Good morning, Newcastle,

From a new spot for dinner in Honeysuckle to a free way to get around the city at night, there’s plenty to catch up on this week. Here’s what’s happening across Newcastle and the Hunter this weekend.

Let’s get into it.

Friday night we tried St Lucia for the first time, and I think I may have found my new favourite restaurant in Newcastle.

The Risteski Group’s latest venue at Honeysuckle is a Latin-inspired small plates restaurant built for sharing, but you can do whatever you would like. We went with two friends and worked our way through a solid spread.

We started with the Hiramasa Kingfish Ceviche, pepino, jalapeño dulce, coconut and tiger milk. Really good. From there we went through a selection of tacos, chicken al pastor with piña and salsa cruda, guajillo prawns with salsa de maíz and fennel, and pork confitada with guacamole and tomatillo. The prawn taco was the standout. We also got the asado lamb skewer with salsa macha and the 300g Westholme MBS 7+ rump cap with warrigal greens, black garlic and chimichurri. The rump cap in particular was exceptional.

The cocktail menu is worth your attention, particularly the Morada Margarita and Agua Rosa. They also have a solid selection of South American beers.

Budget around $100 per head with drinks and sharing across everything, though you could easily come in lighter with a few plates and a cocktail or two.

Highly recommend. One of the best dining experiences Newcastle has to offer right now.

Last week, 85% of people voted to continue the pie reviews, so we'll continue next week. Since there are a whole heap of new people here, below is where we left off, and you can also make a new nomination below.

It’s been a couple of months since our last in-person event, so I’m keen to get something back on the calendar.

We’ve done a personality-matched Dinner Club for individuals, a trivia night and even beachside Pilates. Now I’m thinking about bringing Dinner Club back, but opening it up to couples as well as individuals.

The idea is to find a great Newcastle venue and match people to tables based on a short personality quiz, so you can meet new people, share a good meal and hopefully make a few connections along the way.

Before I start putting it together, I want to know: would you be interested? Or is there another kind of event you’d rather see from Newcastle Digest?

Let me know below. Your feedback will help shape what we do next.

Disney's Frozen The Broadway Musical – Civic Theatre, Newcastle | Fri 23 Oct 7pm, Sat 24 Oct 1pm and 7pm, Sun 25 Oct 1pm Final weekend of the Civic season. The Sat 1pm show is an Auslan and fundraiser performance ($10 extra). Recommended for ages 5+. From $49. Get tickets

The Rainbow Fish Musical – Young People's Theatre, Hamilton | Final weekend, to Sun 25 Oct A musical based on the picture book, aimed at younger children and families. Check the website for session times. Ticketed, price not read. More info

Mayfield Day – Dangar Park, Mayfield | Sat 24 Oct, 10am–3pm Market stalls, live music, a sensory play workshop, free face painting and pet-friendly spaces. Free. More info

Lighthouse Arts Open Day – Nobbys Headland, Newcastle East | Sat 24 Oct, 10am–3pm Live music, live art, workshops, raffles and a sausage sizzle. Live music from 11am. Fundraiser for Lighthouse Arts. Free; some activities by donation. More info

Flo's Day Kids' Market & Family Fun Day – Club Lambton, Lambton | Sat 24 Oct, 12pm–5pm Inflatables, live music, kids' market stalls and a raffle. Raises money for childhood brain cancer research and local families. Tickets: kids $40, adults $50. Get tickets

Halloween Family Fest – Griffith Park, Stockton | Sat 24 and Sun 25 Oct Trick-or-Treat Trail, Witches' Workshops, ghost train, costume contests, monster mash disco and outdoor cinema. General admission $10; $60 Family Treat Pack; trail, rides and games extra. Get tickets

Edgeworth Trains – Velinda Street, Edgeworth | Sun 25 Oct, trains from 12:15pm to 3:30pm Miniature steam and diesel trains on the monthly public ride day. Park opens 9:30am. Weather permitting. $3 per ride; under 2 free. More info

Spring Fair, Orchid and Bonsai Show – Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, Heatherbrae | Sun 25 Oct, 10am–2pm Orchid and bonsai displays, fairy tea party in the Enchanted Garden, a planting activity, Jumpin' Jukebox, sausage sizzle and Kookaburra Cafe. Tickets $25. More info

Tocal Homestead Open Day – Tocal, near Paterson | Sun 25 Oct, 10am–3pm Monthly open day at the historic homestead. No booking needed. Adults $15, concession $10, children 2–16 $2, under 2 free. More info

