Happy Wednesday, Newcastle. Welcome back to the Newcastle Digest.

Thanks to all who gave feedback last week, especially regarding the Newcastle history segment. I am no historian, but I will do my best to continue including entertaining stories about our history.

Rain looks to be consuming the week ahead, so stay dry!

Table of Contents

• Eats

• Events

• Activities

• Miscellaneous

Local Gem

This week, we're spotlighting Napoli Pizza, a true gem in Newcastle's vibrant dining scene.

I recently took my dad to Napoli Pizza for a proper Italian feast, and it did not disappoint. We decided to go all out, sampling a range of their incredible offerings. From the warm, fluffy focaccia with prosciutto and mozzarella to the perfectly cooked Diavola pizza, Mari E Monti, and the hearty Lamb Ragu, every dish was delicious.

It's not my first time at Napoli Pizza, and it certainly won't be my last. It's the perfect spot to showcase the best of Newcastle's Italian food scene to anyone, whether they're a local or a visitor. With a wide range of drink choices to complement their delicious food, Napoli Pizza offers a truly memorable dining experience.

If you're looking for a taste of Italy right here in Newcastle, make sure to visit Napoli Pizza. You won't be disappointed!

Where: 173 King Street

Coming Soon

Crumb

Remember Covered in Crumbs? Pastry genius Gareth Williams is back! Teaming up with Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms) for Crumb, a new pastry cafe in Lambton. Expect hand-crafted delights from March 15th. 113 Elder St, Lambton. More info soon!

Openings

Danny’s Pizza

If you’ve driven down Hamilton’s Beaumont Street recently you may have noticed Danny’s Pizza By The Slice. Brought to you by Good Folk Brewing, Danny’s Pizza brings to Beaumont Street that famous 18-inch New York-style pizza.

Where: 80 Beaumont St, Hamilton

Newcastle trivia

Thursday 6 March

Friday 7 March

Saturday 8 March

Sunday 9 March

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Families

Friday Chill – Pacific Park, Newcastle | 7 March

Friday Chill is a free, family-friendly, live music event with local bands, food vendors and street performers. Bring your own blanket or chairs and enjoy your own picnic or from the local food vendors. Time: 6.30pm - 8.30pm. More info.

The King Tide: Advanced Screening – Event Cinemas Kotara | 6 March
Green Frog Productions is thrilled to present advanced screenings of The King Tide in Newcastle. These special screenings offer a unique opportunity for audiences to experience this powerful, award-winning film on the big screen ahead of its streaming release. More info.

Wallsend Op Shop Trail – Nelson St, Wallsend | 6 March
Join The Full Circle Collective's Walking Tour and Lunch for a day out touring the wonderful op shops and second-hand stores of Wallsend. Mardi Lee from ReNewy Living will be your guide, sharing op-shopping tips along the way. Tour starts at 11am, bookings essential. More info.

Family Fun Day - Kahibah Sports Club | 9 March

Get ready for an afternoon packed with fun for the whole family! Featuring: Live music, Face painting, Balloon animals, A circus show that will wow the crowd and a Circus workshop so the kids can learn some tricks of their own!

Best of all – it's FREE ENTRY! Bring the crew, grab a drink, and enjoy a Sunday full of laughs, entertainment, and good times! 2:00pm - 5:00pm.

Camp Quality Convoy Newcastle Family Festival – Maitland Showground | 9 March
Camp Quality is hosting a FREE Family Festival packed with entertainment and experiences for kids and adults alike. Expect food trucks, rides, photo booths, face painting, over 150 trucks on display, and more! More info.

Adults

A Night on the Rooftop – Charlies Rooftop, Newcastle | 6 March
An evening of seafood, Prosecco, and perfectly paired flavours at Charlies. Head Chef Blake Dyer has crafted a menu that celebrates fresh, bold ingredients, matched with Usher Tinkler Wines. Cost: $90pp.

Susuru Izakaya - Relaunch - 140 King Street | 7 March

Unveiling a brand-new look, exciting renovations, and a fresh menu, and we’d love for you to be part of the celebration.

