Good morning, welcome back to the Newcastle Digest.

Off the back of the first event, I’m exploring more ways to bring people together through in-person experiences, both paid and free.

A couple of weeks ago, I asked whether there’d be interest in a Newcastle Digest Dinner Club. A large number of you said yes, so I’m now looking into the logistics.

In the meantime, I’d love to hear what kinds of events you’d actually want to attend, or feel are missing in Newcastle. You can reply directly to this email or share your thoughts in the poll at the end of the newsletter.

Let’s get into it.

Neighbours is a solid breakfast option right in the Newcastle CBD, located on Market Street. It’s a café-by-day setup with plenty of seating both inside and outside, making it an easy choice whether you’re heading in early or meeting people later in the morning.

The menu is a good size, with a mix of classic breakfast dishes, lunch options, and a decent drinks list that includes breakfast cocktails if you’re leaning towards a boozy brunch. We ordered the smoked salmon Eggs Benedict and the ricotta pancakes. Both are familiar choices, but they were done really well, well-balanced, nicely presented, and satisfying without being heavy. Coffee was also solid, using ONA beans.

If you’re in town and looking for a reliable, well-executed breakfast with plenty of space to sit, Neighbours is a good option to keep in mind.

New Honeysuckle Venue - 11 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle
The team behind local restaurants The Kingfish and Blanca have a new venue opening at Honeysuckle in the old Honeysuckle Social building. The new venue is set to launch in the coming months.

Arno Deli - 289 Brunker Rd, Adamstown
King Street's much-loved and my favourite sandwich shop is expanding, with a second location in Adamstown. opening date to be announced soon.

Newcastle Digest is 100% free to read, independently run, and locally operated
(and yes, it’s just me).

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I appreciate any and all support.
Kyle

Back to School Kick Off – Charlestown Square, Charlestown | 19 January – 1 February
A free in-centre activation with activities for kids and families during the school holidays. More info.

Friday Chill – Pacific Park, Newcastle | 30 January 6.30pm – 8.30pm
A relaxed, family-friendly live music evening featuring StoneAge Romeos plus food from local vendors. More info.

Kids Cube Disco – MAP mima, Speers Point Park | 30 January 5pm – 8pm
MAP mima’s Cube transforms into a kid-friendly disco with upbeat music and immersive projections. Suitable for ages 5–12. Children must be accompanied by an adult. More info.

Stockton Island Triathlon Festival – Griffith Park, Stockton | 31 January – 1 February from 6.30am
A full weekend of racing featuring the Stockton Sunrise Run and triathlon events across multiple distances, all set along Stockton’s flat foreshore course. More info.

Free Personalised Bag Tag – Glendale City Centre | 30 – 31 January
Learn about closed-loop plastic recycling while creating your own personalised recycled plastic bag tag. Free activity. More info.

Coffee and Claytime Workshop – Grounded By Designs, Carrington | 29 & 31 January 10am – 12.30pm
Slow down with a coffee and create your own hand-built pottery in a relaxed, guided workshop. All materials included. Tickets $120.

Clay Connections: Opening Night Drinks – Wester Gallery, Newcastle | 30 January
Opening night of Dr Mojgan Habibi’s contemplative clay installation exploring memory, resilience and cultural dialogue through hand-formed works. More info.

The Imperfects Live – Civic Theatre Newcastle | 30 January
Hugh van Cuylenburg, Ryan Shelton and Josh van Cuylenburg bring their hit podcast to the stage for an honest, funny live show about vulnerability and resilience. More info.

Laneway Theatre Open Day – Laneway Theatre, Lambton | 30 January
A relaxed open evening to explore the theatre, meet the team and chat creative ideas and future collaborations. RSVP required. More info.

Haze Stockton Sunrise Run – Stockton Foreshore | 31 January
Part of the Island Triathlon Festival, this sunrise run offers 5km, 10.5km and half marathon distances along the foreshore. More info.

