What's On Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & the Hunter | February 2025
Get intouch with what's on this Summer in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & the Hunter...
FRIDAY 7, 14, 21, 28 FEBRUARY
Friday Chill at Pacific Park
Soul Hub is saying “thanks” to our Newcastle community for the amazing support with Friday Chill! Every Friday evening until 28 March, it’s a great free event for families to relax and enjoy live music. Pack a picnic or browse the food trucks on-site, making the most of the warm summer air. Catch up with friends and family to picnic in the park while soaking up the atmosphere. For more information, visit www.soulhub.org.au.
PAST
FRIDAY 31 JANUARY – SUNDAY 2 FEBRUARY
Newcastle Caravan Camping Lifestyle Expo at Newcastle Entertainment Centre
The Newcastle Caravan Camping Lifestyle Expo is a three-day event featuring the newest caravans, motorhomes, campervans, camper trailers, tents, camping gear, touring accessories, and holiday parks, all in one convenient location. It’s a one-stop shop for all things camping and lifestyle; don’t miss out! For more information, visit www.caravanexpo.com.
UNTIL WEDNESDAY 19 FEBRUARY
Life Drawing at Earp Distilling Co.
Interested in life drawing? Been sketching for years? Or just looking for a fun night out? Join The Tipsy Sketching Club for an evening of sipping, snacking, and sketching. The two hour session features timed life drawing poses, ranging from 2 to 30 minutes, with breaks for drinks, food, and laughs. Drawing materials can be provided, but feel free to bring your
own. All artistic abilities and mediums are welcome! For more information, visit www.tipsysketching.club.
EVERY FRIDAY UNTIL 28 FEBRUARY
Twilight Tastings at Margan Wines & Restaurant
Celebrate the warm months with Margan Wines Summer Pop-Up! Taking place every Friday afternoon from 4pm for casual drinks and a delicious small plates menu, perfect for sipping and grazing into the evening. Enjoy a variety of cocktails, beer, wine, and a selection of hot and cold dishes from the renowned Margan Restaurant. Don’t miss out! For more information, visit www.margan.com.au.
SUNDAY 2 FEBRUARY
Earp Gin High Tea at Bartholomew’s
Sip on elegantly crafted gin cocktails while expert chefs deliver a selection of savoury and sweet treats that pair perfectly with the curated selection of premium spirits from a range of unique and handcrafted local spirits. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.bartholomews.com.au.
WEDNESDAY 5 FEBRUARY
The Solo Acoustic “Songs & Stories” Tour with Amy Shark at Civic Theatre
After a triumphant run on The Sadness arena tour, eight-time ARIA Award winner and alt-pop sensation Amy Shark is set to embark on an epic 20-date Songs and Stories Solo Acoustic tour in 2025. For the first time ever, Amy will strip back her entire set to an intimate acoustic experience, sharing the personal stories and emotions behind each of her songs. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—don't miss out! For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au.
The Wharf Revue: The End of the Wharf As We Know It at Performance Arts Culture Cessnock
Created by Jonathan Biggins, Drew Forsythe, and Phillip Scott, The Wharf Revue has decided to retire after 25 years of satirising Australian politics. The team, including Biggins, Mandy Bishop, Forsythe, Scott, and David Whitney, will perform a final show, reflecting on past politicians and today’s leaders. It’s a bittersweet farewell, with no flowers requested. Don’t miss out. For tickets, visit
FRIDAY 7 FEBRUARY
RAW Comedy 2025 at Civic Theatre
RAW Comedy 2025, presented by the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, showcases Australia’s top emerging comedians in a thrilling open mic competition. For 28 years, it has discovered comedy legends like Anne Edmonds, Hannah Gadsby, and Ronny Chieng. Don’t miss the chance to see the next wave of comedy stars battle it out on stage! For more info or to purchase tickets, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au.
SATURDAY 8 FEBRUARY
Summer Night Sounds at Harold Gregson Reserve, Maitland
Relax and enjoy a summer evening at the new amphitheatre in Harold Gregson Reserve. Featuring live performances by Camino Gold, Fletcher Kent, Chain Daisy Duo, and Bindi Duo, this BYO event is perfect for unwinding. Food trucks will offer refreshing, summer friendly bites to keep you energised all evening. For more information, visit www.mymaitland.com.au
Aaron Chen – Funny Garden at Civic Theatre Newcastle
Aaron Chen, star of Netflix's Fisk and ABC's Guy Montgomery's Spelling Bee (as Guy's loyal assistant), has quickly become a rising comedy talent. Since his 2017 debut, he's sold out shows globally and won multiple Melbourne International Comedy Festival awards. This will be the homegrown comedy sensation's return season of the Funny Garden tour, debuting the show in Newcastle. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au.
SATURDAY 8 – SUNDAY 9 FEBRUARY
Hunter Valley Air Show at Cessnock Aerodrome
Get ready for a weekend packed with exhilarating family fun featuring a thrilling mix of hair-raising aerobatics, vintage warbirds, exciting amusement rides, bustling markets, a beer and wine garden, mouthwatering street food, and so much more. You can soar through the sky on a helicopter or adventure flight, compete in a paper aeroplane contest, experience the thrill of a virtual fighter jet cockpit, or simply relax and enjoy the continuous airborne spectacle unfolding above. For more information, visit www.huntervalleyairshow.com.au.