Mr Squiggle and Friends – Newcastle Museum, Newcastle | Fri 23 to Sun 25 Oct, 10am–5pm Puppets, props and the creative world of Norman Hetherington. Also on: Murray Raine's Marvellous Marionettes, until 1 Nov. Free. More info

Fort Scratchley tunnel tours – Newcastle East | Fri 23 to Sun 25 Oct, tours from 10:30am Guided tours of the historic fort and tunnels. Tours at 10:30am, 11:30am, 1:10pm, 1:40pm and 2:30pm. Tickets from $9.50. More info

Reptile encounter – Hunter Wetlands Centre, Shortland | Sat 24 and Sun 25 Oct, 11am Meet reptiles up close at the Wetlands Centre. $5 plus entry. More info

Grandparents Day Magic Show – Windale Hub, Windale | Fri 23 Oct, 10am A free magic show for NSW Grandparents Day. Free. More info

Grandparents Day with Tanith King – Kurri Kurri Library | Fri 23 Oct, 10am The author reads her picture book Nest for Grandparents Day. Free. More info

Grandparents Storytime and craft – Raymond Terrace Library and Tomaree Library, Salamander Bay | Sat 24 Oct, 10:30am Storytime and craft for Grandparents Day, at both libraries. Free. More info

Midnight – The Cinderella Musical – Medowie Christian School, Medowie | Fri 23 and Sat 24 Oct, 6:30pm A school production with an Australian twist on Cinderella. $11.90 incl fees. Get tickets

High Tea with Donkey – B Farm, Bobs Farm | Fri 23, Sat 24 and Sun 25 Oct, 10:30am High tea in the grounds of the B Farm Animal Nursery with a donkey. $50. Get tickets

Aussie Backyard Bird Count – anywhere | to Sun 25 Oct Spend 20 minutes outside counting birds and submit your results by app or website. Free. More info

Romeo Sucks – Civic Theatre, Newcastle | Fri 23 Oct (final day) A fast-paced comedy jukebox musical based on Romeo and Juliet. Multiple sessions; check times. From $10. Get tickets

Kids' Halloween Disco – Mayfield West Bowling Club, 4 Norris Ave, Mayfield West | Sat 24 Oct, 5pm–8pm Spooky tunes, games, treats and prizes, with kids encouraged to come in costume. The bistro opens from 5pm with family dinner specials. Free entry. More info

Halloween Kids Disco Fundraiser – Swansea Workers Club, 9 Rawson St, Swansea | Sat 24 Oct, 4:30pm–6pm (ages 4–9) and 6:30pm–8pm (ages 10+) Swansea Caves JRLFC's fundraiser disco has a costume competition, dancing, games, prizes and treats, with glow sticks and snacks for sale. Tickets from the postponed July disco are still valid. $8 online, $10 at the door. More info

I Run For Her – Warners Bay Foreshore, Warners Bay | Sun 25 Oct, from 8:30am Got Your Back Sista's annual walk or run against domestic and family violence. Meet opposite the Esplanade cafés, with a Genesis warm-up before the start. Money raised supports women and children rebuilding after abuse. $25 registration, includes a t-shirt. Register

Beers, Braids & Body Talks – The Metropolitan Hotel, 289 High St, Maitland | Sun 25 Oct, 5pm An evening for dads, father figures, grandfathers and male caregivers to learn practical everyday hair skills for their daughters, with relaxed conversations about bodies, boundaries and consent. The third event, after two sold-out ones. $20. Get tickets

Dabble Darts ANZ Premier League – Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Broadmeadow | Sat 24 Oct, 6pm start (doors 5pm) Pro darts night with some of the world's best players. From $69. Get tickets

Newcastle Jets v Macarthur FC – McDonald Jones Stadium, Broadmeadow | Sat 24 Oct, 3pm A-League Men round 2. Gates 2pm. Price not read. More info

Oktoberfest in the Gardens – The Station, Newcastle | Sat 24 Oct, 1pm–9pm German beer, food, live entertainment, rides and silent discos. Brightside is listed to play. Tickets from $39.90; final release $59.90. Get tickets

The Newfangled Four – A Cappella Spectacular Showcase of Champions – NEX, Newcastle West | Sat 24 Oct, 7pm–9:30pm A concert with the Newfangled Four plus winners of the Barbershop Harmony Australia national quartet and chorus contests. $85; youth $47.50. Get tickets

SONIDO – Warners Bay Theatre, Warners Bay | Sat 24 Oct, 7pm Home-grown Andean and Latin American roots music, presented with Musica Viva Australia and Lake Mac Arts. $45–50 plus fee. Get tickets

