Happy New Year. As we head into the final day of 2025, I just wanted to say thanks for reading, sharing, and supporting the newsletter this year. I’m looking forward to continuing this into 2026 and building it out even further.

This edition is a lighter one again. A lot of the usual sources haven’t fully updated their listings over the break, so what’s on is a bit quieter than normal. Regular programming will be back soon.

If you’re looking for some last-minute plans for tonight, here is another copy of the quick guide I put together last week.

Enjoy New Year’s Eve, and I’ll see you in the new year.

Colour Dot Coffee – Merewether
This week we went to Colour Dot Coffee in Merewether. It’s located on Llewellyn Street and has a clean, cool fit-out with a decent amount of indoor seating and nice, simple decor.

We just had our usual coffee order this time and skipped the food, but the coffee was excellent. We went during peak café time and it wasn’t overly busy, with coffees coming out quickly. They do have a food menu with a variety of smaller items and sweets.

An easy spot to visit if you’re in the area and want a good coffee without the rush. Definitely worth checking out.

If you’ve been wondering what’s happening with the old corner pub in Tighes Hill, there’s finally some movement. The Cross Keys Hotel on Maitland Road is in the final stages of its revival, led by the team behind The Grain Store.

After a long run of delays, final approvals have now come through, which means fit-out, staffing, and prep are officially underway. The current plan is to have doors open sometime before the end of January.

A long wait, but it looks like Tighes Hill’s corner pub is finally close to making its return.

Hemp & House Coffee Rave – The Hemporium Wellness Centre, Carrington | 3 January 9am – 1pm
Alcohol-free, family-friendly coffee rave with music, movement and community. Coffee alternatives, hemp elixirs, cacao, local DJs and face painting from 11am. More info.

Summer School Holidays: Free Kids Activities – Shoal Bay Country Club, Shoal Bay | 4–25 January
Free kids activities on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from 12–2pm, plus kids disco, projector games and prizes. More info.

Summer Art Fest – Maitland Regional Art Gallery | 4–31 January
Month-long creative program for kids and teens featuring drop-in workshops, bookable sessions and self-directed art activities. Mix of free and paid workshops. More info.

New Year at SBCC – Shoal Bay Country Club, 35–45 Shoal Bay Rd, Shoal Bay | January
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with sunshine and good vibes all day. Live music from 2.30pm and DJs from 8.30pm until late.

Crumb Run Club – The Autumn Rooms, Darby St | 4 January
Sunrise coastal run blending coffee, music and community, with a Crumb pop-up, DJ sets and free matcha or iced lattes post-run. More info.

2026 Skelcon Australian Skiff Championships – Belmont 16s Sailing Club, The Parade, Belmont | 4–11 January
Belmont 16s Sailing Club hosts a world-class sailing spectacle with the 16ft and 13ft Skiff Championships on Lake Macquarie. More info.

Discover Sport Holiday Camp – District Park Tennis Centre, Broadmeadow | 5–30 January
Multi-sport holiday camp featuring tennis, pickleball and putt putt with expert coaching. Camp hours 8.30am–3pm. Cost: $95 per day.

S.A.S.H Newcastle NYD – The Lass O’Gowrie Hotel, Wickham | 1 January 4pm – 2 January 12am
New Year’s Day party featuring Gene On Earth, Ron Obvious and local DJs, bringing deep house and sunset sessions to Newcastle. More info.

New Year’s Day Waterfront Party – Honeysuckle Hotel | 1 January from 3pm
Live music from CrocQ, drink specials from 5–8pm and relaxed waterfront vibes to welcome the New Year. More info.

Glowworm Fest – Hamilton Station Hotel | 3 January
Night showcasing local Australian rap artists across party rap, EDM-pop rap and hip hop, followed by dancehall and DnB. Tickets from $15 presale. More info.

90s & 2000s Rock Night – Orana Hotel, Blacksmiths | 3 January 7.30pm
High-energy night of 90s and 2000s rock anthems featuring hits from Blink 182, Green Day, Nirvana, The Offspring and more. More info.

Full Moon Gathering – Dixon Park Beach | 3 January 7.30pm
Mindful full moon gathering with guided meditation, sound bath, cello meditation, community singing and a relaxed picnic-style setup. More info.

New Year, New You – The Hamilton Station Hotel | 2 January 7.30pm
Live music event featuring Private Wives, Great Job!, Stagger, Two Knives and Trophy Wyfe. Tickets $20 plus booking fee. 18+ event. More info.

High Tea at Roundhouse – Roundhouse Newcastle, Crystalbrook Kingsley | 3 January from 11.30am
Elevated high tea experience with sweet and savoury tiers, scones and premium teas, served with panoramic harbour views. More info.

The Tryouts and Casual Wrecks – The Royal Oak Hotel, Tighes Hill | 2 January from 8pm
Power pop live music night featuring GO XO, with no entry fee. More info.

Friday Night Karaoke – Sydney Junction Hotel | 2 January from 9.30pm
Weekly karaoke hosted by Alicia from Live It Up Karaoke, running every Friday night until 2.30am. More info.

Summer Fair – Speers Point Park, Park Road, Speers Point | 2 January – 3 January 4pm – 10pm
Street food and desserts from around the world, live music, carnival rides and games, plus artisan market stalls into the evening. More info.

Morisset Markets – Morisset Showground | 3 January 9am – 2pm
Family-friendly market with street food, handmade and pre-loved stalls, live music, face painting and local vendors. Held the first Saturday of each month. More info.

Sunset Markets – Mazlin Reserve, Norah Head | 3 January 4pm – 8.30pm
Twilight coastal market with artisan stalls, gourmet street food, desserts, picnic vibes and local DJs. Free entry and family-friendly. More info.

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