What's On in October

Erth's Prehistoric World

SATURDAY 1 OCTOBER Amaze & Play in the Garden at Hunter Valley Gardens. Explore the giant maze, jump, scramble, and climb your way through a thrilling inflatable obstacle course. The Storybook Garden will be transformed into a fairy and gnome wonderland. There'll also be amazing amusement rides to enjoy. On now until 9 October. For more information visit www.huntervalleygardens.com.au

Oktoberfest at The Rogue Scholar. Enjoy an afternoon of German entertainment including music and dancers, traditional Bavarian food and beers. The cost is $20. To book visit www.trybooking.com/956474

Erth’s Prehistoric World at Cessnock Performing Arts Centre. Bringing ancient creatures from land and sea together in one show, Erth’s Prehistoric World is the perfect combination of theatrical magic and charm. It takes the audience to the bottom of the ocean to discover ancient bio-luminescent creatures and incredible marine reptiles, and then back to dry land to witness some of the most amazing dinosaurs to have ever walked this earth. To book visit www.cessnockperformingartscentre.com.au

SUNDAY 2 OCTOBER West Best Bloc Fest in Newcastle West. Featuring over 70 of Newcastle’s best bands, the festival will spread across seven venues along the block of bars and pubs including Family Hotel, Happy Wombat, Star Hotel, Rogue Scholar, Jam's Karaoke, Koutetsu and Papa's Bagels. From 2-3 Oct. Tickets are $35. To book visit www.trybooking.com/940957

True Crime Tour of Newcastle. Newcastle with its natural beauty and glorious beaches can only do so much to mask the town’s darkest moments. Revisit the scenes of the crimes of yesteryear and uncover the unimaginable deeds of Novocastrians from the dark past. Tickets are $34 for adults and $25 for children. To book visit www.darkstories.com.au/Newcastle

TUESDAY 4 OCTOBER Generate at MAC: Museum of Art and Culture, Booragul. Catapult Dance Choreographic Hub will deliver a series of week-long contemporary dance and choreographic programs to young people aged 14-24. This is a free event however registration is essential. From 4-8 October. To register visit www.catapultdance.com.au

Spooky Craft at Morisset Library. Create your own simple paper decoration to take home. Suitable for ages 5 -12 years. All materials supplied. Bookings are essential via www.eventbrite.com.au/e/spooky-craft- tickets-414444072377

THURSDAY 6 OCTOBER Jazz Jam at the Underground, the Grand Hotel Newcastle. Enjoy the smooth sounds of jazz. There will be a rotation of 4 - 5 local bands. Doors open at 7.30pm. Entry is $10. For tickets visit www.thegrandnewcastle.com.au

FRIDAY 7 OCTOBER Friday Fun Days at the Rotunda in Wallsend. There will be lots of fun to be had with Super Heroes, the little Scallywagz, play games and win prizes and even decorate your own cupcakes! This is a free event. 11am-2pm.

Jersey Boys at The Civic Theatre, Newcastle. The true-life story of four guys from the wrong side of the tracks, the rise to stardom of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, one of the most successful bands in pop music history. Multiple shows from 7-22 October. To book visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

Friday Flavours at Raymond Terrace Library. Enjoy yummy street food by local food trucks while you admire the public art installation Terrace Reflections and tunes by The Switch Band. There will also be giant games, chalk activities, and a youth space for the kids! From 4:30pm–7:30pm. This is a free event.

SATURDAY 8 OCTOBER | CANCELLED ▲ Riverlights Multicultural Festival at The Levee, Central Maitland. The Levee will be transformed into a global village. Visitors will see, taste, feel and experience the different cultures being demonstrated through live music, dancing, language classes, lantern making and cooking demonstrations. 3pm-9pm. For more information visit www.maitlandriverlights.com.au

Pride Youth Formal at Newcastle Museum. Newcastle Pride is launching our first “Youth Pride” formal; a celebration of LGBTQIA+ Youth and ally teens. Celebrate who you are with a night of fabulous queer performers, live music and dance. Tickets are free however booking is essential via events. humanitix.com/queer-youth-formal

The John Lennon Songbook at Belmont 16s. Celebrating the 50th anniversary since the release of IMAGINE, John Waters and his band will be performing the full album. Tickets are $45 for the show only or $84 for dinner and show. To book visit 16s.com.au

Feast Fest Twilight Food Market at Blacksmiths Beach. Kick off the weekend with international street food, market stalls, live music and great activities for the kids including jumping castles, kiddie kartz and laughing clowns! Entry is $2. From 4pm–8pm.

SUNDAY 9 OCTOBER ▲ ARTSPACE free family art-making at MAC: Museum of Art and Culture, Booragul. Young children and their families can enjoy simple art activities guided by friendly art museum educators. On every Sunday. The class is free however booking is essential via mac.lakemac.com.au

TUESDAY 11 OCTOBER BANneD- a world without Music at The Playhouse, Civic Theatre. Presented by San Clemente High School the play follows Joe, your average quiet teen citizen of Hush-town, who realises that peace doesn’t always have to be quiet, and that one tune can start a revolution. Tickets start at $10. Multiple shows on the 11th and 12th of October. To book visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

Newie Pub Choir at The Mulberry Bar, Toronto Hotel. Due to popular demand (and because they really enjoying doing it!) the Newie Pub Choir is back for a second season. Join them every fortnight from 7.30pm-9pm. The free event requires no experience or singing ability.

