Good morning, Newcastle.

Thank you for all of the kind messages last week. I am sorry If I haven’t replied to you yet. We have arrived back safely. I can say Japan is great, but I really did miss Newcastle coffee.

If you're after something a little different for your next dinner out, BBQ Town is worth knowing about. It's a Korean BBQ buffet: you pay upfront, then have 90 minutes to grill your own meats tableside while working through a solid spread of hot buffet dishes.

What sets it apart from your typical Korean BBQ is the all-you-can-eat format, just pick your cuts, get grilling, and go back as many times as you like. Lunch is $45, and dinner ranges from $55 Monday to Thursday, and $59 on weekends. Drinks aren't included, but there's a bar running Australian and Korean options. A great option for a group night out.

Arno Deli - Adamstown - 289 Brunker Rd, Adamstown NSW 2289

Arno Deli’s second store is officially opening on Thursday, 9 April. Arno is one of my favourite venues in Newcastle and I am very excited for it to be in a slightly more convenient location.

Jen Smith Cheesecake - 4/89-91 Young St, Carrington NSW 2294

After almost two years perfecting the recipe in her Edgeworth kitchen, Jen has nailed the fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth Japanese cheesecakes and has now moved into a new space in Carrington. As well as the Cheescakes, Jen Smith serves up fluffy Japanese-style pancakes fresh, in-store.

Teeny Tiny Stevies – The James Theatre, Dungog | 10 April 10:30am – 11:30am
A family concert from the ARIA-winning duo featuring songs and laughs for kids and adults alike. More info.

Crafty Cinema – East Maitland Library | 10 April from 6:30pm
A relaxed movie night for crafters with lights kept on, simple snacks and a small craft activity included. More info.

Newcastle Jets vs Adelaide United - McDonald Jones Stadium | 11 April
Jets take on Adelaide United at home. More info.

Pirates of the Hunter – Lee Wharf Pontoon, Newcastle | 12 April 1:30pm – 3pm
A family pirate cruise aboard William the Fourth with treasure hunting, games and prizes for best dressed. More info.

Shark Suncatcher Workshop – PACC, Cessnock | 13 April 10am – 11am
A free hands-on craft session where participants create their own shark-themed suncatcher. More info.

Paper Mache Shark Workshop – PACC, Cessnock | 13–14 April 2pm – 4pm
A two-day workshop where participants build and paint their own 3D shark sculpture. More info.

Shrek JR. – Young People’s Theatre, Hamilton | 13 April – 23 May
A youth production of the hit musical following Shrek and a cast of fairytale characters on a big, bright adventure. More info.

Teddy Bear’s Picnic – Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, Heatherbrae | 14 April 10am – 2pm
A family day with a teddy bear parade, spot prizes, free face painting, a merry-go-round, stalls and picnic fun. More info.

Andy Griffiths’ YOU & ME and The Land of Lost Things – Civic Theatre, Newcastle | 14 April 1pm & 4pm
A stage adaptation of the bonkers children’s book by Andy Griffiths and Bill Hope for ages 6–12 and their adults.

Model Newcastle: Big Stories, Little Things – Newcastle Museum | Until 19 April
A major exhibition of models and miniatures celebrating Newcastle’s history, creativity and community through hands-on displays and local stories. More info.

ARTEXPRESS – Maitland Regional Art Gallery | Until 19 April
An annual exhibition showcasing outstanding HSC Visual Arts projects from students across New South Wales. More info.

Mega Creatures – Hunter Valley Gardens | Until 26 April
A large-scale family attraction featuring dragons, dinosaurs, unicorns and themed zones across the gardens. More info.

Mega Creatures Night Safari – Hunter Valley Gardens | Until 19 April
An after-dark experience featuring illuminated creatures, rides and fantasy-inspired garden displays. More info.

Stardust Circus – Richardson Park, Hamilton North | Until 26 April
A traditional circus under the big top featuring trapeze, wheel of death, animals, clowns and magic. More info.

Baker Boy – King Street Band Room, Newcastle | 9 April 8pm
Baker Boy brings his DJANDJAY Tour to Newcastle with new music from his second album. More info.

Once Upon A One More Time – Civic Theatre Playhouse, Newcastle | 9–19 April
A pop-powered Hunter Drama musical that reimagines classic fairy tales through the hits of Britney Spears. More info.

Watch Our Film – Tower Cinemas, Newcastle | 9 April
An open film night showcasing locally made short films on the big screen. Tickets $14. More info.

Pedal Heist – Newcastle | 10 April
A city-wide bike treasure hunt where the first five people to solve the clue and reach the secret location win a new bike. More info.

