Good morning Newcastle,

Hope you've had a great week.

A couple of quick updates before we jump in. There's no pie review this week - I know a few of you look forward to them, but it'll be back next edition.

We also had a cancellation for our Newcastle Digest Trivia Night next Thursday, which means a couple of tickets have become available again. If you've been meaning to come along, now's your chance before they disappear (again!). Tickets here.

Now, onto this week's edition.

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Rainy Saturday morning and I headed to Sonny & Betty on Maitland Road in Mayfield. It sits inside the old Coliseum Antiques building, and the character of the space comes through: rustic fit-out, artwork on the walls that's actually for sale, and a relaxed atmosphere that made it a good spot for a casual breakfast.

The menu takes a mix of cafe classics and their own twists. I ordered the chorizo hash, house-made hash browns, grilled chorizo, poached eggs, romesco and chimichurri. Really good, well executed and generous with it.

Coffee is Newcastle roaster, Floozy. Been open since February last year. If you're in Mayfield and haven't made it in yet, worth adding to the list.

Newcastle Knights vs Sydney Roosters – McDonald Jones Stadium | 24 July, 6pm
The Knights host the Roosters under lights. More info.

Cosentino: TRICKED – Civic Theatre, Newcastle | 24 July, 7:30pm
Australia's greatest illusionist takes you on an unforgettable journey in his brand-new production. All ages. Ticketed. More info.

Lake Mac Pop Bam – Hunter Sports Centre, Glendale | 25 July, 10am – 3pm
Cosplay, swordfighting, Star Wars characters, free-play gaming, anime workshops and more at Lake Macquarie's annual pop culture festival. Tickets $30.69. More info.

Crafternoon at The Lock-Up – The Lock-Up, Newcastle | 25 July, 10:30am – 12:30pm
A monthly hands-on art-making session for kids and families inspired by the gallery's current exhibition. Ticketed. More info.

Festa Julina Brazilian Party – Mayfield Bowls Club, Mayfield | 25 July, 11am – 5pm
A traditional Brazilian street party with live forro music, food, dancing and colourful costumes. Kids under 16 free. Tickets $22.49. More info.

My Kids Market – Newcastle Showground Exhibition Centre, Broadmeadow | 26 July, 9am – 12pm
Quality pre-loved baby and kids gear — clothing, toys, equipment and more. Entry $5 at the door. More info.

Peek Into the Past – Tocal Homestead, Paterson | 26 July, 10am – 3pm
Heritage clothing parades, blacksmithing, sheep shearing and a musket march, plus fresh scones from a 200-year-old wood-fired oven. Ticketed. More info.

Edgeworth Trains – Velinda Street, Edgeworth | 26 July, trains from 12:15pm – 3:30pm
Monthly public ride day with steam and diesel miniature trains on elevated and ground-level tracks. $3 per ride, under 2s free. More info.

Children's Book Launch - Straitjacket, 222 Denison St, Broadmeadow | 26 July
Liz Anelli will be launching her children's book - "Hand to Hand" in the gallery with a free children's drawing activity, book reading and book signing. More info.

Textured Weaving Workshop – Creative Village, Charlestown Square | 23 July
A relaxed 2-hour workshop creating a woven wall hanging to take home. No experience needed. Tickets $75. More info.

Signal Box x Molly Morgan Wines – Signal Box, Newcastle | 23 July
A curated dining experience celebrating Molly Morgan Wines' 2026 single-vineyard release with a hosted tasting led by Chief Winemaker Daniel Binet. Ticketed. More info.

Ivan Aristeguieta: Ready to Mambo – Newcastle Conservatorium | 24 July
Australia's favourite Venezuelan comedian is back with a hilarious new show about dancing through tough times and finding joy in chaos. Tickets $40. More info.

Port to Plate – Restaurant 2317, Soldiers Point | 24 July
A four-course dining experience showcasing exceptional Port Stephens seafood paired with Tyrrell's Wines. Tickets $150. More info.