THURSDAY 13 OCTOBER Drawing for Beginners with Sue Vesely at MAC: Museum of Art and Culture, Booragul. Covering the fundamentals of drawing, you will develop an understanding of drawing principles and techniques. For more information visit mac.lakemac.com.au

FRIDAY 14 OCTOBER The Sound of Music Sing-a-long at Rathmines Theatre. Enjoy (on the Rathmines screen) the 1965 musical and sing-a-long to its beloved songs. To book tickets visit www.lakemac.com.au/Events-directory

La Traviata at MAP mima, Speers Point. Presented by Opera Hunter, La Traviata, or The Fallen Woman, is considered one of Giuseppe Verdi's masterpieces and one of the most beautiful operas ever composed. There are two shows; Friday 14 October at 7pm and Sunday 16 October at 3pm. To book tickets visit arts.lakemac.com.au

Fame Jr. at Lake Macquarie Performing Arts Centre. Fame The Musical JR. is nothing short of a global phenomenon featuring a high-energy, contemporary pop score and a touching coming-of-age story. Multiple shows on the 14th and 15th of October. To book tickets visit www.trybooking.com/906967

Foreign Film Night at The Levee, Central Maitland. This year Foreign Film Nights will show films that celebrate and explore the joy but also stress, humour and downright drama of getting married. Bring your own chair, grab a snack from one of the many great takeaway options at The Levee and enjoy. Tickets are free however booking is essential via mait.city/ItalianWedding

SATURDAY 15 OCTOBER ▲ Music of the Guns at Fort Scratchley. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Australian Army Band Newcastle as they perform outdoors at the historic Fort Scratchley parade ground. This impressive concert will conclude with the Light Cavalry Overture where the guns of Fort Scratchley become a part of the band! Tickets start at $25. To book visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

Church Street Spring Fair at Grossmann & Brough Houses, Maitland. During the Fair there will be house and church tower tours, displays of vintage clothing, produce and garden stalls, a heritage rose garden in bloom, bonsai, community stalls with refreshments, and a marmalade competition. Visitors are encouraged to come dressed for the 1950s and 60s. From 10am–4pm. Entry is free. For more information visit www.thelevee.com.au

SUNDAY 16 OCTOBER Bec Melrose: Absolute Goose at Newcastle Comedy Club. Join award-winning writer and comedian Bec Melrose for a joke- packed comedy tribute to the people who just don’t give a flock, no matter what life throws at them! To book tickets visit www.eventbrite.com.au/o/newcastle-comedy- club-39345744673

TUESDAY 18 OCTOBER Whiskies from around the World Dinner at Lambton Park Hotel. Enjoy an intimate whisky dinner with all the trimmings. The night will kick-off with a whisky cocktail followed by four indulgent courses, each matched with a premium whisky from a different part of the globe. Tickets are $99 each. To book visit www.lambtonparkhotel.com.au/events

FRIDAY 21 OCTOBER Graffiti Martini Art Workshop at Playstate Curate, Newcastle West. A paint and sip class where you can combine art and your love of Martinis, Wine-tinis and all things 'tinis. All materials and good times provided as well as some yummy drink-tinis. Tickets are $55. To book visit events.humanitix.com/graffiti- and-martini

SATURDAY 22 OCTOBER Dungog Rumble at the Bank Hotel, Dungog. A Charity Shine n' Shine for Cars, Hotrods, Rat Rods, Classics, Bikes, Trucks and Tractors, anything with a motor and wheels is welcome! The family friendly event begins at 9am and will also include face painting, live music and great food. Funds raised will go to SoldierOn Australia as well as a local Dungog Family.

▼ Street Paws Festival at The Station, Newcastle. Enjoy the many pet stalls, comps, food trucks, kids activities and more. From 10am–2pm. For more information visit pupsy.com.au/events

SATURDAY 29 OCTOBER Andrea Bocelli at Hope Estate, Pokolbin. One of the world’s greatest classical stars, esteemed Tuscan tenor ANDREA BOCELLI, will perform at Hope Estate this October! Drawing from his extensive back catalogue – which spans almost 3 decades – Maestro Bocelli is set to uplift the audience with a stunning selection of soul-stirring arias, enduring love songs and beloved crossover hits. Tickets begin at $131.55. To book visit www.hopeestate.com.au

MONDAY 31 OCTOBER “Turner the Explorer” presented by Robert Ketton while Catherine Ketton paints in the style of Turner. 6:30pm at Hunter School of the Performing Arts Theatre (enter from Cameron St). Tickets are $20 (includes refreshments) and are payable on arrival. Register by e-mailing guests@ adfasnewcastle.org.au. For more information visit adfasnewcastle.org.au