What's On Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens & the Hunter Valley | May 2026
- intouch Magazine
- 43 minutes ago
- 6 min read
Your complete guide to what's on in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens and the Hunter Valley...
SATURDAY 2 MAY
Level Up at The Levee
“Level Up at The Levee” will transform Maitland's Levee Shared Zone into a pop culture hub. Featuring cosplay competitions, gaming, live performances, and themed market stalls, the event promises fun for all. Attendees can also enjoy hands-on activities and local business showcases. For more information, visit www.thelevee.com.au/level-up.
SATURDAY 2 MAY
Singleton Firelight Festival at Singleton Civic Centre Precinct
Singleton's signature event is back to illuminate the Civic Precinct! Marvel at stunning lantern displays, enjoy live entertainment, circus workshops, and free kids' activities. Sip Hunter Valley wine, browse market stalls, and cap the night with spectacular fireworks. Prepare for a free and magical evening of art, culture, and community. For more information, visit www.singleton.nsw.gov.au.
THURSDAY 7 MAY
Faulty Towers Dining Experience at Hunter Valley Resort + Farm
Step inside the TV series and experience Faulty Towers from the inside out. In this fully immersive, highly interactive and 70% improvised show, you’ll become a guest alongside Basil, Sybil and Manuel for two hours of chaos and laughs, plus a three-course meal. Book now, visit www.interactivetheatre.com.au/faulty-towers-the-dining-experience/.
SATURDAY 9 MAY
Under The Awning at Civic Theatre
The sun-soaked family afternoon is excited to deliver another lineup of rollicking good times featuring the free-range bluegrass stylings of Midnight Chicken, folk-rock collective Woodenbox with a Fistful of Fivers, and the finger-picked melodies of Bree Rusev. Find out more, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au.
SUNDAY 10 MAY
Mother's Day at Mezze Hunter Valley
Spoil Mum this Mother's Day at Mezze with a beautifully curated Mediterranean set menu designed for sharing, from flavour-packed dips and warm flatbread to premium seafood and grill cuts. Set within a warm, inviting space, every detail is crafted to make Mum feel truly special. All bookings include a complimentary glass of wine on arrival. Book now! Visit mezzehuntervalley.com.au.
SUNDAY 10 MAY
Mother's Day at Hunter Region Botanic Gardens
Hunter Region Botanic Gardens invites all mothers and families to celebrate Mother’s Day in nature! Pack your own picnic or grab a snack and coffee in the Kookaburra Café or from the famous scone stall. Enjoy music from 'Jumpin' Jukebox', the little ones create gifts for mum in the kids' tent, and card readings are available too! Grazing platters can be purchased in advance or book a table. For tickets, visit events.humanitix.com/mother-s-day-picnic.
THURSDAY 14 MAY
Genesis Owusu At Bar On The Hill
One of Australia's most electrifying artists, Genesis Owusu, is hitting the road this May! The acclaimed Ghanaian-Australian performer brings his explosive live show to stages across the nation with the Red Star Wu's Pirate Radio Tour, including an outdoor show in Newcastle! Don't miss your chance to experience one of the most thrilling and boundary-pushing acts in Australian music. Book now, www.frontiertouring.com/genesisowusu.
THURSDAY 14 – SUNDAY 24 MAY
The Bugs at Civic Theatre Playhouse
Hunter Drama presents a brilliantly funny satire buzzing with heart and chaos! When two honeybees discover their home is being bulldozed for a swimming pool, they rally an unlikely crew of a swashbuckling cockroach, a gloomy pill bug, a party-loving cicada, and smitten fireflies to fight back. Can a band of bugs really take on the humans? Find out more, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au.
FRIDAY 15 MAY
Hunter Rescue Ball at Newcastle Entertainment Centre
The Hunter Rescue Ball is an evening like no other. Indulge in a sumptuous dinner, premium beverages, and live entertainment that captures the vibrant spirit of Havana. Secure your seat now; $260 per ticket or $2,500 for a table of ten. Book now, www.rescuehelicopter.com.au.
FRIDAY 15 MAY
Sleepout For Soul at Bolton Streetcar Park, Newcastle
This isn’t just any sleepout; this is an unforgettable experience filled with live music, delicious food, games, live auctions, and powerful stories about the impact of Soul Hub in our community. And best of all? Every dollar raised supports people experiencing homelessness and hardship. For more information, visit www.soulhub.org.au.
FRIDAY 15 – SUNDAY 5 JULY
COLLECT at the Lockup
COLLECT is your chance to discover and invest in exceptional work by some of the region's best, curated by Lisa Who in collaboration with The Lock-Up. Works are available for sale throughout the exhibition, with 50% of all proceeds supporting The Lock-Up. The eight-day run closes with the MAYHEM & MADNESS FUNDRAISER, and you won't want to miss it. Find out more, visit https://thelockup.org.au/collect/.
