Good morning Newcastle, welcome back to the Newcastle Digest.

The votes are in for the next food quest, Newcastle's best pie. If you have a local favourite you think deserves a shot, get your nomination in via the survey below. Let's see who takes the crown.

Have a good week.

Emilio's in The Junction ran a Nebbiolo Wine Lunch last Sunday and we were lucky enough to be invited along. Five courses, five wines, three hours, and we walked out having absolutely no need for dinner that evening.

Neither of us had really spent much time with red wine before this; Nebbiolo was new territory for both of us. Each wine paired well with its course, and it worked throughout; everything complemented each other well, and by the end, we had a much better appreciation for what the grape can do. The event was centred around Piazzo, an Italian winemaking family, with Simone there on the day to share stories about the wine and the winery.

Despite it being a ticketed event with a full room, we still had a table to ourselves, which made it feel like a proper date night rather than a group dining experience. The food was excellent across the board, three smaller dishes to start, followed by a mushroom ravioli and Osso Buco as the mains. All generous, all high quality, and the kind of spread that made the three hours disappear without noticing.

Emilio's is somewhere we hadn't visited before this and it won't be the last time. They seem to run these events periodically throughout the year, and if another one lands on the calendar, we'd strongly recommend getting on it. We'll be heading back for the regular menu soon, too, if Sunday was anything to go by; it'll be worth writing about.

Last week we asked you to vote for the next category and it was close — but Newcastle's Best Pie edged it out, with Best Pub Special not far behind. So that's where we start. Pub Specials will get their turn next.

Now we need your nominations. Where does Newcastle's best pie come from? A bakery you've been going to for years, a hidden gem, somewhere that doesn't get enough credit, we want to know. Submit your pick below and once nominations are in, I'll get eating.

👉 Nominate your favourite pie

Digitales: Storytime and Art – Multi-Arts Pavilion mima, Speers Point | 21 May A magical digital storytime followed by art-making and shadow play for kids aged 2–5. Free. More info.

Village in the City – Jesmond Neighbourhood Centre, Jesmond | 22 May, 4pm – 7:30pm A free community evening with cooking stations, market stalls, cultural performances, African dancing, music workshops and kids face painting. Free. More info.

Aladdin – Victoria State Ballet – PACC, Cessnock | 22 May, 7:30pm A full-length classical ballet production with dazzling costumes and a rich musical score. Tickets from $35. More info.

Africa Day – Islington Public School | 23 May, 10am – 3pm African food, vibrant market stalls and live music with DJ Deon. Free. More info.

Pets Life Festival – The Station, Newcastle East | 24 May, 9am – 2pm A family-friendly day with pet and human market stalls, animal shows, a petting zoo and entertainment. Tickets from $5 online. More info.

Colour for a Cause – Newcastle Foreshore Park | 24 May A family-friendly colour fun run raising money for Wheeling & Able. Walk, run or roll your way through the course. Tickets $10. More info.

Botanic Gardens Day & 40th Anniversary – Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, Heatherbrae | 24 May, 10am – 2pm Free entry for the national Botanic Gardens Day, with expert talks on bonsai and bush foods, rare herbarium tours and live entertainment. Bookings required. More info.

Newcastle Falcons vs Illawarra Hawks – Newcastle Basketball Stadium | 23 May, 7pm The Falcons host the Hawks in a competitive home game. Tickets $15. More info.

Michter's Bourbon Masterclass – Bartholomew's, Newcastle | 21 May, 6:30pm A guided tasting through Michter's Kentucky Straight Bourbon range, with food pairings and a take-home 700ml bottle. Tickets $149. More info.

Footloose: The Musical – Civic Theatre, Newcastle | 14–24 May, from $69 Iconic 80s hits, high-energy dancing and a feel-good story about a city teen shaking up a small town. More info.

Rational Animals: Consent by Nina Raine – Catapult Dance, Newcastle West | 14–23 May A debut theatrical production tackling consent, law and relationships. Mature audiences 16+. Tickets $38. More info.

History Crawl: Secrets, Sins and Spirits – Midtown, Newcastle | 22 May, from 5pm A walking tour through Midtown's most storied venues uncovering tales of lost Chinatown, unsolved murders and forgotten graveyards. Free to register, buy your own drinks at each stop. 18+. More info.

