What's On Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens & the Hunter Valley | September 2025
- intouch Magazine
- 16 hours ago
- 6 min read
Your complete guide to what's on in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens and the Hunter Valley...
TUESDAY 2 – SATURDAY 6 SEPTEMBER
The 39 Steps at Civic Theatre
The 39 Steps is a turbo-charged comedy thriller that blends Alfred Hitchcock’s classic spy tale with Monty Python-style mayhem. This Olivier and Tony Award-winning smash hits Australia in a dazzling new production, directed by Damien Ryan and starring Lisa McCune, Ian Stenlake and The Umbilical Brothers. Four actors play 130 roles in 100 minutes of wild chases, quick changes and hilarious twists. For tickets or to find more info, visit www.the39steps.com.au.
FRIDAY 5 SEPTEMBER
Dinner and Dance at Hunters Quarter
Gather your favourite people for a spectacular evening of fine dining, music and dancing. Perfect for couples, friends, and celebrations. Polish up your dancing shoes and wear your formal event attire because you don’t want to miss this! To reserve your table, visit www.huntersquarter.com/#reservation.
FRIDAY 5 SEPTEMBER
Diesel by Request at Performance Arts Culture Cessnock
Get ready for a truly personal night of music as Diesel hits the road with By Request - a tour where the audience picks the setlist! Spanning his 30+ year career, fans choose songs from his entire catalogue, making each show a one-of-a-kind experience. With powerhouse vocals, guitars, and stories, Diesel brings the soundtrack of your life to the stage. For more information, visit www.mypacc.com.au.
SATURDAY 6 – SUNDAY 7 SEPTEMBER
Tough Mudder at Rydges Resort Hunter Valley
Tough Mudder NSW returns to the Hunter Valley from 6–7 September 2025 for a weekend of mud, grit, and epic challenges. Tackle a 5K course packed with 13 obstacles or push your limits with the ultimate 15K featuring 20+ hardcore hurdles. Whether you're in it for the thrill, teamwork, or personal triumph, this is the mud run that tests it all. For more information, visit www.toughmudder.com.au.
SATURDAY 6 SEPTEMBER
Pours in the Port at Various Venues in Newcastle
Embark on a self-guided tasting trail celebrating Newcastle and the Hunter’s top beer, wine, and spirits. Set across seven walkable Carrington venues, the event features bold local pours, live music, great food, and a strong sense of community spirit. With a souvenir glass, stamp card, and map, explore at your own pace; every sip supports a local maker. For more information, visit www.earpdistillingco.com.
SUNDAY 7 SEPTEMBER
Newcastle Dogs Day Out at HMC - Hunter Multicultural Inc
Newcastle’s Ultimate Dog Festival is back – and it’s barking brilliant! Treat your pup to a day of doggy stalls, tasty food, fun competitions, and furry fun for the whole family. Free entry, friendly vibes, and paws-itively everything your dog dreams of. All good dogs welcome (on lead)! For more information, visit the Facebook Event Page.
FRIDAY 12 SEPTEMBER
Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase at Civic Theatre
The Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase Tour is hitting the road again, bringing a star-studded lineup of festival favourites and rising comedic talent to audiences across Australia, with a special stop in Newcastle. Fresh from Sydney’s biggest month of comedy, this jam-packed show delivers the best of the fest in one hilarious night of stand-up, guaranteed to leave you laughing all night long. For more info, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au.
SATURDAY 13 – SUNDAY 14 SEPTEMBER
Merrick Watts - An Idiots guide to Wine: Volume Two at Spiegeltent Newcastle
Australia’s favourite comedian-slash-wine expert is back with An Idiot’s Guide to Wine: Volume Two. After a sell-out run of Volume One, Mez returns to the Spiegeltent with six new wines, fresh laughs, wild stories, and maybe even some actual wine wisdom. Audiences will taste six delicious drops, laugh a lot, and maybe learn something! For more information, visit www.strutnfret.com.
SATURDAY 13 SEPTEMBER
Benchmark Wine of Australia Long Lunch at Crystalbrook Kingsley
Over a refined four-course lunch crafted by Roundhouse’s Executive Chef Thomas Heinrich, guests will explore benchmark wines from iconic producers such as House of Arras, Tyrrell’s, Giant Steps, and more. This hosted experience offers a deep dive into Australia’s most celebrated varietals and visionary winemakers. Seats are limited, book now! Visit www.wineselectors.com.au/events.
