WHAT'S ON | March

THURSDAY 3 MARCH
Lake Mac GLAM at Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba. Lake Mac GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives and Museums) is a conference showcasing the latest initiatives of cultural experiences. Keynote speaker Dr Terri Janke, will address First Nations: A Roadmap for Enhancing Indigenous Engagement in Museums. This conference includes discussions on how regional organisations can build trust and ensure authenticity in programming. 2 Day Passes $279 with single day passes available from $110. 3–4 March
Welcome to Costa's World at Civic Theatre. Celebrate the launch of the Newcastle Writer's Festival at a special event with Gardening Australia host Costa Georgiadis. Tickets are $27.50, available now at www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au
Music at the Museum at Newcastle Museum. Free, family-friendly, outdoor live music event. BYO picnic rug and chairs, food and drinks available on site, no bookings required. 5pm–8pm, 3 & 10 Mar
FRIDAY 4 MARCH
A League Women at No. 2 Sportsground. Newcastle Jets v Brisbane Roar, 7:45pm
RAW Comedy at Civic Theatre. The country’s largest and most prestigious open mic comedy competition is on again. Catch the newest faces as they take to the stage armed with their best five minutes of comedy. Tickets from $31, available from www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au
The Newcastle Show at Newcastle Showground. See pg 10 for more information. 4–6 Mar
SATURDAY 5 MARCH
Family Night of Fun at Lambton Park. Goodlife Church presents a big night of fun with food vendors, pony rides, face painting, jumping castles, free glow pancakes and an outdoor cinema. Free entry, from 4pm
The Great Poetry Debate at The Base. Five Hunter based feature poets will perform original work. Hosted by Queen Marie-Antoinette (aka Helen Hopcroft) and including an open mic session, the event is a celebration of poetry in all its forms. Dressing up in costume of any kind encouraged! Afternoon tea provided. For more info visit whatson.newcastle.nsw.gov.au
Saturday Night Showcase at Newcastle Comedy Club. Newcastle's only dedicated comedy club showcases some of Australia's best comedians. Tickets available via Eventbrite. 6:30–9:30pm, 5 & 12 Mar
TUESDAY 8 MARCH
International Women's Day Picnic at Civic Park. Enjoy an afternoon of live music, performance and guest speakers.
THURSDAY 10 MARCH
Hot Potato Band and Luna Menta at Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba. Enjoy a fabulous, energetic and interactive musical performance. Tickets $40 pp. Discover Service NSW Vouchers can be redeemed at this event. Visit www.lakemac.com.au for more information
FRIDAY 11 MARCH
Lake Mac Women's Sport Festival See pg 10 for more info. 11–13 Mar
SATURDAY 12 MARCH
Nitro Circus at McDonald Jones Stadium. An explosive, high adrenaline action sports spectacular starring the best athletes in FMX, BMX, Skate, Scooter and more! Tickets available at www.ticketmaster.com.au
This That at Wickham Park
SUNDAY 13 MARCH
Friends of Palliative Care Annual Walkathon & Fun Run at Maitland Regional Sports Centre. Take part in the 10km or 5km fun runs or 5km walk to raise money to support FOPC. Money raised from the event will go towards supporting individuals and their families in end-of-life care as well as supporting health professionals to attend training and seminars relating to end-of-life care. Visit whatson.newcastle.nsw.gov.au for tickets and more information
MONDAY 14 MARCH
Monday Fondalicious at The Station. Take part in an aerobics class set to 80s tunes. Dressing brightly in your best 80s aerobics attire is highly encouraged. Class is $10, pay cash on the night or pre-pay via Eventbrite.
THURSDAY 17 MARCH
Newcastle Fringe Festival (NFF) is back from 17–27 March! It’s edgy, diverse, inspirational and super creative and it’s the biggest little fringe in Australia. The Fringe is committed to bringing as much variety in entertainment options as possible to cater for all interests – comedy, theatre, children’s theatre, music, dance, cabaret, burlesque, spoken word, performance art and circus. There is something for everyone. VIsit www.newcastlefringe.com.au for more info
NFF – Recorder Artist Alana Blackburn at Royal Exchange (REX)
FRIDAY 18 MARCH
Dead Poet's Society at Rathmines Theatre, Nawayiba. Enjoy the film with a glass of wine. Tickets $25, includes all drinks and catering. Dine & Discover vouchers accepted. Bookings essential. Tickets and more info at www.lakemac.com.au
Write Here! Festival at Lake Macquarie. Discover new reads from popular Australian authors Chris Hammer, Tea Cooper, Barry Maitland, Sandie Docker, Lee Christine, Sami Bayly and Fiona McArthur plus many more. Hear tips, tricks and tales from bestselling local and visiting authors across three days of workshops, discussions and presentations. Visit www.library.lakemac.com.au
NFF – Triple Threat Comedy with Peter Burner, Tommy Dean & Darren Sanders at Lizotte's
SATURDAY 19 MARCH
Under the Awning at Civic Theatre. Dashville brings their famous brand of cosmic country and good times to the space outside the Civic Theatre Bar. Tickets are free but registration is essential. Book now at www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au
SUNDAY 20 MARCH
Sami Bayly – Storytime and Drawing session at Warners Bay Theatre. Meet Australian author and illustrator Sami Bayly, complete a line drawing and learn about the amazing animals in her latest book. Ages 5+. Gold coin donation. Bookings Essential. Visit www.lakemac.com.au for tickets.
My Kids Market Newcastle at Newcastle Showground Exhibition Centre. The perfect place to buy, sell and recyle pre loved kids goods. $4 entry, 9am–12noon
The Tap Pack at Civic Theatre. The Tap Pack mix slick humour, high energy entertainment and world class tap dance. A show of pure entertainment inspired by the legendary kings of swing, The Rat Pack, freshly created for the audience of today. Tickets available at www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au
NFF - Henry Wagons Old Fashioned Nights at Lizotte's
WEDNESDAY 23 MARCH
Repair Cafe Pop-Up: Make and Mend Session at Belmont Library, Ngarrabangba. Join Repair It Lake Mac for this free event and have items mended by our expert repairers, whilst learning new skills in a fun and friendly environment. 10am-1pm
THURSDAY 24 MARCH
NFF – Catherine Britt at Lizotte's. Catherine will showcase her new album Home Truths
SUNDAY 27 MARCH
Newcastle Chilli Festival at The Station, Newcastle. A free event for all chilli lovers with loads of chilli products and food. There'll also be food trucks, wine & beer, stalls, live music, a kids zone and the all important chilli eating competition.
Pork Ewe Seasonal Long Lunch at Rustica Restaurant. Join the Pork Ewe Deli team for an afternoon of delicious dining celebrating the flavours of Europe over a leisurely Sunday lunch. Tickets are $179, available at www.porkewe.com.au
THURSDAY 31 MARCH
The Spiegeltent Newcastle at Civic Park. the highly anticipated Spiegeltent Newcastle program returns with incredibly talented performers and some big surprises. Taking up residence in the opulent Spiegeltent is Blanc de Blanc Encore: the ultimate hedonistic night out – champagne-soaked, breath-taking, hilarious and adults only. To book tickets, visit www.strutnfret.com/spiegeltentnewcastle From 31 Mar–1 May
COMING UP...
Gin & Jazz Festival 2–3 April
NewRun Running Festival 3 April
Newcastle Food Month April