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

This week kicks off the quest to find Newys best schnitzel, voted by you. As well as some info on a new venue for sweet treats, plus much more.

Have a good rest of your week.

Table of Contents

• Eats

• Live Music

• Events

• Miscellaneous

New to Newcastle

Union Street Pastry

A new tasty treat spot opened up last week in Wickham. Union Street Pastry is serving up a variety of pastries such as an apple crumble pastry, croissants, cookies and freshly brewed coffee. I love a bakery so I cant wait to try this weekend!

Location: 9 Union Street, Wickham, Newcastle

Quest for Newy’s best schnitzel

The Falcon

House crumbed chicken breast, fries, house pepper gravy
$26

The Falcon’s schnitty is one of my favourites in Newcastle.

The crumbing is the standout, somewhere between a classic schnitzel and a fried chicken coating. Crunchy, salty, and way more flavour than most. The pepper gravy is proper too. Rich, thick, and actually peppery. Pairs perfectly with the schnit and the Cajun fries.

No salad, which knocks it down slightly, but you can sub in mash and greens if that’s your thing.

It’s not the biggest schnitty in town, but it’s up there with the best.

Scorecard

Newcastle trivia

Friday 25 July

Saturday 26 July

Sunday 27 July

Families

Lake Mac POP BAM (Pop Culture Festival) – Rathmines Theatre & Park | Sat 26 July 2025
Wham, bam, POP BAM! Lake Macquarie’s pop culture festival returns this July! Dive into a world where your favourite movies, TV shows, comics, and music come alive in a vibrant celebration of creativity and fandom.

Christmas In July Luncheon Cruise – All Event Cruises, Queens Wharf Ferry Terminal, Wharf Rd, Newcastle | 26 July
Enjoy winter magic on the water with a Christmas buffet lunch, decorations, music, and more. Every child gets a present!

Peek Into the Past – Tocal Homestead, Paterson | Sun 27 July 2025
Peek into the Past is when Tocal Homestead comes alive with the sights, sounds and smells of yesteryear. It is the perfect old-worldly day out for the whole family to become immersed in the nostalgia. Including traditional bush games, farm animals, heritage parades, machinery demonstrations, sheep shearing, fresh scones and much more.

Adults

CBCA NSW Hunter’s Christmas in July – The Grand Hotel, Newcastle | 24 July | 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Hear from Paul MacDonald (in person) and representatives from Thames & Hudson and Penguin Random House via Zoom to get the inside scoop on all things CBCA, books and publishing. More info.

Thursday Singles Event at Bar Mellow – Bar Mellow, Ground Floor, 744 Hunter St, Newcastle West | 24 July
Join Bar Mellow for a singles night for all ages—no awkward speed dating, just a bar full of single people. Enjoy delicious cocktails and wine as you mingle! More info.

The Balvenie Whisky Night – Bartholomew’s, 145 King St, Newcastle | 24 July
An expert brand ambassador will guide you through the history, traditions and secrets of their award-winning whiskies. Sample some of the finest whiskies in the world and learn about their unique characteristics. More info.

Truffle Degustation – Peregrin, Level 1, 99 Frederick St, Merewether | 25 July
Paired at Peregrin is a monthly series celebrating Australia’s food and wine scene, the stories from our lands, and the magic that happens when exceptional food meets delicious drops. More info.

Mount Pleasant at the Chef’s Table – Local Connections, Shortland Building, Level 2/130 University Dr, Callaghan | 25 July
Enjoy a 5-course degustation dinner with wine pairings in one of the most unexpected locations. More info.

Goodtime Burgers ARE BACK at The Exchange – The Exchange Hotel, 125 Denison St, Hamilton | 25 – 27 July
As part of our 145th birthday celebrations, Goodtime Burgers return—bigger, bolder, and badder than ever. More info.

Christmas in July Drag Queen Bingo – Cheeky Dog, 147 Soldiers Point Rd, Soldiers Point | 25 July
Forget sugar, spice, and everything nice—this Christmas in July is serving sass, sequins, and scandal at Drag Queen Bingo! 18+ only. More info.

Stockton’s Bush to Beach Country Festival – Stockton Bowling Club, 122 Mitchell St, Stockton | 26 July
Viper Creek headlines a full day of country-rock energy with four powerhouse support acts. More info.

Prosecco and Posy Flower Workshop – Newcastle Flower Markets, 1 Rural Dr, Sandgate | 26 July
Grab your besties for a magical floral experience with designer Jessica Eckford-Aguilera at the Prosecco & Posy workshop. More info.

