All roads lead to Newcastle as city takes centre stage as events destination
- intouch Magazine
- 10 minutes ago
- 3 min read
A stacked line-up of world-class sport, music and stage performances is ensuring Newcastle continues to be the hottest ticket in town for fans and promoters of live events.
Strong sales are expected when tickets go on sale today for the upcoming Women’s State of Origin match at McDonald Jones Stadium, which last year attracted almost 22,000 rugby league fans to Newcastle.
Australian comedian Kitty Flannagan is already feeling the love from Newcastle audiences, adding two extra shows to her existing run of four dates at the Civic Theatre this week due to demand.
Thousands of music lovers are also preparing to converge on Foreshore Park on 14 February for the return of the Howlin' Country music festival, headlined by Grammy winner Lainey Wilson and Nashville-based Newcastle singer songwriter Morgan Evans.
These events are just a taste of what’s ahead for Newcastle, with some of the world’s best male and female surfers set to make waves as part of the World Surfing League Challenger Series event, which will headline Surfest in March.
Men’s and women’s international rugby league stars will showcase their skills in October and November for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, with matches featuring Fiji, Cook Islands and New Zealand, as well as a semi-final double header.
The global Rugby World Cup juggernaut will kick plenty of goals for union fans in October 2027 with the schedule revealing Newcastle will play host to pool matches featuring Japan v Samoa, Fiji v Spain, Uruguay v Portugal and Italy v Georgia.
Chair of City of Newcastle’s Sports Infrastructure Working Group Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said events are key to creating a vibrant and prosperous city.
“Sold out shows, record crowds and repeat bookings by organisers demonstrate the huge demand in Newcastle for events that engage all ages and demographics, and cater to a range of tastes,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.
“Major international-level events also help put Newcastle on the map with global audiences, providing opportunities to capture tourism, economic growth and job creation by catering to locals and attracting fans from around the country and across the world.”
Chair of City of Newcastle’s Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee Councillor Jenny Barrie said Newcastle is an events powerhouse, attracting nationally and internationally renowned acts and events to entertain audiences across the city.
“Newcastle has become a must stop destination for promoters looking for a world-class city to stage major events or be included on their national tour schedules," Cr Barrie said.
“This reputation has been fostered and continues to grow off the back of a strategic focus and investment by City of Newcastle, and collaborations with the NSW Government through Destination NSW and our major events partnership with Venues NSW.
“City of Newcastle is committed to attracting, retaining and delivering high‑quality events that generate immediate economic returns and ongoing benefits for the community.
“These events contribute millions in direct spending and unlock a breadth of wider benefits, including repeat tourism, stronger supply chains, enhanced workforce skills, increased industry capability and more employment opportunities for locals.”
To stay up to date with all the events happening across Newcastle visit visitnewcastle.com.au/whats-on