FRIDAY 15 MAY
Vine And Dine with Vino Bambino at Qt Hotel
Indulge in an unforgettable evening at Jana Restaurant, where Italian-inspired cuisine meets expertly paired wines from Vino Bambino. Part of Jana's exclusive monthly wine list takeover series, this lavish multi-course dinner is a celebration of bold flavours and fine drops. Secure your seat for $169 per person. Visit www.qthotels.com/newcastle/offers/eat-drink/sip-sessions-vino-bambino/.
SATURDAY 16 MAY
Roy Orbison Tribute at PACC
Endorsed by Roy Orbison's eldest son Wesley, this world-class tribute stars John Stephan — "The Voice From Downunder” whose fouroctave range brings The Big O's greatest hits to life. Featuring exclusive personal insights from the Orbison family, the show spans Pretty Woman, Crying, In Dreams and beyond, plus a special Everly Brothers tribute. Book now, visit www.mypacc.com.au.
SUNDAY 17 MAY
Elton John Experience - Rocketman Flying Solo at Flamingos Live
Greg Andrew's uncanny resemblance and masterful piano skills make Rocketman – Flying Solo an intimate tribute to Sir Elton John. Having performed across 30+ countries to half a million fans, Greg delivers timeless classics like Candle in the Wind, Crocodile Rock, and Lion King favourites in this spectacular celebration of Elton's extraordinary artistry. Book now, visit www.flamingos.live.
SUNDAY 17 MAY
Casey Donavon 'THIS IS ME' At PACC
Australia's Queen of New Year's Eve, Casey Donovan, is hitting the road in 2026 with her biggest national tour yet! From Australian Idol classics to showstopping musical theatre hits from Chicago, Sister Act, We Will Rock You, and more, THIS IS ME is an unmissable celebration of one of Australia's most beloved and powerhouse voices. Book now, visit www.mypacc.com.au.
MONDAY 18 MAY
Spin Doctors at King Street Hotel
Legendary alt-rockers Spin Doctors are back in Australia for the first time in 30 years! Celebrating the 35th anniversary of their iconic debut album, they'll perform Pocket Full of Kryptonite in its entirety, including "Two Princes" and "Little Miss Can't Be Wrong." Tickets on sale now, visit https://daltours.cc/26SPD-newc.
FRIDAY 22 – SUNDAY 24 MAY
The Hunter Valley Outdoor Show at Maitland Showground
Explore some of the biggest brands in caravans, camping, 4WD, fishing, boating and bikes! With 300+ sites, live entertainment, diverse food stalls, free parking, and a courtesy bus, this long-running event continues to deliver a fun, family-friendly day out with something for everyone. For more information, visit www.ruralscene.com.au.
SUNDAY 24 MAY
Pets Life Festival at The Station
Hunter Events Group proudly presents the inaugural Pets Life Festival! Join us for a familyfriendly day packed with a free petting zoo, dog competitions, wildlife shows, pet portraits, market stalls, and delicious food. Bring your furry friends and help support local animal rescues through our donation drive and charity raffle. All pets welcome. For more information, visit www.petslifefestival.com.au.
THURSDAY 28 MAY
Promise And Promiscuity: A New Musical by Jane Austen and Penny Ashton at Newcastle Theatre Company
Fresh from a sold-out 2025 Australian tour, New Zealand comedy sensation Penny Ashton brings her award-winning one-woman show to Newcastle for one night only. Promise and Promiscuity is a hilarious Jane Austen-meets ukulele romp packed with song, dance, and appalling cross-stitching, performed over 600 times to glowing acclaim worldwide. Book now, visit www.events.humanitix.com.
THURSDAY 28 – SATURDAY 30 MAY
A Midsummer Night's Dream at Civic Theatre Playhouse
Four lovers lost in an enchanted forest, mischievous fairies pulling strings, and a hilariously hopeless theatre troupe collide in a night of mistaken identities and magic. Witty, whimsical, and wonderfully wild, A Midsummer Night's Dream is a timeless celebration of love's beautiful madness. Book now, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au.
THURSDAY 28 – SUNDAY 31 MAY
Oliver Jr at Warners Bay Theatre
Hive Youth Theatre presents Oliver JR. bringing Dickens' beloved classic to life in a vibrant, kid-friendly musical full of heart, humour, and unforgettable songs. Follow young orphan Oliver as he escapes the gloomy workhouse and tumbles into the mischievous world of Fagin's gang, where he'll find friendship, adventure, and the place he truly belongs. Book now, visit www.trybooking.com.
SUNDAY 31 MAY
Hunter Valley Wedding Fair at Mercure Hunter Valley Gardens
Whether you’re planning a wedding or know someone who is, this event is the perfect day out for you! Connect with local vendors, florists, celebrants, wedding planners, photographers, videographers, and more. You don’t want to miss this. For more information, visit www.weddingfairsnsw.com.au.
