Enjoy your weekend with live music around Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Maitland. There’s free concerts across the region, offering relaxed outdoor fun for families.
Pack a picnic or pick up dinner from food trucks and local cafés, then sit back while local musicians provide the soundtrack to your evening. It’s simple, social and great fun for kids and adults alike.
Summer Night Sounds x Dashville
Join in for Summer Night Sounds x Dashville for one last summer party on 28 February from 4pm – 9pm in Harold Gregson Reserve in Maitland.
Summer Night Sounds is an evening of live music hosted as part of Maitland City Council’s annual summer program.
Maitland is proud to collaborate with Dashville and bring a night of good music and good vibes, showcasing a line up of local talent against the backdrop of Harold Gregson Reserve on the last day of summer.
Bring your own drinks and picnics or enjoy a snack from one of the vendors in attendance. Bop along to Johnston City, Magpie Diaries, Dave Wells, Georgie Winchester and Kingsley James &The Forest Keepers.
Music in the Podium
Music in the Podium returns to Warners Bay Foreshore on Friday 9 January and runs until Friday 27 March 2026. The program, hosted by Lake Macquarie City Council will feature popular local musicians every Friday evening.
Lineup:
- 20 February – August Bloom
- 27 February – Soundabout Trio
- 6 March – Kaylens Rain
- 13 March – Prestige Inc
- 20 March – Tre Soul
- 27 March – Love That Hat
Music in the Podium runs from 6pm to 9pm. Just check the Music in the Podium Facebook page for event updates relating to weather.
Friday Chill
Friday Chill is a free, family-friendly, live music event hosted by Soul Hub on Friday nights through summer in Pacific Park in Newcastle CBD. In 2026, Friday Chill will run every Friday from 9 January until 27 March 2026.
Soul Hub engages popular local artists to perform chilled-out tunes from 6:30pm till 8.30pm in a family-friendly setting. Soul Hub invites their friends and community to BYO picnic to enjoy a picnic in the park or take advantage of the gourmet food and drinks served by a selection of local food vendors. Food trucks and children’s activities add to the festival environment.
Friday Chill runs from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. For more information visit the Soul Hub website or the Friday Chill Facebook page.
Lineup:
- 20 February – Half Nelson
- 27 February – EarlyDaze
- 6 March – CrocQ
- 14 March – Tre Soul
- 21 March – EarlyDaze
- 27 March – MacReid
LIVE at the Levee
Let loose and get down to some great live music at LIVE at The Levee, Maitland. LIVE at The Levee brings you live music by the best musicians from across the region.
The next LIVE at the Levee street party is on 21 March 2026 from 5:30pm – 9:30pm at The Levee Shared Zone. Expect some good vibes, tasty food and maybe even a cheeky pop up bar or two.
More information to be announced. Keep up to date with what’s happening and who is playing by visiting The Levee website.
Twilight Fridays
Enjoy Twilight Fridays at MAP mima in Speers Point Park! This exciting series by Lake Macquarie City Council brings a lively lineup of curated events that celebrate local talent and makes music and art accessible to everyone.
Some Friday evenings include music while others include art. Join in Friday evenings from 5-8pm until 24 April 2026, for unforgettable evenings of fun and creativity for everyone. Don’t miss out – come and be part of the excitement! Experience an electric atmosphere filled with diverse cultural experiences, featuring a rotating calendar of activities like Beats and Eats, Kids Disco and Art After Hours.
Schedule:
- 20 February – Art After Hours – Summer Commission exhibition. Come and explore the gallery on a Friday night after hours.
- 27 February – Kids Cube Disco – It’s kids’ night at MAP mima. The Cube will be transformed into a vibrant disco space, with upbeat family-friendly tracks and immersive projections.
- 6 March – Beats and Eats – Ease into the weekend with a local DJ spinning smooth beats from 5pm. Grab a bite, find a spot, and soak up the twilight vibes.
- 13 March – Art After Hours – ZONTA Hunter Newcastle Women of Note exhibition. Visit an exhibition celebrating the achievements of women who have contributed to the Hunter Newcastle region.
- 20 March – Art After Hours – Paul Mosig and Rachel Peachey. Come and explore the gallery on a Friday night after hours.
- 27 March – Art After Hours – Catapult: Uncoiling Veils of Illusion. Choreographer Kristina Chan presents a powerful new dance work created specifically for the 360-degree projection cube at MAP mima.
- 10 April – Beats and Eats – Ease into the weekend with a local DJ spinning smooth beats from 5pm. Grab a bite, find a spot, and soak up the twilight vibes.
- 17 April – Spicy Brain – Come and explore the gallery after hours and join us for a fun and inclusive night presented by Allambi Care. Spicy Brain is a concert celebrating neurodiversity, disability and creativity.
- 24 April – Kids Cube Disco – It’s kids’ night at MAP mima. The Cube will be transformed into a vibrant disco space, with upbeat family-friendly tracks and immersive projections.
Photo Credit: Friday Chill