One of Newcastle’s biggest and most-loved family events is back! The Coates Newcastle Show returns to the Newcastle Showground from Friday 27 February to Sunday 1 March 2026, bringing three days of country traditions, thrilling entertainment and hands-on fun for all ages.
A long-standing highlight on the Hunter region’s events calendar, the Newcastle Show is where city meets country. Families can explore everything from farm animals and competitions to carnival rides, live entertainment and community displays – all in one vibrant weekend.
Country traditions and agricultural experiences
At the heart of the Newcastle Show is its strong agricultural heritage. Visitors can watch livestock and horse competitions, woodchopping, and traditional cooking and baking displays, as well as honey and produce exhibits.
These events showcase the talent and dedication of local farmers and competitors and offer kids a chance to learn more about rural life in a fun, interactive way.
Big entertainment and Friday night rodeo
Entertainment is always a major drawcard, and 2026 is no exception. The Macka’s Pastoral Bull Riding Rodeo will take over the centre ring on Friday night, with elite riders and powerful bulls delivering one of the most exciting spectacles of the weekend.
Across the three days, there will also be plenty of family-friendly shows, performances and attractions to keep everyone entertained.
Careers, community and hands-on experiences
Inside the Varley Group Exhibition Centre, families can explore careers, education and community exhibits. It’s a great opportunity for kids and teens to discover local industries, training pathways and innovative projects happening in the Hunter region.
Newy Con: pop culture meets the Show
Adding a modern twist to the Newcastle Show is Newy Con, a pop culture experience celebrating gaming, comics, cosplay and creativity. It’s a fun new addition that brings something different to the Show while appealing to older kids, teens and pop culture fans.
Fireworks every night
Each evening will wrap up with the much-loved Hunter Readymixed Concrete Fireworks, lighting up the sky and providing a spectacular finale for families.
A weekend of family fun in Newcastle
Supported by Coates and a wide range of local partners, the Coates Newcastle Show continues to blend tradition with new experiences, making it one of the Hunter’s most significant community events.
Whether you’re visiting for the animals, the rides, the rodeo, the showbags or the fireworks, the Newcastle Show is a fun-filled weekend for families across Newcastle and the Hunter.
2026 Newcastle Show Dates
Newcastle Show runs on:
- Friday 28 February from 9am to 10pm
- Saturday 1 March from 9am to 10pm
- Sunday 2 March from 9am to 5pm
2026 Newcastle Show Ticket Price
Buy online to beat the line and get savings on your ticket price. Buy tickets now to save.
Adult Single Day Entry – $30
Child / Student ( 5 – 17) – $20
Concession – $20
Family Pass (2A+2C) – $75
Getting to 2026 Newcastle Show
If you plan on driving to Newcastle Show, there is parking available onsite for an additional cost.
You can also use Newcastle Transport to get to Newcastle Show by train or bus.
Newcastle Showground is just across from Broadmeadow Railway Station. Broadmeadow Station is serviced by the Central Coast and Hunter lines. The Showground entry from Brown Road or Curley Road gates is only a 200m walk from the Brown Road exit.
If you’re coming by bus, there are a few options.If you are travelling from Mount Hutton, Charlestown or Adamstown, the Route 28 stops directly out the front Broadmeadow Station. Hop off at Broadmeadow Station, Graham Road and the Showground is only a 350m (4 minute) walk to the Brown Road or Curley Road gates, via the underpass.
There are 3 bus routes terminating at Broadmeadow Station which can be used to get to the Showground. These are route 21 coming from Newcastle East, route 25 coming from Charlestown and route 27 coming from Wallsend. The Showground is only a 450m (6 minute) walk to the Brown Road or Curley Road gates, via the underpass.
If you are travelling from Maryland, Wallsend, Jesmond or Merewether, the Route 12 stops adjacent to Newcastle Showground. Hop off at Chatham Rd at Donald St. It’s a 450m (6 minute) walk to the Brown Road or Curley Road gates.
The route 13 (Glendale to Newcastle CBD, via Cardiff), route 23 (Wallsend to Marketown, via Lambton and Jesmond) and route 26 (Wallsend to Marketown, via Kotara) travel along Lambton Road. Hop off at Lambton Road at Curley Road and the Showground is approximately a 15 minute walk via Broadmeadow Station to the entry gates on Brown Road or Curley Road.
For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit the Newcastle Show website
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