Autumn/Winter Opening Party – Newcastle Art Gallery | 22 May, 5:30pm – 8pm Opening night for three new exhibitions including Brian Robinson: Multiverse and Tiyan Baker: Mouth Mnemonica. Includes a drink on arrival and live music from Soul Junction. Tickets $25. More info.

Rewind 90s Dance Party – The Exchange, Hamilton | 22 May, from 8pm A throwback to the decade that invented the dancefloor — glow sticks, bucket hats and no shame required. Free. More info.

Justin Bieber Appreciation Night – Bar Romeo, Cooks Hill | 22 May, from 7pm DJs spinning Bieber all night from Baby to Peaches and everything in between. 18+. More info.

Hard Rock Night – The Blackbutt Hotel, Newcastle | 22 May, 8:30pm Rock Rhapsody play hard rock classics from Bon Jovi, Guns N' Roses, Queen and more. Free entry. More info.

RnB Night – Shoal Bay Country Club, Shoal Bay | 22 May, from 8:30pm An RnB party with Skoob and Mathmatics on the decks. More info.

Yann Martel: Son of Nobody – Maitland City Library | 21 May, 12pm – 1pm The author of Life of Pi shares the ancient legend of Son of Nobody, presented in partnership with ABC Radio National. Free.

Stephanie Alexander: The Cook's Companion – East Maitland Library | 21 May, 2pm – 3pm Stephanie Alexander in conversation with fellow chef Adam Liaw. Free.

Bringing the Past to Life – Maitland City Library | 21 May, 4pm – 5pm Authors Robbie Arnott, Tasma Walton and Yann Martel in conversation with ABC Radio National's Kate Evans on crafting historical narratives. Free.

Newcastle Comedy Club Showcase – Newcastle Comedy Club, Islington | 22 May, 8pm – 10:30pm Five to six acts from local, Sydney, interstate and international comedians. 16+ with parental discretion. Tickets from $32.35.

Sunset Sessions – Bimbadgen Estate, Hunter Valley | 22 May, 5:30pm – 8pm Live music, food and drinks among vineyard views during golden hour. Free. More info.

Murder Mystery Takeover – Bimbadgen Estate, Hunter Valley | 22 May, 6pm – 10pm A murder mystery set in a 1936 English country mansion with a complimentary sparkling Semillon and two-course dinner. Tickets $110. More info.

Hunter Valley Outdoor Show – Maitland Showground | 22–24 May, 9am – 4pm Exhibits, entertainment and food across three days at the Maitland Showground. Tickets $10. More info.

Big Histories – Maitland City Library | 22 May, 10am – 11am Amitav Ghosh and Luke Kemp revisit the past to find solutions for the present. Free.

Susan Choi: Flashlight – Maitland City Library | 22 May, 12pm – 1pm Susan Choi discusses relationships and alienation in her new novel, in conversation with Beejay Silcox. Free.

Trent Dalton: Gravity Let Me Go – East Maitland Library | 22 May, 2pm – 3pm Trent Dalton in discussion of his latest book, crowned number one book of the 21st century by ABC Radio National. Free.

Great Adaptations – Maitland City Library | 22 May, 4pm – 5pm A behind-the-scenes look at the process of adapting books into screen and stage productions. Free.

Hunter Melanoma Foundation Race Day – Newcastle Racecourse | 23 May, from 11am A day at the races in support of the Hunter Melanoma Foundation. Tickets from $20. More info.

QUICHE Drag Brunch – The Greenroof Hotel, Hamilton | 23 May Bottomless mimosas, share plates and drag performances hosted by Molly Poppinzz and Nova Hudson with DJ Bonnie Anne. Tickets $80. More info.

Battle of the Bands – Club Redhead, Redhead | 23 May, 4pm – 9pm Three local bands — Club Esky, The Barrys and Ashby Band — go head to head live on stage. More info.

Coffee and Claytime Workshop – Grounded By Designs, Carrington | 23, 30 May, 10am – 12:30pm Slow down with a coffee and make your own hand-built pottery in a calm, supported workshop. All materials provided. Tickets $120. More info.