Hoedown Throwdown – The Exchange, Hamilton | 31 January
A big country night with Brothers Hollow live from 9pm and country DJs spinning from 6pm until late. More info.

Bandcamp 2000s Party – Shoal Bay Country Club, Shoal Bay | 31 January from 9pm
A full-throttle throwback night packed with 2000s hits, dancing and nostalgia. More info.

Surfest Pro Junior – Newcastle Beach | 31 January – 1 February
Watch the next generation of surfing stars compete in this World Surf League Junior Qualifying Series event. More info.

Kitty Flanagan: Glad Game – Civic Theatre Newcastle | 31 January – 4 February
Kitty Flanagan returns with her sharp, laugh-packed new stand-up show tackling life’s everyday absurdities. More info.

Clay & Sip Workshop – The Art Department, Newcastle | Various dates
Hands-on pottery sessions paired with coffee in a relaxed, social setting. All tools and materials provided. More info.

FREE Wedding Open Day – Belmont 16s Sailing Club, Belmont | 1 February
Explore the South East View venue and meet wedding suppliers at this free open day. Registration required. More info.

The Crescendo 4 Course Degustation – Bartholomew’s, Newcastle | 1 February 6pm – 10pm
A special four-course farewell degustation celebrating Head Chef Anton Hirst’s final service before heading overseas. More info.

The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight – Civic Theatre Newcastle | 2 February
A dramatic live show blending iconic rock and metal anthems with orchestral arrangements by candlelight. More info.

January Nursery Open Day – Cardiff | 31 January 8am – 2pm
Monthly nursery open day featuring fresh plant stock, with food and coffee vendors planned. More info.

Foreshore Park Kiosk Opening – Foreshore Park, Newcastle | 31 January 10am – 12pm
Celebrate the opening of the new kiosk and amenities with kids activities, face painting, live DJ and half-price coffee. More info.

Rockabilly Takeover – Cardiff | 1 February 5pm – 9pm
High-energy Rockabilly dance workshop and social night with guest instructors. All levels welcome. Cost $15. More info.

40th M.A.D Day – Newcastle Harness Racing Club | 1 February
A large-scale vehicle showcase featuring cars, bikes and trucks, with traders, food and shaded seating. More info.

After Dark Emo Night – King Street Band Room, Newcastle | 30 January from 8pm
A late-night emo and pop-punk club night with DJs spinning all the anthems you know and love. More info.

Record Fair – The Oak, Tighes Hill | 1 February 12pm – 5pm
Thousands of records, DJs spinning all day, vintage clothing stalls and free entry for music lovers. More info.

Caves Beach Markets – Mawson Close, Caves Beach | 31 January 9am – 3pm
Browse fresh produce, handmade goods and artisan stalls in a coastal market setting. More info.

Lake Macquarie City Farmers Market – Stockland Glendale | 31 January 8am – 2pm
Weekly farmers market featuring fresh produce, gourmet snacks and local makers. More info.

Newcastle City Farmers Markets – Broadmeadow Showground, Griffiths Rd, Broadmeadow | 1 February
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?

Pickleballerz is Newcastle’s first indoor pickleball venue, located in Cardiff, and it’s a genuinely easy way to try something different. Set inside the old Parrey Skate Park, the space is large, fully enclosed, and fitted out with multiple cushioned courts, so weather isn’t a factor.

I went on a Saturday afternoon and booked earlier that day without any issues. For $15 per person, you get an hour on court, and all the equipment is included, paddles and balls, which makes it very beginner-friendly. There were plenty of courts available, and while it’s air-conditioned, it was still a bit warm once you got moving. Facilities are solid too, with change rooms and enough space to get organised before and after playing.

Pickleball itself is easy to pick up and fun almost immediately, even if you’ve never played before. If you’ve been curious about the pickleball trend or just want to try something new that isn’t a gym or a pub, Pickleballerz is worth checking out.