WHAT'S ON IN THE NEWCASTLE AREA

Decades after her death, Princess Diana remains a figure of deep fascination - mythologised, scrutinised, adored and misunderstood in equal measure. Yet, behind the tiaras and tabloids, was a young woman searching for love, purpose, and a sense of self in a world that demanded perfection.

Your complete guide to what's on in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens and the Hunter Valley...

The iconic Coates Newcastle Show returns to the Newcastle Showground from Friday 27 February to Sunday 1 March 2026, and this year it arrives with a powerful new hero attraction set to redefine opening night.

Get ready to laugh until your sides hurt as one of Australia's most beloved comedians, Joe Avati, brings his hilarious trip down memory lane to Newcastle Entertainment Conference Centre (NEX) on 19 September.

Superstars: Musical Theatre’s Greatest Heroes & Villains in Concert promises an unforgettable evening celebrating the iconic characters that have captivated audiences for generations.

Newcastle's boldest arts festival is back – and it's bigger, more daring and more brilliantly unfiltered than ever.

Newcastle Art Gallery will officially reopen to the public on Saturday, 28 February, following its estimated $47 million expansion. The landmark reopening will be celebrated with a three-day festival and the debut of the major exhibition Iconic Loved Unexpected.

A hilarious and heartbreaking new play, Occasional Combustible Disaster, will lead an explosive UpStage at the Playhouse season at Civic Theatre’s Playhouse as a red-hot team of creatives come together to examine the fallout inevitable in all nuclear families.

For over 120 years, the annual Newcastle Show has brought together businesses, families, and communities to celebrate the unique blend of country and city life.

Hot on the heels of Valentine’s Day, the Christ Church Camerata 2026 season begins with two masterpieces of the Romantic period.

Join Bill Bryson as he shares the significant advances of science uncovered in his complete rewrite of the biggest-selling popular science book of the 21st century.

Acclaimed Australian performer Darren Coggan brings his celebrated show 'Fire & Rain' to Newcastle's Civic Theatre Playhouse, honouring James Taylor's timeless songbook

Howlin' Country is bringing some of the biggest and best country music artists right to our local beaches.

Your guide to local farmers & artisan markets in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter.

Newcastle Permanent’s Cinema under the Stars is bringing a night under the sky to Lake Macquarie this summer!

Opera Hunter presents its highly anticipated annual fundraiser, showcasing an exceptional lineup of vocal talent.

Face To Face Touring invites you to enjoy performances of the finest names in country music this summer in the Hunter Valley, such as headliner Jason Aldean, accompanied by Corey Dent, Brad Cox and more!

Chamber Music in the Hunter presents intimate concerts featuring skilled regional musicians in Newcastle's finest acoustic spaces.

Chris at Allettare Dezigns creates thoughtful, welcoming creative experiences that invite people to slow down, reconnect, and make something meaningful. Her newest monthly offering, Liquid Therapy, blends creativity with connection in a relaxed, social setting.

Join Bill Bryson as he shares the major advances of science uncovered in his complete rewrite of the biggest-selling popular science book of the 21st century, explaining the Earth, the universe, and everything in-between - A Short History of Nearly Everything 2.0 - plus Bill’s hilarious travel, forays into the Body, and Bill being Bill.

After performing his smash-hit show Horizons to nearly half a million people across the world, Professor Brian Cox is back with his new world tour, Emergence. Check it out at Newcastle Entertainment Centre on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, for one night only!