What's On Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens & the Hunter Valley | April 2026
- intouch Magazine
- Apr 1
- 6 min read
Updated: Apr 20
Your complete guide to what's on in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens and the Hunter Valley...
MONDAY 20 APRIL
TECHCREATE GIRLS PROGRAM AT LAKE MAC LIBRARIES FAB LAB
The TechCreate Girls Program is a free 10-week after-school initiative for high school girls, blending STEM and creativity through digital art, wearable tech, bioart, and more. Participants gain skills in coding, electronics, and 3D printing, culminating in a public showcase of their innovative final projects. For more information, visit www.lakemac.com.au.
FRIDAY 24 APRIL
DRUM TAO - SAMURAI OF THE DRUM AT CIVIC THEATRE
Drum Tao transcends borders and redefines live performance by fusing the thunderous power of taiko drumming with martial-arts athleticism, choreography, and cinematic staging. This is not just a concert, it is the unmissable theatrical event of the year, delivering artistry, intensity, and passion that will leave audiences exhilarated and inspired. Book now, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au.
SATURDAY 25 APRIL
CODY PENNINGTON COUNTRY SHOW AT NEX NEWCASTLE
Experience chart-topping country anthems from Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, and Dolly Parton, plus Cody's original hits, including "Downtown" and "Whiskey's Better" in this powerful, unforgettable night celebrating authentic country music. For more information, visit www.thenex.com.au.
SUNDAY 26 APRIL
CHAMBER QUARTET IN THE CUBE: A JOURNEY THROUGH LIGHT AND SOUND AT MULTI-ARTS PAVILION (MAP MIMA), LAKE MACQUARIE
A live chamber quartet performs beloved classical works within the MAP mima Cube, accompanied by sweeping landscape projections. The intimacy of chamber music meets immersive visual media as resonant strings and expressive ensemble playing fill the architectural space, creating a rare encounter between classical tradition and contemporary technology. For more information, visit www.arts.lakemac.com.au.
SUNDAY 26 APRIL
SUNDAY SOUNDS AT ROBINSON RESERVE, ANNA BAY
Grab your picnic blanket and head to Robinson Reserve, Anna Bay, for Sunday Sounds! Enjoy free live music from Anyerin Apparel from 4:30pm-6:30pm, plus a fundraising BBQ supporting local community groups. It's the perfect laid-back Sunday arvo with the family, featuring good tunes, good food, and good vibes. For more information, visit www.portstephens.nsw.gov.au.
SUNDAY 26 APRIL
OPEN DAY AT DELPRAT'S COTTAGE
Explore this fully restored 1914 heritage-listed home, now a museum, showcasing the Hunter’s vital industrial role during WWII. Enjoy free tours, exhibitions, including Fortress Newcastle, plus films and more. Admission is free, with morning and afternoon tea available. For more information, visit www.niha.org.au.
THURSDAY 30 APRIL
AMPOL WOMEN’S STATE OF ORIGIN AT MCDONALD JONES STADIUM
Australia's greatest sporting rivalry continues as the 2026 Women's State of Origin kicks off at McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle. Witness the nation's best female players battle for state pride in an unmissable display of elite athleticism and fierce intensity. Will the Blues Women achieve two consecutive series wins, or will the Maroons take back the shield for the first time since 2024? Book tickets now, visit www.nrl.com.
PAST
FRIDAY 3 – MONDAY 6 APRIL
EASTER IN THE GARDEN AT HUNTER VALLEY GARDENS
Easter is creeping up on us again, and with the clear sunny skies and milder weather on the horizon, it’s a great time for getting out and discovering the eggcellent Easter activities, such as the Hoppity Hollow Hunt from 9:30am until 3pm daily. Every child will receive Easter chocolate upon completing the hunt. Keep an eye out for the Easter Bunny, who will be making special guest appearances each day. For more information, visit www.hvg.com.au.
FRIDAY 10 APRIL
THE AUSTRALIAN BEACH BOYS SHOW AT PERFORMANCE ARTS CULTURE CESSNOCK
The Australian Beach Boys Show masterfully recreates Brian Wilson's iconic "wall of sound" through live four-part harmonies and cutting edge technology. This two-hour spectacular features classic hits spanning three decades—from "Surfin' USA" to "Good Vibrations." For more information, visit www.mypacc.com.au.
SUNDAY 12 APRIL
NEWCASTLE WEDDING FAIR AT NEWCASTLE CITY HALL
Wedding Fairs connect couples with awardwinning and emerging local vendors at every stage of planning. Enjoy free floral workshops, exclusive discounts, live music, giveaways, and complimentary event programs. Get inspired, discover money-saving opportunities, and tick items off your wedding checklist in one convenient location. For more information, visit www.weddingfairsnsw.com.au.
THURSDAY 9 – SUNDAY 19 APRIL
ONCE UPON A ONE MORE TIME AT CIVIC THEATRE
Princess fairy-tale characters, including Cinderella and Snow White, have their worldviews challenged when a rogue fairy godmother introduces feminist literature to their book club. Set to Britney Spears hits, this jukebox musical features high-energy choreography and humour as classic heroines reimagine their happily-ever-after’s and discover empowerment beyond traditional endings. For more information, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au.