THURSDAY 13 – SATURDAY 15 FEBRUARY
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at Civic Theatre Newcastle
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a hilarious musical that explores the chaos of adolescence and competitive spelling. Six quirky teens compete for the championship, each driven by their own hopes and fears. With a Tony Award-winning script and a lively score, this fast-paced show proves that winning isn't everything, and losing doesn’t
make you a loser. Want to join the fun? Visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au.
FRIDAY 14 FEBRUARY
Romeo & Juliet at Rathmines Theatre, Nawayiba
Treat yourself this Valentine’s Day to the acclaimed Romeo & Juliet by Come You Spirits, a professional theatre troupe. Touring Australia for two years, this production explores unconditional love, passion, hope, forgiveness, and connection, inspiring personal growth and a vision of love’s transformative power. For more info, visit www.arts.lakemac.com.au.
SATURDAY 15 FEBRUARY
Newcastle Drag Paint & Sip x Paint Juicy at The Great Northern Hotel
Don’t settle for an ordinary paint-and-sip experience! With Paint Juicy, it’s more than just painting; it’s a dazzling show, a burst of creativity, and endless laughs! Whether new to painting or a seasoned artist, the team will ensure you feel like an artistic superstar by the night's end. So, grab your friends, sip on your favourite drink, and get ready for an experience filled with colour and plenty of sparkle! For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.paintjuicy.com.au.
Red Hot Summer Tour at Speers Point Park
Celebrate the hot Australian Summer with the help of a few of the country’s best rock
bands! The iconic homegrown acts, such as headlining act ICEHOUSE, Eskimo Joe and Wolfmother will be hitting the tunes from 1:30 pm! Set up your chairs and picnic blankets and enjoy the sunshine and some of the artist's greatest hits. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.redhotsummertour.com.au.
SUNDAY 16 FEBRUARY
Boatfest 2025 at Rathmines Memorial Park
Boatfest – Boat Bits Bonanza promises a day full of exciting activities, boat displays, and a huge range of boat parts for sale. Highlights include rowing the St Ayles Skiff, along with other unique boats on show. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or a boating enthusiast, Boatfest offers a fantastic opportunity to experience the world of classic boating. For more info, visit www.lakemac.com.au.
THURSDAY 20 & FRIDAY 21 FEBRUARY
Bangarra Dance Theatre - The Light Inside at Civic Theatre Newcastle
Join Bangarra’s first cross-cultural collaboration with Māori choreographer Moss Te Ururangi Patterson and alumna Deborah Brown. Together, they lead the award-winning ensemble in stories honouring their ancestral lands. Brown, of Wakaid Clan and Torres Strait descent, and Patterson, from the Ngāti Tūwharetoa tribe, explore the resilience and spirit that connect the First Peoples of Oceania. For more information, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au.
SATURDAY 22 FEBRUARY
Kate Miller-Heidke - The Telling Tales Tour at Civic Theatre
Kate is a captivating storyteller whose talent spans pop, folk, opera, and musical theatre. This tour is a journey through a repertoire of timeless songs (both classic and modern), where her powerful voice weaves emotion, humour, and unforgettable tales. Prepare to be transported by music that entertains and elevates the soul, leaving you with a truly
transcendent experience. For more info, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au.
SATURDAY 22 – SUNDAY 23 FEBRUARY
Totem Workshop at Winmark Wines
Celebrate summer with a weekend of Chardonnay and clay! Create a 60cm ceramic totem for your home or garden with Sydney artist Lisa Hölzl. On Saturday, learn hand building techniques inspired by Winmark vineyards. On Sunday, explore totem design and under-glazing. All materials, lunch, and firing included. Collect your sculpture from Winmark Wines or Lisa's studio at a time that suits you! For more information or to purchase a ticket, visit www.winmarkwines.com.au.
SUNDAY 23 FEBRUARY
Goo Goo Dolls at Newcastle Entertainment Centre
The iconic Goo Goo Dolls will headline their first Australian tour in over 20 years with special guest Thirsty Merc! The highly anticipated tour will make its way to Newcastle, where the multiplatinum hit-makers will take the stage as part of a national run through February and March. Fans can expect to hear a selection of the band's timeless hits, from "Iris" to "Slide," as they bring their unique blend of alternative rock and heartfelt ballads to the region once again. For more info or to purchase tickets, visit www.googoodolls.com
Summer Drag Bingo Series with Timberlina at The Mary Ellen
Get ready for an evening of glitz, glamour, and giggles at Timberlina's Drag Bingo Extravaganza! Sip on your favourite cocktail as you dive into three rounds of bingo like you've never experienced before. Timberlina's cheeky commentary and sparkling presence will have you in stitches throughout the game. Whether you're a seasoned bingo pro or a first-timer,
everyone is welcome to join in the fun, with fantastic prizes up for grabs. Don't forget your daubers, markers, or lipstick! Visit www.timberproductions.com.au or the Facebook event.
Chocolat at Laneway Theatre
Laneway Theatre Flicks presents the iconic, Chocolat - A woman and her daughter open a chocolate shop in a small French village that shakes up the rigid morality of the community. Juliette Binoche, Johnny Depp, Judi Dench, Alfred Molina. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.newcastletheatrecompany.com.au
