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

We have another busy weekend ahead and a jam-packed edition this week.

Thank you for all of the support and interactions lately. I appreciate it. Have a good rest of your week!

Meshiya Japan - Marketown
Tucked inside the Coles side of Marketown, Meshiya Japan has quickly become my go-to lunch spot for anyone working in town. The menu covers all the Japanese classics, making it an easy choice when you’re craving something filling and flavoursome.

My regular order is either the Katsu Don or the Tonkotsu Ramen, both generous, comforting, and hard to beat for the price. Newcastle isn’t short on great Japanese options, but Meshiya holds its own as one of the best. Ordering is simple through the iPads, service is quick, and the dishes consistently deliver on quality without breaking the bank. Next time you’re in town and in need of a satisfying lunch, Meshiya is well worth a stop.

📍 The Beach Hotel
Weekdays: $7 wines, spirits & beers + $12 margaritas
4 pm – 6 pm

📍 Customs House Hotel
Weekdays: $10 margaritas, espresso martinis, Stone & Wood pints & house wines
5 pm – 7 pm

📍 The Exchange Hotel
Weekdays: $5 beers and wine + $10 cocktails
4 pm – 6 pm

📍 The Del
Weekdays: $7 beers, wines & spirits 3 pm – 6 pm
Saturday: $14 cocktails 2 pm – 6 pm

📍 Blue Kahunas
Daily: $8 tap beers & $12 cocktails
5 pm – 6 pm

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Wicked Sing-Along – Civic Theatre, Newcastle | 26 September
Unleash your inner Elphaba or Glinda at this special sing-along screening of the big-screen musical. Costumes encouraged. More info.

Street Eats – Honeysuckle Drive, Aberglasslyn | 26 September 5pm – 8pm
A vibrant mix of food trucks, live music and pop-up stalls in this family-friendly gathering. More info.

Singleton Show – Singleton Showground | 26 – 28 September
A full weekend of family fun, music, market stalls, horse events, and the Australian Wife Carrying Titles. More info.

Mini Putt Putt – The Station, Newcastle | 27 September – 5 October 10am – 5pm
Tee-off on a 6-hole whimsical mini putt course designed by artists Rosie Deacon and Jen Denzin as part of New Annual. Free. More info.

Midnight Dreaming: The Power of Movement – Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima | 27 September 6pm – 7:30pm
A powerful dance performance weaving traditional storytelling into contemporary life. More info.

Soft Pastel Painting Workshop – Uniting Church Hall, Mayfield | 27 & 28 September
Learn to capture clouds and water in soft pastel with Amanda McLean. Cost: $115 (member) / $125 (non-member). More info.

Tuff Nutterz Inflatable Obstacle Course – Griffith Park, Stockton | 27 September – 5 October
Australia’s biggest inflatable obstacle course. 300 metres of slides, tunnels, and bouncy fun. More info.

Behind the Curtain Backstage Tours – Civic Theatre, Newcastle | 27 September
Go behind the scenes of one of Australia’s most iconic theatres with guided tours. More info.

Maitland Roller Disco – Harold Gregson Reserve | 27 September 5pm – 8pm
Live DJ, food trucks and skate fun for all ages. Just bring your skates and helmet. More info.

Urban Sketching for Beginners – The Kotoda, Carrington | 27 September 9:30am – 12:30pm
Sketch the streets of Carrington with expert guidance, whether you’re a total beginner or experienced. More info.

Hunter Wetlands Centre Spring Festival – Hunter Wetlands Centre, Shortland | 28 September
Workshops, artisan markets, kids activities, and wildlife talks in a beautiful nature setting. More info.

Colour Frenzy – Newcastle Foreshore | 28 September
A fun run through colour and foam zones. Walk, skip, hop or run through the rainbow. More info.

Willy & Gus – The Gladdy, Stockton | 26 September
Local legends Willy & Gus are ready to get the weekend started. Forget cooking, there’s a new Spring menu and Friday Pasta and Vino Special too. More info.