The Bone Appétit – Jana Restaurant, Newcastle | Every Friday from 24 July
A 600g bone-in rib eye MBS 4 with fries, salad, mustards, house jus and a bottle of South Australian red. Tickets $155. More info.

Throwback 2000s Dance Party – Shoal Bay Country Club, Shoal Bay | 24 July, from 8:30pm
Low-rise jeans, flip phones and 2000s bangers all night long. More info.

Knock Out Rock Out II – The Oak, Tighes Hill | 24 July, from 8pm
White Knuckle Fever, Los Monaros and The King Hits bring a night of raw rock 'n' roll to Tighes Hill. Free entry.

Christmas in July Harbour Cruise – Queen's Wharf Terminal, Newcastle | 25 July
A festive buffet cruise on Newcastle Harbour with Christmas jumpers, decorations and holiday cheer. Lunch cruise 1pm–3pm or dinner cruise 5:30pm–8:30pm. Ticketed.

MAC yapang Exhibition Launch – MAC yapang, Booragul | 25 July
Opening celebration for Night Blossom and Current Connections, with an artist talk by Catherine McGuiness and illuminated performances by Curious Legends. Free. More info.

Farmer's Wife Mid-Winter Festival – The Farmer's Wife Distillery, Allworth | 25 July
Fire pits, warming gin cocktails, hearty food, live music and a cosy festival atmosphere rolling into the evening. 18+. Tickets $85–$95. More info.

Christmas in July – The Gladdy, Stockton | 25 July
A festive feast, entertainment and a hot winter cocktail by the harbour. Tickets $59. More info.

The Rhythm of July: Gary On Sax – St. Lucia, Newcastle | 25 July, from 7pm
Latin-inspired waterfront dining with live DJ energy and a roaming sax performance from Gary On Sax. More info.

Meet the Artists: Current Connections – MAC yapang, Booragul | 25 July
Meet the artists behind the Current Connections exhibition — David Collins, Sally Stokes, Belinda Street, Leah Thiessen and Ana Young. Free. More info.

Liz Anelli Book Launch – Straitjacket, Broadmeadow | 26 July
Launch of Hand to Hand with a free children's drawing activity, book reading and signing, and a pop-up bookshop from MacLean's Booksellers. Free. More info.

Tszyu vs Spence Jr – The Exchange, Hamilton | 26 July, from 10am
Watch the big fight live and loud on the Exchange big screen. More info.

Pappa Sven's Nordic Film Club: Mother of Snow Cranes – Tower Cinemas, Newcastle | 26 July, 4:30pm
A documentary following ornithologist Ellen Vuosalo's decades-long journey to protect critically endangered Siberian cranes. Tickets $25. More info.

Rock Rhapsody – The Blackbutt Hotel, Newcastle | 24 July
Classic rock covers from Bon Jovi, Motley Crue, Guns N' Roses, Queen and more. Free entry. More info.

Bed By 10: 30+ Clubbing Experience – King Street, Newcastle West | 25 July, 4pm – 9pm
80s, 90s and early 2000s club classics for the over 30s crowd — all the fun, none of the next-day regrets. Last entry 5pm. More info.

Newcastle Comedy Festival @ Earp Distilling Co. – Earp Distilling Co., Carrington | 25 July, 3pm – 4:15pm
Some of Australia's best comedians in a relaxed setting with top-tier food and drinks. Bookings essential. More info.

Newcastle Comedy Festival Gala 2 – Civic Theatre, Newcastle | 25 July, 7:30pm
A second gala night hosted by Rhys Nicholson with a brand new lineup including Lizzy Hoo, Mel Buttle, Dave Thornton and more. 15+. More info.

Medieval Ball – Polish Cultural Centre, Broadmeadow | 25 July, 6pm – 11pm
A two-course Polish feast, folk dancing from Rzeszowiacy and DJ Carl spinning tunes all night. Don your finest medieval attire. More info.

