Chipmunks Playland & Café Belmont is a large indoor children’s play centre located at 1 High Street, Belmont, on the site of the former Belmont Bowling Club. The venue was fully repurposed and refurbished into a two-level indoor playland and café, designed for children aged 0–11 years.

As Newcastle Fringe Festival rolls into its second decade, something has quietly shifted. This is no longer a homegrown, determined start-up proving its worth. Nor is it a novelty on the cultural calendar. Newcastle Fringe has grown up, and in doing so, it has become something rarer and more powerful: a festival the city can genuinely claim as its own.

Entering its fourth year, the Lake Macquarie One Act Play Festival has evolved into a vibrant celebration of fresh storytelling, with playwrights contributing new work from across Lake Macquarie and the wider Hunter region, as well as America, New Zealand and beyond - all competing for a share of the $1,900 prize pool.

Hunter Drama is set to start its 2026 season with a bang and a whole lot of glitter. Once Upon A One More Time brings together rebellious princesses, girl-power storytelling, and the irresistible hits of pop superstar Britney Spears for a night of theatrical fun at the Playhouse, Civic Theatre Newcastle, from 9–19 April.

March is shaping up to be a month of colour, creativity and connection at Allettare Dezigns — Newcastle's favourite creative destination.

There’s something energising about listening to young people talk about the stories that shape them. In the latest episode of The Placed to Speak podcast, produced through the Place Based Abilities Program, a group of passionate participants explore where “good writing meets great fantasy and visual media”. What unfolds is thoughtful, funny and surprisingly insightful.

I honestly feel a bit embarrassed admitting this. I like to think of myself as a smart woman. I make good decisions at work every day, and I’ve raised a daughter who values herself and treats others with kindness and empathy. Even though I hold those values close and promise myself every year that I won’t get drawn in, here I am, sitting in front of the TV, watching MAFS again. I hate-watch it, but I still watch.

Discover what's happening in your local community this March...

Each March, the NSW Seniors Festival brings communities across the state together to recognise, celebrate and connect with older Australians. In Newcastle, a vibrant local program reflects the city’s creative spirit and strong sense of community.

The iconic Coates Newcastle Show returns to the Newcastle Showground from Friday 27 February to Sunday 1 March 2026, and this year it arrives with a powerful new hero attraction set to redefine opening night.

Newcastle's boldest arts festival is back – and it's bigger, more daring and more brilliantly unfiltered than ever.

I don’t know about you, but I felt like I limped to the end of 2025. If it needs a visual, it's like one of those marathon runners who can see the finish line, but whose legs are going out from under them; they end up needing physical assistance, and when they take one step over the threshold, they pass out face-first on the road.

Discover what's happening in your local community this February...

Two Hunter icons have joined forces, with Charlestown Square announced as an Official Partner of the Newcastle Knights for 2026.

The festive season in Newcastle is more than just tinsel and lights - it’s a time for connection, joy, and celebration. From the heart of the city to the sparkling Harbour Foreshore, City of Newcastle is rolling out its annual calendar of Christmas cheer and New Year festivities, offering something for everyone. Whether it’s wandering through a glowing Christmas precinct, snapping selfies with Santa, or dancing your way into 2026, the city is alive with energy, creativity, an