What's On Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & the Hunter | May 2025
- intouch Magazine
- May 1
- 6 min read
Updated: May 26
Get intouch with what's on this May in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & the Hunter...
FRIDAY 30 MAY
1984 by George Orwell at Civic Theatre
Big Brother returns with a thrilling new adaptation of George Orwell's 1984, brought to life by the award-winning Shake & Stir team (known for Frankenstein, Jane Eyre, Animal Farm, and Dracula). The story follows Winston Smith, an editor at the Ministry of Truth, who takes a bold step by writing in his secret diary, an act of rebellion in a world controlled by Big Brother. Get tickets now to find out what happens in the infamous Room 101? For more information, visit
SUNDAY 1 JUNE
Maitland Running Festival at Maitland Regional Athletics Centre
Offering a picturesque 4km course starting and finishing at the new Maitland Regional Athletics Centre, The Maitland River Run will be a thrilling experience, suitable for novice runners to the elite. With the option to do 1, 2, or 3 laps, running or walking, it's a beginner friendly event for everyone to get involved in! For more information or to register, visit www.mymaitland.com.au.
PAST
FRIDAY 2 – SUNDAY 4 MAY
Maitland Art Exhibition at St James Church Hall
Maitland Region Society of Artists is holding its annual Members Art Exhibition, with the opening night taking place on Friday 2nd May, offering tasty food and drinks! Browse the works, with approximately 200 quality paintings and sculptures up for sale at great prices. For more information, visit
SATURDAY 3 MAY
Red Hot Summer Tour at Roche Estate
Get ready for a rockin’ RED HOT SUMMER! At the stunning Roche Estate, series two brings a powerhouse lineup, headlined by classic rock legends ZZ Top, with George Thorogood & The Destroyers as special guests. Also rocking the stage are Aussie icons The Living End, Baby Animals, Rose Tattoo, and Dallas Frasca. Don't miss out on this epic summer of music! For more information, visit www.redhotsummertour.com.au.
SATURDAY 3 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 info, visit www.thelevee.com.au/level-up.
TUESDAY 6 MAY
Tina Arena Don’t Ask… Again Tour at Civic Theatre Newcastle
The Don’t Ask... Again Tour will be not only a concert; it’s a love letter to her faithful fans who have embraced her as a national treasure from the beginning. Backed by her worldclass band and powerhouse vocals, Tina will bring her timeless hits to life on a tour designed to captivate audiences young and old, new and returning! For more information, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au.
WEDNESDAY 7 MAY
Single Vineyard Dinner at Flotilla
Embark on a captivating wine journey with De Iuliis at the Single Vineyard Dinner, the perfect opportunity to discover the story behind their exceptional wines, from the vine to your glass! You will enjoy a specially curated menu, each course expertly paired with De Iuliis wines to showcase the distinct character of its single vineyard origin. For more information, visit www.dewine.com.au.
WEDNESDAY 7 MAY
Female Founder Festival at Fort Scratchley Function Centre
Take your business to the next level at the FREE Female Founder Festival! Whether you're starting or continuing in your journey, this event has something for you. For just $250 a ticket, the festival offers structured networking, insightful panels, and an expo featuring business and government resources to support your growth. For more information, visit www.enterprisingme.com.au.
WEDNESDAY 7 MAY
Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival 2025 at Event Cinemas, Kotara
This film festival follows closely in the footsteps of the Banff Mountain Festival. As a celebration of all thing’s mountains and sporting, the film festival in Newcastle is set to share over 2.5 hours of exhilarating short films from explorers, runners, mountain bikers, skiers, paddlers and climbers from around the globe. For more information or to purchase
your ticket, visit www.banffaustralia.com.au.
SATURDAY 12 APRIL – SATURDAY 24 MAY
Lovely Thunder at Performance Arts Culture Cessnock
Performance Arts Culture Cessnock (PACC) presents Lovely Thunder, an exhibition that explores the power of colour in contemporary art. Curated by George Adams, this dynamic collection shows the work of fifteen contemporary artists whose use of colour creates an almost synaesthetic experience for the viewer. For more information, visit www.mypacc.com.au.
SATURDAY 3 – SATURDAY 17 MAY
Morning Sacrifice at Wiles Auditorium, Newcastle Theatre Company
Set in the staff room of an all-girl school, this Newcastle Theatre Company performance interrogates the stifling sexual morality of post-war Australia. The all-female cast is divided by the conflict between a waning Victorian sensibility and the feminist freedoms of the coming age. For more information, visit www.newcastletheatrecompany.com.au/morning-sacrifice.
