 5 pm
Start your week with an immersive Conscious Connected Breathwork workshop by Boundless Breath. Includes a cacao ceremony, multisensory experience and community connection. Refunds up to 3 days before event. More info.

Strength For Sarah Fundraising Event – Lowlands Bowling Club, Cooks Hill | 25 May | 10:30 am – 4:30 pm
Bring family and friends for an afternoon of fundraising and fun including raffles, face painting, head shave and market stalls. All proceeds support Sarah, Cain and Athena in their fight against breast cancer. More info.

Markets

The Night Market – Newcastle Showground, 1A Curley Rd, Broadmeadow | 23 May | 4 pm – 9 pm
International street food, artisan stalls and outdoor cinema under the stars. Free entry. More info.

Outdoor Market – Bar Sole, 173 Maitland Rd, Tighes Hill | 25 May
Bhakti Ritual x Affix Jewellery: wood-fired pizza, live music and handmade & second-hand market stalls. Free entry

Homegrown Markets – The Station, Newcastle | 24 May | 10 am – 2 pm
Soak up the market magic—shop local-made goods from a huge lineup of makers, enjoy street food & coffee, kids’ entertainment and more. Free parking onsite. More info.

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