The Body Speaks – body expression workshop – Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima, 96 Creek Reserve Rd, Speers Point | 26 July
An immersive one-hour workshop led by dance and mixed media artist Marielle Gonier. No dance experience required. More info.

Raise Love Charity Ball – NEX, 309 King St, Newcastle West | 26 July
An evening of inspiring family stories, entertainment and company, raising funds for families with seriously ill or injured children supported by RMHC Northern NSW. More info.

Cheers to the Good Times – The Exchange Hotel, 125 Denison St, Hamilton | 26 July
Wrap up a massive month with free entry, DJs from 6 pm, Tre Soul live at 9 pm, and no lockout all night. More info.

Prosecco and Posy Flower Workshop – 1 Rural Dr, Sandgate | 26 July | 12 pm – 1:30 pm
Join Newcastle Flower Market for an afternoon of blooms & bubbles at the Prosecco & Posy workshop—perfect for beginners and flower lovers. More info.

Broden Kelly “Yá Dónde” (Comedy) – Newcastle Conservatorium | Sat 26 July 2025, 9:15 pm
As seen on TV (Aunty Donna, Fisk, etc.), comedian Broden Kelly brings his solo show “Yabusele” to Newcastle Comedy Festival. Expect an hour of offbeat, high-energy stand-up from one of Australia’s most unique comics.

Best of the Bee Gees: Saturday Night Fever Show – Civic Theatre Newcastle | Sat 26 July 2025, 7:30 pm
Experience the magic of the Bee Gees’ music in this special Saturday Night Fever tribute concert, backed by the George Ellis Orchestra. Sing along to all the disco-era hits in an unforgettable evening celebrating the Gibb brothers’ legacy.

Pints & Pilates – The Oaks Tighes Hill, 207 Maitland Rd, Tighes Hill | 27 July
A Pilates class led by Grace Movement Studios with beers from Young Henrys and Heaps Normal on arrival, plus meat raffles and wine from Vera. More info.

Select’s Presents SESSIONS – Charlie’s Rooftop, 529 Hunter St, Newcastle | 27 July
Introducing SESSIONS: live recorded DJ sets and an intimate dancefloor at one of Newcastle’s best rooftop venues. More info.

John Cruckshank Live (Comedy) – Hamilton Station Hotel | Sun 27 July 2025, 5:00 pm
Beloved Aussie comic John Cruckshank closes out Newcastle Comedy Festival with an early evening show. Enjoy an hour of dry wit and laid-back laughs as “Cruckshank” delivers his acclaimed stand-up in the relaxed pub atmosphere of the Hammo Station Hotel

Markets

Hunter Wine Country Markets – De Bortoli Wines, Lovedale | Sat 26 & Sun 27 July, 9:00 am–2:00 pm
Held at De Bortoli in Lovedale, Hunter Wine Country Markets are a long-standing fixture on the Hunter Valley market calendar. Every Saturday and Sunday, from 9 am to 2 pm, expect boutique stalls by local artisans, with everything from jewellery and clothes to candles and local produce.

Handmade in the Hunter Markets – Sobel Wines, Pokolbin | Sat 26 July 2025
Browse a range of handmade goods, crafts, and local products, and enjoy delicious food and local wine at Sobel Wines.

Merewether Markets – Dixon Park, Merewether | Sat 26 July 2025, 9:00 am–2:00 pm
Merewether Markets is a boutique market nestled in the coastal suburb of Merewether, supporting local artists, designers, and food vendors from around the region.

The Sunday Muster – Mortels Sheepskin Factory, Thornton | Sun 27 July 2025, 9:00 am–2:00 pm
The Sunday Muster is held at the famous Mortels Sheepskin Factory. Shop artists, craftspeople, and designers, soundtracked by live music, on the fourth Sunday of every month from 9 am to 2 pm.

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

Superman in Newcastle

Last week's trivia question stumped a few, but yes, the 2006 movie Superman Returns had scenes filmed in Newcastle. Some people actually didn't believe me to the point where they asked for proof.

The scene in the film involved a thief, who had robbed a bank, firing on police cars on the street below from the top of the bank building. The "Newhart Federal Bank" is actually the University House located on the corner of King Street and Auckland Street. More info here.

Pet of the week

Dahlia

My name is Dahlia, and I am a 4-year-old English Staffy. My favourite things to do are snuggle with my mum in the morning, watch football with my dad, and play with my best friend, the neighbour's cat (he calls it chasing, but we are only playing).

Want to feature your pet? Reply to this email with a photo of your pet and some info to be featured. Viewing this online? Email [email protected]

If you have sent a pic in thank you, we will get to your furbaby soon.