The High Kings – Civic Theatre, Newcastle | Sat 24 Oct, 8pm Irish folk favourites on their Rocky Road tour. $99. Get tickets

Felicity Urquhart & Josh Cunningham – Civic Theatre, Newcastle | Sat 24 Oct, 7:30pm Two award-winning singer-songwriters on the Go North Go South tour, celebrating the album Everything Around You. $45. Get tickets

A Retro Spectrum with Mike Rudd – Flamingos Live, Lambton | Sat 24 Oct, 8:30pm An intimate night with the Australian rock musician, with songs and stories from his progressive rock, blues and psychedelic catalogue. Show only from $55; dinner and show from $110 (plus booking fee). Get tickets

Deadly Nightshade: Dark Cabaret – Flamingos Live, Lambton | Fri 23 Oct, 8:30pm A dark cabaret show. Dinner from 6pm. Show only from $49.60; dinner and show from $104.60 (plus booking fee). Get tickets

Postcards from Eternity: Terence Koo Album Launch – Newcastle Conservatorium of Music, Newcastle | Sun 25 Oct, 2pm An afternoon celebrating Terence Koo's album launch. From $22.49 incl fees. Get tickets

Friday Night Comedy – Newcastle Comedy Club, Islington | Fri 23 Oct, 8:30pm A showcase of comedians at the club on Maitland Road. From $34.29. Get tickets

Danielle Walker: Bittersweet – Newcastle Comedy Club, Islington | Sat 24 Oct, 6pm A solo comedy show. $32.36. Get tickets

Saturday Night Showcase – Newcastle Comedy Club, Islington | Sat 24 Oct, 8:30pm A line-up of comedians at the club. From $34.29. Get tickets

Bounded in Brunch: The Ultimate Bookish Picnic – King Edward Park, Newcastle | Sat 24 Oct, 10:30am–12:30pm A picnic for 40 book lovers with food and new friends. $70.14 incl fees. Get tickets

Tactile – Back to Back Galleries, 57 Bull St, Cooks Hill | Opening Sat 24 Oct, 3pm Opening of an exhibition of clay and wood works by Karen and Jono, drawing on Japanese pottery and timber craft. Runs to 8 Nov. Free. More info

Pavilion Film Festival – Multi-Arts Pavilion, Speers Point | to Sun 25 Oct Short films and digital narratives in the mima Cube. Check the program for session times. Free. More info

Waste to Art Exhibition Opening – Charlestown Library, Charlestown | Fri 23 Oct, 5:30pm–7pm Opening night of the 2026 Sustainable Neighbourhoods Waste to Art exhibition. Free. More info

Newcastle's True Crime Tour – Cnr Scott and Watt streets, Newcastle | Fri 23, Sat 24 and Sun 25 Oct, 7:30pm A guided walk through Newcastle's historic crimes. About 90 minutes. $27.78 incl fees. Get tickets

Maitland's True Crime Tour – High St and Bourke St, Maitland | Sat 24 Oct, 5pm A guided walking tour of Maitland's crimes and darker stories. $27.78 incl fees. Get tickets

Laundry Day film premiere – 321 High St, Maitland | Sat 24 Oct, 7pm A premiere of a local film about killer socks. $10. Get tickets

Bonsai and Brews – Thirsty Messiah Brewery, Broadmeadow | Sat 24 Oct Beginner workshop on potting, shaping and wiring a bonsai. Includes a tree, ceramic pot, materials and a drink. Time to be confirmed with the organiser. $140. Get tickets

Yoga on the Water Sunrise Wellness Cruise – Queens Wharf Terminal, Newcastle | Sun 25 Oct, 6am–8am Sunrise yoga on the MV Calmer across three levels. Ages 12+. Bring a mat. $29.23 incl fees. Get tickets

Newcastle Singles Cruise – Queens Wharf Terminal, Newcastle | Fri 23 Oct, 7:30pm A harbour cruise with music, icebreakers and dancing for singles. $39.97 incl fees. Get tickets

Traffic Light Party – Bernie's Bar, Newcastle | Fri 23 Oct, 9pm Colour-coded wristbands at the door show whether you are single, taken or somewhere in between. Free entry. Free. More info

Wine Beats Through Sunset – Harkham, Pokolbin | Sat 24 Oct, 3pm–7pm Hunter wines and live music among the vines. Price not read. More info

Atticus Asado – Dark Horse Vineyard, Lovedale | Sat 24 Oct A one-night long-table dinner with open-fire cooking, local produce, regional wines and live entertainment. $260 per person. More info

Newcastle Parade: Pride in every step – Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle | Sat 24 Oct, from 8:30am A community-organised pride parade open to groups, businesses and families. Price not stated. More info

