Good morning, welcome back to the Newcastle Digest.

Happy Wednesday! This week, we have the regular content plus the first look at my newly created website, Newcastle Digest Experiences. If you’re interested in potentially attending a local Dinner Club, organised by me, please sign up to be added to the waitlist.

Nixx is a little different to most café spots around town. There’s no fixed storefront; instead, it’s a local coffee cart on wheels that you’ve probably seen around markets, usually recognised by its signature pink setup.

They serve all the café classics, but also lean into a few more creative options, like banana bread lattes alongside the usual favourites. My go-to is the iced cappuccino, which they do really well. The coffee is consistently solid and easy to enjoy, whether you’re grabbing one on the go or hanging around the market for a bit.

You’ll usually find Nixx at the Broadmeadow Farmers Market and the Olive Tree Markets, making it a reliable stop if you’re heading to either. A great local option if you like your coffee good and your setup a little different.

We’re launching Newcastle Digest Experiences, a new extension of Newcastle Digest designed to get locals out from behind the screen and into some of the region’s best venues.

You already use Newcastle Digest to decide where to go. Experiences is about creating reasons to go.

This will include a mix of one-off events, both free and ticketed, alongside the introduction of Dinner Club, a recurring series hosted at standout local restaurants. Think a new venue each month, a curated group of locals, and a well-planned night out without the effort of organising it yourself.

Dinner Club will only go ahead if there’s strong interest from readers, so if it sounds like your kind of thing, join the waitlist to be first in line when we announce the inaugural dinners.

👉 Join the Dinner Club waitlist

IncludingYOU Art Program – Museum of Art and Culture, yapang | 12 February
A free, inclusive art workshop inviting people of all abilities to explore creativity, connection, and new skills in a welcoming space. More info.

Music in the Podium – Warners Bay Foreshore | 13 February 6pm – 9pm
A free Friday evening live music series on the foreshore featuring popular local musicians, hosted by Lake Macquarie City Council. Family-friendly and relaxed by the lake. More info.

Friday Chill – Pacific Park, Newcastle East | 13 February 6:30pm – 8:30pm
A free, family-friendly summer series with chilled local music, food trucks, kids activities and picnic vibes. BYO picnic or grab a bite from local vendors. More info.

Press Play Program – MAP mima | 13–15 February
A creative weekend at MAP mima featuring the Silent Kids’ Disco, Wonder Through the Senses sensory day, and hands-on sensory art experiences for the whole family. Free events with bookings required. More info.

Howlin’ Country – Newcastle Foreshore | 14 February
An all-ages country music festival with a huge lineup including Lainey Wilson, Morgan Evans, Flatland Cavalry and more, plus the Lil Howlers kids zone with free family activities. More info.

Bayikulinan Community Celebration – MAC yapang | 14 February
A free community event marking the launch of the Aboriginal Community Development Plan and new public artwork. More info.

Maitland Show 2026 – Maitland Showground | 13–15 February
A classic regional show featuring rides, exhibits, entertainment, and family-friendly attractions. More info.

NRL Pre-Season Challenge – McDonald Jones Stadium | 14 February
Catch pre-season clashes as the Knights host the NRL Pre-Season Challenge. More info.

Dullboy’s Carnival – Warners Bay | 14 February
A free family day with circus performers, games, mini golf, bowling, and carnival treats. More info.

Pilates & Pastries – King Edward Park Rotunda | 13 February
A Galentine’s morning with Pilates followed by special-edition pastries and iced lattes, hosted by CRUMB and Grace Movement. More info.

Opening Night Drinks: Otherwise, Excess – Wester Gallery | 13 February
Celebrate the opening of Stuart Smith’s latest exhibition with drinks and catering at Wester Gallery. More info.

Starburst – Newcastle City Hall | 13 February 7pm
Omega Ensemble opens its 2026 season with a high-energy performance featuring trumpet virtuoso David Elton. More info.

Ash Grunwald – Shoal Bay Country Club | 13 February
Australia’s leading blues artist brings his raw, energetic live show to Shoal Bay. More info.

Valentine’s Day Dinner – Le Café Champs-Élysées | 13–14 February
A romantic French-inspired evening menu served in an intimate, candlelit setting. More info.

Coffee and Claytime Workshop – Carrington | 14 February
A relaxed pottery workshop combining hand-built ceramics and coffee, with all materials provided. More info.

Valentine’s Day with Yes Boone – The Beach Hotel, Merewether | 14 February
A high-energy Valentine’s Day party with DJs all night and free entry. More info.

Date & Create: Valentine’s Experience – Earp Distilling Co. | 14 February
A hands-on blending experience for two, paired with a shared three-course dinner and a take-home spirit. More info.

Made With Love: Grounded Gathering – Carrington | 14 February
A relaxed Valentine’s afternoon of ceramic painting with wine tasting and optional shared boards. More info.

Howlin Country Festival – Newcastle Foreshore | 14 February
A one-day, all-ages country music festival featuring international and local artists on a single stage. More info.

Everybody Dance Now 90s Party – The Exchange, Hamilton | 14 February
A full-tilt throwback party celebrating the biggest dance anthems of the 1990s. More info.

Surfest Pro Junior – Newcastle Beach | 14–15 February
Watch the next generation of elite under-20 surfers compete in this World Surf League qualifying event. More info.

Sunset Aperitivo Sessions – Earp Distilling Co., Carrington | 15 February
A laid-back Sunday session with Roman-style pizza, DJs, and sunset drinks. More info.

Valentine’s Day Dinner & Comedy – Thirsty Messiah Brewery | 14 February 6pm
An evening combining a hosted dinner with a live comedy performance. More info.

Kitten Adoptionpalooza – Petbarn Glendale | 14 February 10am–2pm
Meet kittens ready for adoption and find your new furry Valentine. More info.

Pinball Free Play Sessions – Tower Cinemas, Newcastle | 14–15 February
Unlimited free-play pinball and arcade sessions suitable for all ages. More info.

Valentine’s Day Treats – Cupcake Espresso | 7–15 February
Pre-order Valentine’s baked goodies with optional personalised gift tags and ribbons. More info.

Scream 30th Anniversary Screening – Reading Cinemas Charlestown | 13 February
Celebrate 30 years of the iconic horror film with a special anniversary screening. More info.

Newy Loves You – Charlestown Square | 14 February 9am–4pm
A Valentine’s pop-up selling handmade sunflowers to support local mental health initiatives. More info.

Galentine’s Boozy Brunch – Jewells Tavern | 14 February 12pm
A themed brunch with cocktails, charcuterie, romcoms, and giveaways. More info.

Hemp & House Coffee Rave – Carrington | 14 February 10am–1pm
An alcohol-free morning rave featuring DJs, coffee, cacao, and family-friendly vibes. More info.

Parents’ Night Out: Valentine’s Edition – The Station, Newcastle | 14 February
A supervised LEGO workshop and disco night for kids, giving parents a night off. More info.

Valentine’s Day at Method Brewing – Islington | 14 February
A relaxed Valentine’s celebration with vinyl DJs, food pop-ups, drink specials, and free bubbles for booked tables. More info.

Homegrown Markets – Speers Point Park | 15 February 9am–1pm
A large handmade and design market with street food, kids entertainment, and lake views. More info.

Newcastle City Farmers Markets – Broadmeadow Showground, Griffiths Rd, Broadmeadow | 15 February
Shop direct from local farmers and makers in a classic community farmers market.

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Kyle