SATURDAY 10 MAY
Mother’s Day Paint & Sip at The Great Northern Hotel
Celebrate Mother’s Day with Paint Juicy! Bringing you the most colourful, cheekiest paint and sip experience around. It's all about epic tunes, fun times, great food and drink and plenty of laughs. For more information, visit www.gnhotel.com.au.
SUNDAY 11 MAY
Mothers Day Buffet Lunch at Shoal Bay Country Club
Celebrate your favourite lady and indulge in a delicious buffet lunch at Whitesands, Shoal Bay Country Club, where you can relax and celebrate, making lasting memories with the whole family this Mother’s Day. Bookings are essential, secure your spot today! For more info, visit www.shoalbaycountryclub.com.au.
SUNDAY 11 MAY
A Star Is Born – Laneway Flicks at Laneway Theatre Newcastle
Laneway Flicks presents A Star Is Born. Experience the magic of this timeless story, brought to life by a talented cast in an
intimate setting. With powerful performances and breathtaking emotion, it’s a must-see! For more information, visit
WEDNESDAY 14 MAY
Peppa Pig's Fun Day Out LIVE! at Civic Theatre
After previous successful tours, this new show will visit venues across five states, offering fun, games, puppets, songs, and dance. Kids will enjoy building sandcastles, feeding penguins, and splashing in muddy puddles. It’s the perfect first theatre experience for young children and Peppa fans! For more information, visit www.peppapiglive.com.au.
WEDNESDAY 14 MAY
Hollywood Songbook at Newcastle City Hall
The Signum Saxophone Quartet returns to Australia, joined by Ali McGregor, for a vibrant performance that spans from Berlin to Hollywood, exploring diverse cultural stories. Musica Viva Australia celebrates 80 years of bringing musicians together, taking audiences on a journey through the changes of the early 20th century, with influences from Vienna, Kyiv, Siberia, and more. For more information, visit www.musicaviva.com.au.
FRIDAY 16 MAY
Crips & Creeps - Are You Pulling My Leg? at Warners Bay Theatre
This lively and accessible comedy event features some of Australia’s funniest comedians with disabilities or chronic
illnesses. The line-up includes awardwinning performers who deliver entertaining, uncensored takes on disability and much more! For more information, visit www.arts.lakemac.com.au/Events/Crips-Creeps-are-you-pulling-my-leg.
FRIDAY 16 – SUNDAY 18 MAY
Write Here Festival at Various Venues Across Lake Macquarie
Immerse yourself in words and be inspired by amazing writing from near and far over three massive days! Celebrate some of Australia’s best writers and discover emerging talent through a packed program of workshops, author talks, and special events. For more info visit www.library.lakemac.com.au.
FRIDAY 16 MAY
Spicy Brain 2025 at Multi-Arts Pavilion, Speers Point Park
Join the 3rd Annual Spicy Brain 2025, a celebration of neurodiversity and disability through art, music, and creativity. Enjoy
live performances, art displays, interactive activities, free face painting, and delicious food. Free tickets are available now—don’t miss out! Visit www.events.humanitix.com/spicy-brain-2025.
FRIDAY 16 MAY
Sleepout For Soul at Bolton Street Car 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.
SATURDAY 17 MAY
Morisset Rotary Seniors Leisure and Lifestyle Expo at Morisset Showground
After the success of last year's inaugural event, join us again for a day packed with inspiration, information, and entertainment. Exhibitors will feature everything from travel packages and fitness classes to retirement living options and
wellness products. Whether you're interested in staying active, learning something new, or connecting with others, you'll find it all here, along with live entertainment and tasty food choices. For more details on becoming a sponsor, supporter, or advertiser, visit www.rotaryseniorsexpo.com.
FRIDAY 23 MAY
The Night Market at Newcastle Showground
Prepare for a night of autumn fun as the air is filled with the enticing aromas of international street food while local artisans showcase their unique creations under twinkling market lights. The night markets have become an inaugural event that promises to be particularly special, featuring an outdoor cinema screening under the stars. For more information, visit the Newcastle City Farmers Market Facebook Page.
SOLD OUT - SATURDAY 24 MAY
Winmark International Chardonnay Day Lunch at Winmark Wines
Start with a relaxing stroll through the vineyard, Chardonnay in hand, and explore the sculpture park featuring 40+ works curated by Vigneron Karin Adcock. Then, enjoy a 3-course lunch on the Alfresco terrace, paired expertly with four fine Chardonnays by the Sea Salt & Sage catering team, followed by a chat from the Chardonnay experts about what makes a great Chardonnay and its history. With limited spaces and high demand, be sure to book early. For more information, visit www.winmarkwines.com.au.