Variety of Gins – The Newcastle Club, Newcastle | 26 September
Celebrate 50 years of Variety – the Children’s Charity at Variety of Gins. Enjoy gin tastings, a signature cocktail, roving canapés, premium wine and beer, and a vibrant atmosphere. Cost: $180. More info.

Saddler's Creek at the Chef's Table – Local Connections, University of Newcastle | 26 September
An unforgettable evening of storytelling and seasonal celebration at the Local Connections Chef’s Table. Enjoy dishes inspired by Saddler's Creek wines. Cost: $150. More info.

This Is Not Journalism – Civic Theatre, Newcastle | 26 September – 4 October
A newsroom street fight meets urgent comedy. This new theatre production dives into truth, news, and alternative facts with bold satire. More info.

Shannon Noll Live at SBCC – Shoal Bay Country Club | 26 September
Aussie legend Shannon Noll takes the stage as part of his 20th Anniversary Tour, celebrating two decades since “That’s What I’m Talkin’ About.” Cost: $49.90. More info.

New Annual Festival – Various Newcastle Locations | 26 September – 5 October
Newcastle’s 10-day flagship arts and ideas festival returns with immersive art, music, workshops and performance. More info.

First Night Art Party – Civic Park Precinct | 26 September 5pm – 9pm
Free opening night of New Annual. Live music, roving performers, projections, drop-in workshops, food trucks and more. More info.

Newcastle Comedy Club Showcase – Newcastle Comedy Club | 26 & 27 September 7:30pm – 9:30pm
Top-tier comedy in a cosy setting with local and national comedians.

SOAK: Live at the Baths – Newcastle Ocean Baths | 27 September – 4 October 5:30pm – 6:30pm
A free sunset music series featuring live performances from local and international artists across five nights. More info.

Waratah Girls’ Choir Annual Concert – SPCC Theatre, Waratah | 27 September
“To The Stars” is a celestial celebration of song, featuring soaring harmonies and heartfelt melodies from one of Newcastle’s finest youth choirs. More info.

Meet Me at the Baths – Newcastle Ocean Baths | 27 September – 4 October
Don headphones and experience stranger-than-fiction stories inspired by real Novocastrians in this immersive audio installation. Cost: $18–$25. More info.

Delprat's Cottage Open Day – 133A Ingall St, Mayfield East | 28 September
Tour this historical home built in 1914 for G.D. Delprat as he oversaw the building of BHP. Free entry. More info.

Oktoberfest – Method Brewing, Islington | 27 September 12pm – 10pm
Live music, fresh German brews, DJ sets and Bavarian eats. Part of a two-day Oktoberfest blowout. More info.

Harry Potter High Tea Banquet – Kahibah Sports Club | 27 September 12:30pm – 3pm & 6pm – 9pm
Calling all witches, wizards, and magical beings — you're invited to a Harry Potter-themed High Tea Banquet with themed food, enchanting décor, and Hogwarts charm.
Session 1: Family Friendly ($50 pp) includes sweet & savoury banquet, face painting, games, photo ops, and a Sorting Hat Ceremony.
Session 2: Adults Only (18+) ($80 pp) includes champagne or butterbeer on arrival, Harry Potter trivia, and magical vibes. Dress-up encouraged for both sessions. More info.

Classic Simpsons Trivia – Mayfield Bowling Club | 28 September 5:30pm
You don’t win friends with salad — you win them by playing trivia! Join us for a free night of classic Simpsons Trivia. More info.

Merewether Markets – Dixon Park Playground, Merewether | 27 September 9am – 2pm
Get ready for a day of good vibes and great finds! Expect live music, face painting, handmade treasures, delicious food, and a showcase of the coolest local makers & creators. More info.

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

School holidays are coming up. If you are looking to keep the kids busy for the next two weeks, here is a good list of options that HunterHunter and Newy with Kids have provided.