Launch Night Specials:

• 🍺 Special drinks deal all night!

• 🍜 FREE Orion with any ramen purchase (until the keg runs out!)

• 🍗 $1 Wings & $1 Gyoza all night

More info.

Gen Collective's 2025 Luncheon for International Women’s Day – Newcastle City Hall | 7 March
Gen Collective is thrilled to announce their annual International Women’s Day Luncheon, in partnership with Regional Australia Bank, featuring the incredible Lisa Wilkinson as their special guest speaker. More info.

International Women's Day with Sam Bloom – Newcastle Jockey Club, Broadmeadow | 7 March
Newcastle Racecourse is proud to present an unforgettable event featuring Sam Bloom, an extraordinary woman whose story of resilience and determination has inspired millions around the world. Cost: $229pp. More info.

Free Pilates, Breathwork & Coffee – Lions Park, Belmont | 8 March
Join Form Health Club for a free morning of pilates, breathwork, coffee, and connection with like-minded women to celebrate International Women's Day. More info.

‘If I Were A Boy’ Festival – The Newy, Islington | 8 March
In celebration of International Women’s Day 2025, Gumnut Artists brings you a night of some of the most creative femmes in our community at If I Were a Boy, a mini live music festival featuring an all-femme-fronted lineup! More info.

Newcastle Comedy Showcase with Stephanie Broadbridge - Play House | 8 March. Get tickets.

Dirty Dancing Bottomless Brunch – The Nags Head, Adamstown | 8 March
Join the Dirty Dancing Bottomless Brunch for two hours of endless cocktails, tasty canapés, and the best Dirty Dancing soundtrack. Enjoy trivia, dancing, and a fun-filled celebration of the classic film! More info.

IWD 2025 ‘Empowered Women, Empower Women’ – Dixon Park Surf House | 8 March
Coming in 2025 is this empowering International Women’s Day event. Tickets are $160pp and include cocktails, dancing, and inspiring speakers. Proceeds support Jenny’s Place, aiding women in crisis. More details to come soon.

PEGS IWD Banquet – PEGS Cafe, Whitebridge | 8 March
Celebrate International Women’s Day at PEGS with their special Women’s Day Banquet dinner. Tickets are $70pp and include a glass of bubbles on arrival, the PEGS IWD Banquet, and special guests speaking about how supporting each other has helped them excel in their fields. More info.

Newcastle Beer Fest – King Edward Park, Newcastle | 8 March
Celebrate Newcastle Beer Fest and experience Australia’s vibrant craft beer scene alongside live local music, food stalls, and more in sunny King Edward Park. More info.

Want me to share an event in the Newcastle Digest?

Rainy day activities

With rain predicted for the next week, you may need some inspiration for indoor activities this week or weekend. Many other people have compiled great lists of things to do. To save replicating, I will link below if you are keen on some ideas.

CoastXP - Rainy day activities in Greater Newcastle

Newy With Kids - Best Things To Do With Kids On a Rainy Day in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter

Newcastle History: The Star Hotel Riot - A City's Fury

On September 19, 1979, the Star Hotel in Newcastle became the centre of a night of chaos. Word of its imminent closure drew thousands of fervent music fans to King Street.

What began as a protest against the loss of a beloved live music venue quickly escalated into a full-blown riot. Vastly outnumbered police faced a barrage of projectiles, and the streets became a battleground. Cars were overturned, windows shattered, and the atmosphere was charged with anger. The riot wasn't merely a spontaneous outburst; it was a culmination of frustrations felt by Newcastle's youth, who saw the Star's closure as a symbol of the city's declining cultural scene.

The aftermath saw significant backlash against the police, with accusations of excessive force and heavy-handed tactics. The riot became a watershed moment, highlighting the tensions between the community and authorities and forever cementing the Star Hotel's place in Newcastle's history.

Here is a copy of the Newcastle Sun published the following day of the riot.

Does anyone have any first-hand experience with this night? Feel free to share by replying to this email, and I will feature next week.

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