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

There’s plenty happening across town this weekend. We’ve rounded up the best of it below, from live music to local events, plus a quick poll to help shape our first Digest event.

Praise Joe – Tighes Hill & Kotara
Praise Joe is one of those cafés that feels instantly local. The original Tighes Hill spot is small, with a few seats inside and out, but it’s always buzzing with regulars grabbing their morning coffee or settling in with a toastie. Their second location in Westfield Kotara brings the same energy, just with a bit more foot traffic.

The coffee is consistently excellent, made with Pablo & Rusty beans, and the food is simple but spot-on. The Chicken Little toastie is hard to beat, and the sweets, from loaded cookies to homemade crumpets, are the kind you’ll end up thinking about later.

It’s casual, reliable, and consistently good.

Papalote – Newcastle West
A new destination Mexican restaurant and agave bar has opened in Newcastle West, taking over the old The Edwards site on Parry Street. Papalote comes from the teams behind Humbug and The Flotilla, so expectations are understandably high.

The menu leans into regional Mexican flavours, think tacos, tostadas, ceviche, and larger dishes cooked over charcoal, paired with a strong line-up of agave spirits, cocktails, and Latin wines. The fit-out keeps some of the building’s old charm but brings a fresh, modern feel with earthy tones and an open kitchen.

Papalote officially opened on 4 November and looks set to become one of the city’s standout new venues.

📍 148 Parry Street, Newcastle West

A couple of months ago, I floated the idea of getting some of us together in real life, and 93 % of you said yes.

I’ve tried lining something up with a few venues, but nothing’s stuck yet. So, before locking anything in, I want to see which event you’d actually want to come to.

I have shortlisted a few potential ideas. Please take a second to vote below 👇
Your feedback will help decide what we run first. If multiple sound interesting, feel free to let me know by replying to this email.

If you run a local business, café, venue, or event, the Digest is one of the easiest ways to get in front of people who actually live here.
Over 5,500 locals read every week to find where to go and what’s on.
If you’d like your business featured, reach out at [email protected] or fill in the form below.

Beats & Eats – MAP mima, Speers Point Park | 7 November 5–8 pm
Chill under the trees with live DJ sets, food from local vendors, and twilight vibes at this free outdoor event. More info.

Dungog Show – Dungog Showground | 7–8 November 8 am–Midnight
One of Australia’s oldest agricultural shows returns with animals, food stalls, rides, and entertainment for all ages. More info.

Maitland Libraries Book Sale – Maitland Town Hall | 8 November 9 am–1 pm
Fill a tote bag with pre-loved books for just $5. More info.

Sustainable Living Festival – Medowie Social | 8 November 9 am–2 pm
A celebration of eco-living featuring workshops, markets, food, and live entertainment. Free entry. More info.

Nitro Circus – McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle | 8 November 7 pm
Experience high-flying action, pyrotechnics, and world-class stunts in the Off the Rails tour by Travis Pastrana’s Nitro Circus. Tickets from $39.90. More info.

Family Canoe Adventure – Hunter Wetlands, Shortland | 8–9 November 9:30 am
Paddle through Boatman’s Creek on a one-hour guided family tour. Perfect for beginners. $30 per canoe plus entry fee. More info.

Darby Street Festival – Darby St, Cooks Hill | 8 November 11 am–7 pm
A vibrant community festival with local food, music, shopping, and kids’ entertainment. More info.

Maitland Roller Disco – Harold Gregson Reserve | 8 November 5–9 pm
Glide into the night with music, food trucks, and fun for all ages. Free entry.

Pets Life Festival – The Station, Newcastle | 9 November 9 am–2 pm
Hunter Events’ inaugural pet festival with farm animals, wildlife shows, market stalls, and free pet photo booths. Tickets from $5. More info.

New Meals & Deals – Earp Distilling Co., Carrington | 5–9 November
Celebrate the launch of Earp’s new summer menu with fresh dishes, live music, giveaways, and daily cocktail specials. Free entry.

An Evening with Kylie Kwong – Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba | 6 November 7–8 pm
Join Kylie Kwong as she discusses food, heritage, and the power of cooking to connect communities. Hosted by Dan Cox. Tickets from $43.86.

Candyland After Dark – Bartholomew’s, 145 King St, Newcastle | 6 November
An evening of circus, cabaret, and burlesque glamour returns to Bartholomew’s. Expect dazzling aerial acts, glittering costumes, and plenty of cheeky fun. More info.