Repair Cafe – Wallsend Library, Wallsend | 23 May, 10am – 12:30pm Bring along clothes, small electricals, household goods or a bike and the Full Circle Collective will help fix them for free. No bookings needed. More info.

Newcastle & Hunter Social Puzzling – Toronto Multi Purpose Centre, Toronto | 23 May A few hours of socialising and puzzling with likeminded people. Solo, pairs or team — your call. Tickets $10 includes puzzles, light refreshments and a lucky door prize. More info.

Saturday Night Comedy Club Showcase – Newcastle Comedy Club, Islington | 23 May, from 8:30pm Five to six acts from local, Sydney, interstate and international comedians. 16+ with parental discretion. Tickets from $32.35. More info.

Sydney Writers' Festival Live & Local – Maitland Town Hall | 23 May, 3pm – 9pm Live author talks and streamed sessions including conversations with Roddy Doyle and Lily King, plus dessert and trivia. Tickets $40. More info.

Maitland's True Crime Tour – Maitland Railway Station | 23 May, 5pm – 6:30pm A walking tour through Maitland uncovering the town's biggest secrets. Tickets from $25. More info.

Movie Trivia Night – Tower Cinemas, Newcastle | Every Monday, 6:30pm General movie trivia every Monday night, with the final round tied to the 8:15pm film screening. This Monday it's The Mandalorian & Grogu — expect a special round of Star Wars trivia. Top prize is a night in The Director's Suite valued at $300. Tickets $10. More info.

Newcastle City Farmers Markets – Broadmeadow Showground | 24 May Shop direct from local farmers and makers with unbeatable freshness and a genuine community atmosphere.

Adamstown Lions Market – Cnr Glebe & Brunker Rds, Adamstown | 24 May, 7am – 12pm Seasonal produce, crafted goods and artisan treats in the heart of Adamstown.

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Knights hand Holbrook the perfect revenge

A satisfying Sunday for Justin Holbrook, his Knights beat the Gold Coast Titans 36-12 at Suncorp Stadium, the club that sacked him back in 2023. Newcastle trailed just 6-6 at half-time before running in six second-half tries to one.

Dom Young was the standout with a hat-trick, Greg Marzhew sparked the second-half blitz with a 90-metre intercept try, and Fletcher Sharpe chipped in with a double. Kalyn Ponga had a mixed day with four errors but still threw the final pass for Young's third.

Seven wins from 11 under Holbrook. The turnaround is real.

Newcastle's remarkable season came to a gut-wrenching end on Saturday night, beaten by Sydney FC in a penalty shootout in front of 25,082 at McDonald Jones Stadium. The Jets had fought back from a goal down, Eli Adams equalising in extra time, but couldn't find a winner, losing the shootout 4-2 as Sydney goalkeeper Harrison Devenish-Meares denied Grozos and Bertoncello.

A shattering end to what has been the best season in the club's recent history. The Premier's Plate and Australia Cup are already secured, but the grand final was the one that got away.

Sydney FC head to Auckland for next weekend's decider. The Jets head into the off-season with plenty to be proud of, and plenty to chase next year.

If you've ever liked the idea of golf without the four-hour commitment, X-Golf might be worth knowing about. Opening May 22 in Tighes Hill, the new venue brings six high-tech golf simulators to Newcastle, letting you play more than 50 of the world's most famous courses, St Andrews, Pebble Beach and more — without leaving the city.

The space spans 600sqm and uses cameras, lasers and sensors to track every shot in real time. Alongside the simulators, there's a full bar and kitchen, share plates, social competitions and PGA coaching on offer. Perfect for a casual knock after work or a proper session.

📍 Unit 350 Industrial Drive, Tighes Hill. Opens May 22.

Newcastle City Council has released its draft budget for 2026/27 and is inviting community feedback before submissions close on May 28.

The plan involves over $458 million invested across the city, with a $128.5 million capital works program covering 274 projects. Some of the headline items include $29 million on road renewal and upgrades, $20 million on aquatics and recreation, $7.6 million on footpaths and pedestrian access, $4.3 million on cycleways, and $4.3 million on coastal management, including seawall repairs at Stockton.

If you want a say in how your city spends its money, submissions are open until 5pm on May 28.

👉 Have your say here