WEDNESDAY 15 APRIL
ERTH’S SHARK DIVE: LIVE ON STAGE AT PERFORMANCE ARTS CULTURE CESSNOCK
Plunge into the dark depths of the sea with Erth’s Shark Dive, a powerful theatrical experience that will transform how you think about sharks and the oceans they call home. This spectacular stage show brings you face to face with Australia’s iconic sharks alongside a fascinating array of marine life, from ancient ocean dwellers to present-day species. Book now, visit www.mypacc.com.au.
TUESDAY 14 APRIL
YOU AND ME AND THE LAND OF LOST THINGS AT CIVIC THEATRE
From the creative team behind the stage adaptations of Andy Griffiths' beloved Treehouse series comes a brilliantly bonkers adventure for children aged 6–12 and their adults. You and Me search the Land of Lost Things for a missing guinea pig, lucky charm, and possibly the plot. Expect snapping turtles, flying socks, pirates, sharks, and laughs in this joyful family theatre experience. Book now, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au.
THURSDAY 16 APRIL
GUY SEBASTIAN ‘100 TIMES AROUND THE SUN’ TOUR AT NEWCASTLE ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE
ARIA Award-winning artist Guy Sebastian is celebrating his tenth studio album, 100 Times Around The Sun. The event features hits like "Battle Scars" and "Before I Go" alongside new soulful tracks, following his sold-out 2020 tour, promising joyful connection through music. Get your tickets now, visit www.nec.net.au.
FRIDAY 17 APRIL
FABBA AT SHOAL BAY COUNTRY CLUB
Get ready for sparkling vocals, flawless harmonies, and all your favourite ABBA singalong hits, paired with top-tier musicianship that makes FABBA an unforgettable live music experience. Book now, visit www.shoalbaycountryclub.com.au.
SATURDAY 18 APRIL
HMC MULTICULTURAL FIESTA AT HUNTER MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITIES’ INC
This free family-friendly celebration of the Hunter region’s cultural diversity features two stages of live performances, food, market stalls, and fun activities. With over 20 cultures represented, it is a great opportunity for vendors to showcase food, arts, crafts, and cultural products to a lively, multigenerational crowd. For more information, visit www.huntermulticultural.org.au.
SATURDAY 18 – SUNDAY 19 APRIL
STEAMFEST AT MAITLAND STATION PRECINCT
The Burton Automotive Hunter Valley Steamfest is a celebration of the Hunter's industrial heritage, featuring a weekend of steam locomotives, antique machinery, classic cars, and family fun. Visitors can expect an impressive showcase of steam engines, vintage tractors, antique farm machinery, heritage train rides, show-and-shine displays, kids' activities, and plenty of food and entertainment. For more information, visit www.steamfest.com.au.
SATURDAY 18 APRIL
DASHVILLE NIGHTS AT DASHVILLE
Prepare for an evening of live music and serenity in the bushland of Wonnarua Country, featuring a cast of local emerging bands, fresh pizza from Ruby's Pizzeria and onsite camping! Get ready for the next epic evening of live music in the great outdoors, with great people and top-notch hospitality. For more information, visit www.dashville.com.au/dashville-nights.
SATURDAY 18 APRIL
CLASSIC ITALIAN COOKING CLASS AT THE DECK CAFE
Learn how to create Italian-inspired dishes in this cooking class led by Chef Matt Dillow, whilst learning about different paired wines. Guests will be taught how to create bruschetta, gnocchi, braised octopus, T-bone and pannacotta! The overall price includes the cooking class, lunch and wine. For more information, visit www.thedeckcafe.com.au.
SUNDAY 19 APRIL
COLLECTOR CON AT NEWCASTLE ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE
Collector Con returns to Newcastle Entertainment Centre with 150+ trading tables packed with comics, action figures, trading cards, vintage toys, collectables, anime, dolls, LEGO, and artist alley. Fan groups are back, Dungeons & Dragons tabletop gamers are ready, and cosplayers are suiting up for this ultimate pop culture event! For more information, visit www.collectorcon.com.au.
SUNDAY 19 APRIL
HENDERSON NEWCASTLE MARATHON AT THE STATION
Choose from a flat and fast full marathon or half marathon, both taking you along the picturesque course. For the third year running, the marathon kicks off at The Station. Participants can expect high energy, a buzzing race-day village, and an unforgettable finish line experience. Entries are now open, register now! Visit www.hevents.com.au.
SUNDAY 19 APRIL
CREEDENCE CLEARWATER COLLECTIVE AT PERFORMANCE ARTS CULTURE CESSNOCK
Celebrate the music of Creedence Clearwater Revival and John Fogerty, as Creedence Clearwater Collective presents the unforgettable catalogue of one of the world’s most iconic bands. From the songs they wrote, to the songs they covered, to the hits written for others, this is a concert packed with timeless classics. Book now, visit www.mypacc.com.au.