THURSDAY 18 SEPTEMBER
Dracula at Civic Theatre
Prepare to experience ballet at its darkest as Dracula rises in this thrilling world premiere. This haunting retelling unleashes a whirlwind of torment and immortality, drawing inspiration from masterpieces by Tchaikovsky, Bach, Stravinsky, and Rachmaninoff. Choreographed by Joel Burke, Dracula features a powerhouse alumni cast from the Mariinsky Theatre, English National Ballet, Queensland Ballet, Australian Ballet, Stuttgart Ballet and more. Visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au.
FRIDAY 19 SEPTEMBER
Grand Masters of Comedy on the Habour at Queens Wharf Ferry Terminal
Set sail for a night of laughs, drinks, and harbour views aboard MV Calmer, Newcastle’s exclusive floating comedy club! Enjoy three headline comedy acts, a welcome drink and canapés, delicious food, music across three levels, and stunning 360° views. Limited capacity ensures every guest gets a prime seat. Fridays just got funnier! For more information, visit tickets.alleventcruises.com.au.
FRIDAY 19 SEPTEMBER
Lawrence Mooney: Dead Set Country at Civic Theatre
Lawrence Mooney’s gone bush and it’s as gloriously chaotic as you'd expect. Dead Set Country is his brand-new hit show about a city slicker’s dusty descent into rural madness: mourning wombats, flirting with tractors, and trying not to get flogged by locals. Visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au.
SATURDAY 20 SEPTEMBER
Grug Retrospective Gallery Exhibition at Performance Arts Culture Cessnock
Celebrate the legacy of beloved Aussie character Grug in this heartwarming exhibition honouring author Ted Prior’s timeless creation. Featuring original illustrations, manuscripts, and puppets from Windmill Theatre Company’s acclaimed stage productions, the exhibition invites all ages to rediscover Grug’s curious charm and imaginative adventures. For more information, visit www.mypacc.com.au.
TUESDAY 23 SEPTEMBER
The Grandparents Club 2 at Civic Theatre
The Grandparents Club is back with a brand new show, packed with cheeky characters, catchy tunes, and hilariously relatable stories about the joys (and chaos) of grandparent life. Whether you’re wrangling after-school schedules, dodging fussy eaters, or sneakily bragging about the grandkids, this feel-good 90-minute romp is like a holiday with your funniest friends without leaving your theatre seat! For more info or to purchase tickets, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au.
FRIDAY 26 SEPTEMBER – SUNDAY 5 OCTOBER
New Annual at Newcastle Ocean Baths
Experience the magic of New Annual at Newcastle Ocean Baths with SOAK: Live at the Baths sunset music sessions (27–28 Sep, and 2–4 Oct), The Bathers outdoor photo exhibition (27 Sep–5 Oct), and brand-new immersive theatre Meet Me at the Baths (27–30 Sep, and 2–4 Oct). Enjoy unforgettable stories, live performances, and art by the sea. Program out now! Visit www.newannual.com.au.
SATURDAY 27 SEPTEMBER
Heartbeat of the Hunter at Tocal Agricultural Centre
Welcome spring with Tocal Field Days’ iconic music and food event, Heartbeat of the Hunter, set in the scenic grounds of Tocal Agricultural College. Enjoy top Australian country, blues, and folk artists such as the Wolfe Brothers and Taylor Moss, paired with local food, awardwinning wines, and drinks. Tickets and bus transfers are available now. Visit www.heartbeatofthehunter.com.au.
SATURDAY 27 SEPTEMBER
Confetti & Chaos at Club Macquarie
You're invited to a stranger’s wedding, where nothing goes to plan! This immersive, improvised comedy plunges guests into a chaotic reception full of secrets, wild relatives, and quick-fire laughs. With four performers, nine characters, and a 3-course meal, expect comedy, calamity, and confetti from start to finish. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.clubmacquarie.com.au.
SATURDAY 27 SEPTEMBER – SUNDAY 12 OCTOBER
Spring School Holidays at Hunter Valley Gardens
Celebrate spring with a vibrant family day at Hunter Valley Gardens these school holidays. Enjoy pop-up nurseries, Garden Society displays, horticulture talks, amusement rides, and explore ten stunning themed gardens, perfect for fun, learning, and fresh air together. Visit www.huntervalleygardens.com.au.
SUNDAY 28 SEPTEMBER
Colour Frenzy at Foreshore Park
Prepare for a run like no other! Run, sprint, or even stroll through colour stations, foam zones, and inflatable obstacles in a self-paced 1km loop. You can do one lap or as many as you like! With pre- and post-event entertainment, food stalls, giveaways, and support for animal rescues, it’s an awesome day out for all ages. Visit www.colourfrenzy.com.au.
SUNDAY 28 SEPTEMBER
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.
