Good morning, Newcastle.

I am writing this from Osaka, Japan. As mentioned last week, this edition will be short, just covering events. Same for next week.

Have a great week.

6 spots left - and once they're gone, they're gone.

The Digest Dinner Club is a curated dinner experience designed for people who want more than small talk. Tables are matched using a personality quiz, so you'll sit down with strangers who actually have something in common with you. Good food, genuine conversation, and a night you'll actually remember. First edition is at Parry Street Garage on the 9th of April.

Newsletter subscribers get first access before this opens up on Instagram. If you're keen, click below to complete the quiz and lock in your spot.

👉 Secure your spot

Glendale City Centre 30th Birthday Celebration – Glendale City Centre | 1 March – 31 March
A month of celebrations including giveaways, family activities and nostalgic moments marking 30 years of the centre. Free event. More info.

Music in the Podium – Warners Bay Foreshore | 27 March 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 | 27 March 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.

A New Horizon – Rathmines Theatre | 29 March
Orchestra Nova presents a concert featuring works from Carmen, Jurassic Park, Beethoven and more. More info.

Variety Spin 4 Kids – Newcastle Harbour Square, Honeysuckle | 27 March 10am – 3pm
A five-hour cycling fundraiser supporting children facing illness, disadvantage or disability. Free to spectate. More info.

Kurri Kurri Nostalgia Festival – Kurri Kurri | 27–29 March
A celebration of the 1950s and 1960s with classic cars, fashion, music, dancing, market stalls and entertainment. More info.

Mega Creatures – Hunter Valley Gardens | 28 March – 26 April
A large-scale family attraction featuring prehistoric creatures, mythical beasts and themed zones throughout the gardens. More info.

Glendale City Centre Birthday Party – Glendale City Centre | 28 March 10am – 2pm
A free family celebration marking Glendale City Centre’s 30th birthday with activities, entertainment and giveaways. More info.

Family Fun Day – Gregson Park | 28 March
A family-friendly afternoon in the park to reconnect with friends, with an optional dinner gathering afterwards. More info.

Mega Creatures Night Safari – Hunter Valley Gardens | 28–29 March, 3–19 April, 24–26 April
An after-dark experience featuring illuminated creatures, rides and a fantasy-filled night trail. More info.

Warbirds Over Scone – Scone Memorial Airport | 28–29 March 9am – 5pm
A major aviation festival featuring historic warbirds, aerobatics and family-friendly flying displays. More info.

Hill to Harbour – Newcastle Foreshore | 29 March 7:30am – 12:30pm
Newcastle’s iconic fun run with 12km, 6km and family-friendly event options along the coastline. More info.

The Great Bunny Boogie – Kotara Bowling Club | 29 March 10am
A free Easter event featuring an egg hunt, kids disco, Easter Bunny photo ops and prizes. More info.

In These Shoes – The Royal Exchange, Newcastle | 25, 28, 29 March
A fashion-fuelled cabaret from Glynis Traill-Nash, taking audiences from Perth to Paris in witty and entertaining style. More info.

STAGE FRIGHT ein Kabarett – Royal Exchange Theatre, Newcastle | 25–29 March
Jude Bowler brings a bold and witty cabaret homage to Marlene Dietrich with classic songs and modern mashups. More info.

LIVE AT THE LOCK-UP: Mitch Elliott and Mara – The Lock-Up, Newcastle | 26 March 6pm – 10pm
A one-night-only double bill of experimental sound practice combining live electronics and acoustic performance. More info.

The Fleetwood Mac Experience – Shoal Bay Country Club | 27 March
Back to the Mac brings a live tribute celebrating Fleetwood Mac’s golden era. Tickets $39.80. More info.

NT Live: Hamlet – Civic Theatre, Newcastle | 27 March 7pm
A National Theatre screening of Shakespeare’s Hamlet starring Hiran Abeysekera in a contemporary production. Tickets from $22. More info.

Vine and Dine at QT – Jana Restaurant, Newcastle | 27 March
A candlelit multi-course dinner paired with De Beaurepaire wines as part of Jana’s monthly wine series. Tickets $159. More info.

Catapult: Uncoiling the Veils of Illusion – MAP mima | 27–29 March
An immersive dance performance combining choreography and 360-degree projection. More info.

Sri Lankan New Year Festival – Hasthi Sri Lankan Restaurant, Wallsend | 28 March
A festive celebration with cultural performances and an unlimited Sri Lankan buffet. Tickets from $25. More info.

Ladies Long Lunch – Earp Distilling Co., Carrington | 28 March
A long lunch supporting the Mark Hughes Foundation with food, drinks, guest speakers and live entertainment. Tickets $195. More info.

Lake Macquarie One Act Play Festival – Warners Bay Theatre | 28 March
An annual theatre competition featuring 13 original short plays by local, national and international playwrights. More info.

SoundBites Food & Wine Festival – Newcastle Racecourse | 28 March 11am – 6pm
A full-day festival of Hunter food and wine with top chefs, tastings, live music and demonstrations. More info.

Coffee and Claytime Workshop – Grounded By Designs, Carrington | 28 March 10am – 12:30pm
A relaxed pottery workshop where participants create hand-built ceramic pieces while enjoying coffee in a supportive studio environment. Tickets $120. More info.

Kate Reid at Newcastle Writers Festival – Newcastle City Hall and NUspace | 28 March
Lune Croissanterie founder Kate Reid discusses her memoir and journey from Formula 1 to baking success. More info.

Why Buy New Clothing Swap – Kotara High School MPC, Adamstown Heights | 28 March
A community clothing swap with morning tea included, raising funds for a study tour to Japan. Tickets from $10. More info.

Drums in the Park – Hemporium Wellness Centre, Carrington | 28 March 1pm
A community drumming gathering welcoming new and experienced drummers for a shared afternoon of rhythm and connection. More info.

Newcastle Record and CD Fair – Beaumont Street, Hamilton | 29 March 9am
A fair packed with rare and collectable vinyl, CDs and music memorabilia. More info.

Live on the Green – Mayfield Bowling Club | 28 March 12pm
An outdoor live music event with tribute acts, festival activities, raffles and an outdoor bar. More info.

Newcastle Beer Fest – King Edward Park | 28 March
A beer festival bringing together breweries, live music and food vendors for a full day in the park. More info.

Steel City Terror 2026 – Hamilton Station Hotel | 28 March 2pm
A hardcore music festival with two stages and a lineup of bands from around the country, supporting Soul Hub Newcastle. More info.

Friday Night Sounds – Newcastle Art Gallery | 28 March
An after-hours gallery experience featuring a live DJ set by Mistah Dux and an artist talk for Narrating Return. More info.

Merewether March Markets - Dixon Park | 28 March
Join us for a day full of fun, local talent, and community spirit, local makers and creators, Live music all day, good food and much more.

Homegrown Markets – Lambton Park | 29 March 9am – 1pm
A pop-up market day with handmade stalls, preloved finds, street food, live music and kids activities. More info.

Newcastle City Farmers Markets – Broadmeadow Showground, Griffiths Rd, Broadmeadow | 29 March
Shop direct from local farmers and makers in a classic community farmers market.

Do you want me to share an event in the Newcastle Digest?