A Very Newy Christmas – Civic Theatre, Newcastle | 6–15 November
A hilariously local queer comedy about family, chaos, and festive drama in Newcastle. Expect laughs, love, and potholes. Tickets from $49.

Play Ground – The Owens Collective, 101 Maitland Rd, Islington | 7 November 6–9 pm
An interactive exhibition by the New Artists’ Collective exploring creativity through play. Step into a space where imagination, art, and curiosity collide. Free entry.

Play.Ground Exhibition – The Owens Collective, 101 Maitland Rd, Islington | Opens 7 November 6 pm
A playful exhibition by the New Artists’ Collective celebrating creativity and community through interactive art. Free entry.

Daniel Johns in Conversation – Civic Theatre, Newcastle | 7 November
Join Daniel Johns for the premiere of What If the Future Never Happened? followed by a live conversation about his music, creativity, and legacy. More info.

Arj Barker: The Mind Field – Warners Bay Theatre | 7 November
Enter Arj Barker’s comedic world with sharp observations and big laughs in The Mind Field. Tickets from $49.90.

Sleapy’s Cricket Cup – Waratah Oval & The Stag & Hunter Hotel | 8 November
Catch the first annual Sleapy’s Cricket Cup: Waratah Mayfield vs Uni of Newcastle. A charity match supporting Sleapy’s Foundation, followed by raffles and live music.

Bead It Yourself Workshop – Locker Room, The Station | 8 November
Create your own upcycled necklace in this two-hour workshop using repurposed beads like glass, pearls, and seashells. Tickets $85.

Bed By 10pm – King Street, Newcastle West | 8 November 4–9 pm (Last entry 5 pm)
A 30+ clubbing event bringing 80s, 90s & early 2000s hits to the dance floor. Expect big visuals, good vibes, and a proper night out—without the hangover. Be home and in bed by 10 pm. More info.

Beethoven’s Eighth Talk/Performance – Rathmines Theatre | 8 November 1:30–3:45 pm
Enjoy a mix of history and live performance as the Australian Haydn Ensemble performs Beethoven’s Eighth. Tickets from $54.

Katie Noonan – Civic Theatre, Newcastle | 8 November
The five-time ARIA winner performs Jeff Buckley’s Grace in an intimate, emotional concert. More info.

Art Exhibition Openings – Straitjacket, 222 Denison St, Broadmeadow | 8 November
Explore new works by Michelle Brodie and Gillian Adamson at this local art opening. More info.

Newcastle Jewellery Fair – PCYC, Young St, Broadmeadow | 8–9 November Sat 9–4 / Sun 9–3
Explore over 40 artisan jewellers showcasing unique pieces, gold, opals, minerals, and lapidary tools. Enjoy demos, giveaways, food, and coffee while supporting JHH Kids Club. Free entry & parking. More info.

Australian Ceramics Open Studios – Grounded by Designs, Carrington | 8–9 November
Visit open ceramic studios across the region and meet local makers. Australia’s largest open studio event. More info.

Women Who Feast – Newcastle Food & Flower Market, Sandgate | 9 November
A day of connection and insight featuring guest speakers in astrology, life coaching, and spiritual growth. More info.

Mend & Make Do – Miss Porter’s House Museum, 434 King St, Newcastle West | 9 November 1–4 pm
Discover early 20th-century sustainability at Miss Porter’s House. Learn how the Porter family made, mended, and reused everything from clothing to flour bags. See vintage tools like butter coolers and darning eggs in action. Adults $12, Concession $10, Family $34, NT Members & under 5s free.

Homegrown Christmas Markets – The Station, Newcastle | 8 November 9 am–1 pm
Shop 100+ handmade and design stalls at this festive Homegrown Markets event. Enjoy live tunes, food trucks, and plenty of local Christmas shopping. Free entry. More info.

Made & Found Christmas Market – Webb Park, Redhead | 9 November 9 am–1 pm
Redhead’s favourite hand-made and preloved market returns for its Christmas edition. Shop local-made gifts, vintage finds, street food, and enjoy live music and beachside community vibes. More info.

My Kids Market – Newcastle Showground Exhibition Centre | 9 November 9 am–12 pm
Shop pre-loved baby and kids’ goods or sell your own. $5 entry (kids free). More info.

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