Read the Room in October – The Lock-Up, 90 Hunter St, Newcastle | Sat 24 Oct, 2:30pm–4pm Newcastle Writers Festival's fifth reading party: a relaxed afternoon of reading and guided conversation. Solo readers are welcome, and true crime picks suit the old police station. Free, registration required, donations welcome. Get tickets

Nature's Echo – Glenrock Scout Camp, Scout Camp Rd, Whitebridge | Sat 24 Oct, 4pm–8pm (opening) and Sun 25 Oct, 9am–5pm Lucy Butler's solo exhibition of watercolours from more than ten years of time spent in nature. Sunday has workshops inspired by the work and is the last day to see it. Free entry. More info

Rat Park – Wester Gallery, 39 Bolton St, Newcastle | Final day Sat 24 Oct, 9am–1pm Muralist and poet Sophia Flegg shows raw new work in acrylic, ink, aerosol and found objects. She made it in a garage studio after a fire destroyed her home and studio last year. Free entry. More info

Glendale Farmers & Artisan Market – Stockland Glendale, Glendale | Sat 24 Oct, 8am–2pm Weekly all-weather market with produce, gourmet food, homemade products and artisan wares, plus street food and live music. Free entry. More info

Mayfield Day stalls – Dangar Park, Mayfield | Sat 24 Oct, 10am–3pm Market stalls run alongside the free community day. Free. More info

Sunset Markets – Speers Point Park, Speers Point | Sat 24 Oct, 4pm–8pm The twilight market launches at Speers Point with street food, desserts, artisan makers, boutique stalls and live music by the lake. Bring a picnic rug and stay for the sunset. Free entry. More info

Handmade in the Hunter Markets – Sobels Wines, Pokolbin | Sat 24 Oct, 9am–2pm Hunter makers selling baked, sewn, grown and handcrafted goods in the Sobels gardens. Free entry. More info

Hunter Wine Country Markets – De Bortoli, Pokolbin | Sat 24 Oct, 9am–2pm Jewellery, clothing, homewares, produce and handmade goods from Hunter artisans. Weather permitting. Free entry. More info

Perfectly Peculiar Market – Hart & Hunter at Amanda's on the Edge, Pokolbin | Sat 24 Oct, 10am–2pm Organic produce, artisan creations, vintage finds, handmade products and food stalls among the vines. Free entry. More info

Newcastle City Farmers Markets – Broadmeadow Showground, Broadmeadow | Sun 25 Oct Local farmers and makers selling direct. Trading hours not confirmed. Free entry. More info

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CitySwoon | Newcastle | Casual / Part-time

Love meeting people and bringing events to life? CitySwoon is looking for a friendly, organised host to help run singles events, speed dating and social mixers around Newcastle.

With around 1–3 shifts per month and training provided, it's a flexible opportunity to get involved in Newcastle's events scene.

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Getting around Newcastle on a Friday or Saturday night just got easier. Night Hop is a new free shuttle connecting the East End, city centre, Darby Street, Newcastle West and Honeysuckle, with 12 stops across the city.

Running from 6pm to 11pm every Friday and Saturday, the service lets you jump between dinner, drinks and entertainment without moving the car or paying for an Uber. You can hop on and off as often as you like, and there's a live tracker to see where the bus is.

When: Fridays and Saturdays, 6pm to 11pm
Cost: Free

Check the route and stops before heading out.

Kalyn Ponga scored two tries on debut for New Zealand at fullback, but the Kiwis lost 24-22 to Australia in the World Cup opener at Allianz Stadium on Thursday 15 October. The crowd was 41,255. Knights teammate Dane Gagai played centre and, at 36, became New Zealand's oldest Test debutant.

Fiji beat the Cook Islands 40-12 in front of 10,604 at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday 18 October, with Knights prop Jacob Saifiti scoring a try. New Zealand's women beat Fiji 18-12 earlier in the day. The stadium hosts a men's and women's semi-final double-header on Saturday 7 November.

Bradman Best is reported to be testing the open market ahead of free agency on 1 November. The SMH's Adrian Proszenko reports the Knights offered $700,000 a season, below the $750,000 he is due in 2027. Parramatta is reportedly interested.

Gamba Osaka beat the Jets 3-1 in the AFC Champions League Elite in Newcastle on Tuesday 13 October, after Nikolaos Vergos put the Jets ahead. On Saturday the Jets opened their A-League season by twice coming from behind to draw 2-2 with the Mariners in Gosford. They host Macarthur FC at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday 24 October at 3pm.