WHAT'S ON IN THE NEWCASTLE AREA

There’s something quietly extraordinary about a festival that not only survives but thrives - growing year after year without losing its soul. In a landscape where even major events have fallen by the wayside, The Gum Ball has done the opposite. It has deepened, expanded, and embedded itself into the cultural fabric of regional New South Wales, located in the bush, on the property of Dashville in Lower Belford.

Get ready to kick off your Sunday shoes — one of the most beloved musicals of the '80s is heading to Civic Theatre Newcastle this May, and it's bigger, bolder, and more electric than ever.

Stories have a way of staying with us, especially those filled with a little chaos, a lot of imagination, and just enough silliness to feel unforgettable.

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

Tickets for the Burton Automotive Hunter Valley Steamfest 2026 are on sale now, with two of New South Wales’ most celebrated steam locomotives confirmed to headline this year’s ARTC Rail Program.

With two sell-out UK tours, 50 million+ views online and a Sunday Times best-selling book, you could say comedy duo Wankernomics is smashing it right now. They’d say they’re delivering key outcomes with impact in a fast-paced environment.

Support live music this April with our local gig guide for Newcastle, the Hunter and Lake Macquarie.