Start planning for March 2020. Here’s the month’s top events in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & The Hunter specially selected for families.
Civic Theatre & City Hall Open Day
Sunday 1 March | Newcastle Civic Theatre & City Hall | Free | Details
Why you should go: Enjoy a family-friendly open day at Civic Theatre and City Hall to celebrate the 90th year of the Civic Theatre. Enjoy backstage tours of Civic Theatre and tours of City Hall.
Clean Up Australia Day
Sunday 1 March | Various locations | Free | Details
Why you should go: Join an event and help clean up to make an impact that improves your environment.
Five Senses Twilight Markets
Sunday 1 March | Lambton Park, Lambton | 4pm – 8pm | Free | Details
Why you should go: Chill out with your friends and family and catch up by Lambton Park rotunda. Enjoy delicious food, craft beer & fine wine, divine coffee, awesome music and a fabulous line up of market stalls under the stars supporting The The World’s Greatest Shave!
Then and Now Exhibition
On until Sunday 29 March | SEEN@Swansea | 10am – 3pm | Free | Details
Why you should go: Lake Macquarie has changed a lot in the past 100 years. Check out a new exhibition at SEEN@Swansea showing photographs of the past and the present.
Tokyo Olympics Football Qualifier
Friday 6 March | McDonald Jones Stadium | 6:30pm kickoff| Tickets start at $25 for adults & $15 for kids 4 – 16. Family of 4 Ticket Pass start at $12.50 | Details
Why you should go: Watch the Westfield Matildas take on Vietnam ahead of the lead up to the Tokyo Olympics.
The Newcastle Show
Friday 6 March – Sunday 8 March | Broadmeadow Showground | 9am – 4pm | $60 Family Pass (2A+2C). Kids under 5 are free | Details
Why you should go: It’s the Newcastle Show, billed as bigger and better for 2020. There are all your traditional favourites including fireworks, rides, show bags, animal nurseries, rodeo, agricultural displays and competitions. Plus kids cooking sessions and Hunter Vibes, where you can sample local wines and nibble on artisanal goods.
Rainbow Families Storytime
Saturday 7 March | Newcastle Library | 10am – 11am | Free | Details
Why you should go: Enjoy a special glitter-filled Storytime extravaganza with Newcastle’s own Timberlina and friends. Families of all ages are invited to join us for an all-singing, dancing and storytelling celebrating our city’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
“Molly’s Big Decision” Book Launch
Saturday 7 March | East Maitland Library | 11am – 12pm | Free | Details
Why you should go: Be part of the launch of the debut children’s chapter book by local author, Carmen Allen. The beautifully illustrated book, ‘Molly’s Big Decision’, is for 7 – 9 year old readers and suitable to be read to 5 and 6 year olds. This promises to be a fun and family-friendly morning. There will be games, food and Carmen will read the first chapter and sign books.
Loop the Lake Family Charity Ride
Sunday 8 March | Speers Point to Warners Bay | 9:30am | $50 for family of four. $5 for extra child | Details
Why you should go: Enjoy a 7km or 11km bike ride with your family along Lake Macquarie and raise money for charities supported by the Loop Family Charity Bike Ride. The Family Ride is The ride is for junior riders under the age of 12 years who are accompanied by an adult or guardian cyclist.
Paul Jennings Exhibition Launch
Friday 13 March | Lovett Gallery above Newcastle City Library| Various times | Free but bookings required | Details
Why you should go: Explore the Paul Jennings: UNREAL! exhibition at the launch event. Join Newcastle Libraries for an exciting launch that will include games, music, and entertainment for children of all ages. This exhibition includes giant story props (including a lighthouse and a dunny!), fan letters and original illustrations. Settle in for the opportunity to create your own Gizmo and learn more about Paul Jennings creative process. The exhibition runs from Friday 13 March – Saturday 9 May 2020.
Music of the Guns
Saturday 14 March | Fort Scratchley, Newcastle East | 6:30pm – 8:30pm | $25 | Details
Why you should go: To enjoy the experience of listening to a concert at Fort Scratchley featuring the Australian Army Band Newcastle. The evening finishes with the Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture complete with the firing of the Fort Scratchley guns.
Maitland Taste Festival
Saturday 14 March & Sunday 15 March | The Levee, Central Maitland | 10am – 4pm | Free | Details
Why you should go: Enjoy food and produce, from garden to the plate at Maitland Taste. For families, Maitland Taste Kids Patch will feature a wide range of free kids activities including kids craft, kids cooking workshops and a fun and interactive game space and much more.
Newcastle Permanent’s Cinema Under the Stars
Saturday 14 March | King Edward Park | 5:30pm – 10pm | Free | Details
Why you should go: Enjoy a free family-friendly evening under the stars thanks to Newcastle Permanent! Pack a picnic, gather your friends and enjoy an incredible open-air screening of Toy Story 4. The event kicks off at 5.30pm with live music, kids activities and free popcorn before the movie screens at sundown.
“Tree” Book Launch
Friday 20 March | Newcastle City Library | 5:30pm – 7pm | Free | Details
Why you should go: Tree is the fifth title in the beloved and very popular Lessons of a LAC series. Join Loppy as he faces a huge life change – the passing of his friend and confidant, Tree. Cheer for him as his friend Curly helps him to say goodbye and move forward. A life affirming story to help children process loss. Suitable for kids 4+ and their parents.
Saturday Family Fun – Harmony Day
Saturday 21 March | Wallsend Library | 10am – 10:45am | Free but booking required | Details
Why you should go: Come on a journey filled with stories, music, dancing and ceremonies from different cultures and see how some of the most popular celebrations are celebrated around the world. Celebrations is presented by performer Catrina Hylton. Suitable for ages 4 – 10.
My Kids Market
Sunday 22 March | Newcastle Basketball Stadium | 10am – 1pm | $5 – $25 | Details
Why you should go: Save money on baby and kids clothing, toys or goods. My Kids Market provides families with the opportunities to purchase quality preloved items at huge savings and to sell unwanted kids goods.
Featured image credit: Five Senses Twilight Markets
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