Twilight Fridays – MAP mima | 10, 17, 24 April
A free Friday night series with live music, food and creative activities for the whole community. More info.

Comedy Uncorked ft. Mercer Wines – Newcastle Comedy Club, Islington | 11 April 6pm – 10:15pm
A three-course dinner with Mercer wine pairings followed by an adults-only comedy showcase. Tickets $130. More info.

Good Vibrations Fun Run for Parkinson’s – Southy Canteen, Newcastle | 11 April 9am
A coastal fundraiser supporting Shake It Up Foundation Australia, welcoming walkers, runners and anyone keen to get involved.

Thunderstruck Live, AC/DC Tribute - Sydney Junction Hotel | 11 April 9:30pm
Get ready for a night of pure, high-voltage rock ‘n’ roll as THUNDERSTRUCK – The AC/DC Show hits the stage at Sydney Junction Hotel, Hamilton! More info.

Newcastle Rugby League Magic Round – Maitland Regional Sportsground | 11 April
A full day of rugby league featuring every premiership club at one venue, plus food vendors and family activities. More info.

Autumnal Garden Party – Customs House Hotel, Newcastle | 11 & 18 April
A premium garden party with live food stations, wine, gin, DJs and live bands. Tickets $129. More info.

Hemp & House Coffee Rave - The Hemporium Wellness Centre | 11 April 10am - 2pm
Rise and shine with us for a soulful morning of music, movement, and community. More info.

SUKIMAMA x First Creek Sunday Beach Club – Merewether Surf Club | 12, 19, 26 April 4pm – 7pm
A Sunday beach club pairing themed wines, Korean street food and ocean views. Tickets include a glass of wine and food voucher. More info.

Newcastle Wedding Fair – Newcastle City Hall | 12 April 11am – 2pm
A wedding fair featuring local vendors, styling ideas, live music, floral workshops and giveaways. Tickets $10. More info.

Curiosities & Creators Expo – Newcastle Entertainment Centre | 12 April 11am – 4pm
An alternative expo filled with dark art, taxidermy, vintage finds, occult goods and handmade pieces. More info.

Nagisa x Usher Tinkler Seafood Long Lunch – Nagisa, Honeysuckle | 12 April
A seven-course seafood lunch paired with wines from Usher Tinkler. Tickets $185pp. More info.

Homegrown Markets – The Station, Newcastle | 11 April 10am – 2pm
A handmade and design market with street food, live music and family-friendly activities. More info.

Homegrown Markets – Harold Gregson Park, Maitland | 12 April 10am – 2pm
A Maitland market day featuring handmade stalls, street food, live music and kids activities. More info.

Newcastle City Farmers Markets – Broadmeadow Showground, Griffiths Rd, Broadmeadow | 12 April
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?

Newcastle beat Canberra 32-12 in front of a sell-out crowd at McDonald Jones Stadium on Easter Sunday, but the victory came with another injury concern. Bradman Best left the field in the first half and has since been diagnosed with a moderate-grade groin strain, ruling him out for up to four weeks.

Newcastle fell 3-2 to Macarthur at Campbelltown on Thursday, their second loss in three matches, with the finals approaching. Mitch Duke was the difference, scoring a double and adding an assist to keep the Bulls' finals hopes alive.

Xavier Bertoncello grabbed a brace for the Jets, but it wasn't enough, with Duke's deflected winner in the 68th minute proving the difference. A hamstring injury to Thomas Aquilina added to the misery late.

Newcastle's lead at the top could be down to a single point by Sunday. Three rounds remain, Adelaide at home on the 11th, Melbourne away on the 17th, and Central Coast at home on Anzac Day.

Newcastle pushed Melbourne City to the wire in their final regular season match, losing 2-1 in injury time at Maitland Sportsground on Sunday. Melina Ayres gave the Jets the lead early in the second half, but City, who had already secured top spot for a third consecutive season, hit back through Aideen Keane in the 72nd minute before Danielle Turner headed in a winner in the 97th to break Newcastle hearts.

If it feels like there's more live music around Newcastle lately, that's because there is. The city now has 25 venues signed up to the NSW Government's live music incentive program, a scheme that offers an 80% discount on liquor licensing fees and an extra two hours of trading for venues that host at least 10 gigs a month.

The results speak for themselves. Islington's Method Brewing went from 12 shows a year to 120. Across the state, the number of venues has quadrupled.

It's a welcome turnaround for a scene that took a battering during the lockout era. Between reformed noise-complaint laws, the removal of the remaining lockout restrictions, and new grants for venue upgrades and soundproofing, the conditions are finally right for live music to flourish again.

Newcastle has always had the talent. Now it's got the stages to match.

More on this topic in a recent Newcastle Weekly article here.