Bush to Beach 2026 – 25 July, 12pm – 7pm
Four live acts across one afternoon — Dirt Road, Katie Jayne, Hurricane Fall and Viper Creek. More info.

Ladies Day – Newcastle International Hockey Ground | 26 July
Dress fancy, eat fancy, drink fancy and watch a day of hockey across four grades. More info.

Jim Jefferies: Son of a Carpenter - Newcastle Entertainment Centre | 26 July
Australia’s global comedy heavyweight Jim Jefferies is returning home in 2026 with his internationally acclaimed Son of a Carpenter tour. More info.

Homegrown Markets - Harold Gregson Park, Maitland | 26 July, 10am-2pm
The Hunter's biggest handmade and design market with local makers. More info.

​My Kids Market – Newcastle Showground Exhibition Centre, Broadmeadow | 26 July, 9am – 12pm
Quality pre-loved baby and kids gear — clothing, toys, equipment and more. Entry $5 at the door. More info.

Newcastle City Farmers Markets – Broadmeadow Showground | 26 July
Shop direct from local farmers and makers with unbeatable freshness and a genuine community atmosphere.

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Newcastle scored four tries to three but fell 20-18 to Cronulla at Ocean Protect Stadium on Friday night. Greg Marzhew crossed twice, with Kalyn Ponga and Dylan Lucas also scoring. The Knights trailed 14-12 at half-time and couldn't quite find the conversion accuracy to get over the line, with Ponga slotting just one from four attempts. A tough result but not without encouragement.

Newcastle put 38 points on St George Illawarra at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday, seven tries to nil in a dominant performance. Seven different try scorers with Kirra Dibb converting five.

The win was overshadowed by the news that captain Yasmin Meakes ruptured her ACL during the match. She will undergo reconstructive surgery and is expected to return for the 2027 NRLW season. A tough blow for the skipper and the club.

Maitland secured a historic fifth consecutive minor premiership with a hard-fought 10-4 win over South Newcastle at Townson Oval on Saturday in tough conditions. Defence was the story of the day, with the Pickers holding firm under sustained pressure in the final 15 minutes to make history.

Kurri Kurri edged The Entrance 14-12 to stay third, dealing a blow to the Tigers' finals hopes in the process. Northern Hawks kept their slim finals hopes alive with a 38-20 win over Macquarie, while Lakes United were impressive in defeating Cessnock 34-18 on Sunday, with Ryan Potts crossing for a double. The Western Suburbs and Central Newcastle clash was washed out and is yet to be rescheduled.

Two rounds to go and the finals race is wide open.

The Newcastle Northstars are back at the top of the AIHL table after a 7-3 win over Adelaide on Saturday night. Yevgeni Skachkov was the star with a hat-trick, with Beau Taylor, Santeri Haarala and Wehebe Darge also getting on the scoresheet. The penalty kill was excellent, shutting down all five Adelaide powerplay opportunities. The Northstars travel to Perth this Saturday.

I've been seeing Eat Club all over Instagram lately and decided to give it a go myself. This isn't an ad, just something worth sharing if you eat out regularly in Newcastle.

Eat Club is an app that connects diners with restaurants offering last-minute deals on spare tables, with discounts of up to 50% off food and drinks. You browse deals in the app, redeem one before you head out, then pay using the app's virtual card on the restaurant's EFTPOS machine. The discount is applied automatically, no vouchers, no awkward conversations with staff.

We tried it on Saturday night at Emilio's and redeemed 30% off food and drinks. Worked without a hitch.

One thing worth knowing: it doesn't book a table for you. You still need to walk in or book separately. But if you're heading somewhere that takes walk-ins or you've already got a reservation, it's an easy way to save some money on a night out.

Worth downloading if you haven't already.

Delta Goodrem has announced a show at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre on Thursday 8 April 2027 as part of her national tour. It'll be her first Hunter show in five years, supporting her new album Pure. Goodrem recently represented Australia at Eurovision, finishing fourth with her song Eclipse. One for the diary.