Another week, another chance to get out and actually do something. Whether you're keen to try a new restaurant, catch a comedy show, hit up a workshop, check out an exhibition, or just shake up the usual routine, there's always something happening around Newcastle and the Hunter.

We've rounded up the week's best events and activities so you don't have to trawl through endless socials to find them.

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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.