Fill your calendar with unforgettable family memories! From the coast of Newcastle and Lake Macquarie to the countryside of the Hunter Valley, our region is bursting with fairs, festivals, and rural shows that celebrate our unique local lifestyle.
Our local events are the heart and soul of our community. From thrilling billy cart races to quirky brick throwing contests and kombis, there’s an event to keep the whole family entertained. Even Dachshund races! So ditch the screens, it’s time to get out and explore!
Grab your diary and start planning your year ahead. These events, arranged by month, are the perfect way to connect with our beautiful region and create lasting family memories.
Please note: For the specific date, time, and location of each event, please refer to our Monthly What’s On Guide.
Jump to: January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December
January
Summer Art Fest
Throughout January, this month-long festival invites families to explore their creativity through workshops like clay modeling, painting, and sculpting. With a mix of drop-in activities, bookable sessions, and the Free Art Sunday program, it’s a perfect way to keep all ages inspired all month long. Read more about Summer Art Fest.
Brickfest at the Bay
A family-friendly gathering for LEGO fans. Brickfest at the Bay features impressive custom builds, interactive play zones, and plenty of opportunities for builders of all ages to share their passion.
February
Maitland Show
Held over three days and two nights, the action-packed Maitland Show, offers families a mix of entertainment, rides, competitions, and delicious food. Highlights include a farmyard nursery, poultry judging, horse events, and the popular reptile shows. Read more about Maitland Show.
Cessnock Show
Take the family along to Cessnock Show for two jam-packed days of family fun! Featuring free circus and circus workshops, Gravity FMX thrills, Demo Derby action, mini trots, camel races, bushies obstacle race, Berkley fishing tank, animal nursery and reptile show, side show alley and show bags, plus fireworks to top it all off!
March
Newcastle Show
Taking place every March, the iconic Newcastle Show celebrates the region’s agricultural roots with rides, show bags, and family entertainment. New in 2026, the show will also feature Newy-Con, a dedicated pop culture event. Read more about the Newcastle Show.
Newcastle Fringe Festival
This annual festival transforms the city into a dynamic stage, offering a wide array of performances including comedy, music, theatre, and dance. It’s a fantastic opportunity for families to discover local talent and enjoy unique, accessible shows in diverse venues across Newcastle. Read more about the Newcastle Fringe Festival.
Surfest
Newcastle’s iconic Surfest is the largest surfing festival in the Southern Hemisphere. Held at Merewether Beach, Surfest attracts over 800 international competitors across nine events. It is a premier showcase of elite surfing talent, culminating in a stop on the World Surf League Challenger Series.
Gresford Show
Enjoy classic country entertainment at the Gresford Show. From woodchopping and campdrafting competitions to horse ring events, poultry, rabbits, and a pet parade. Inside the pavilion, exhibits include local farm produce, jams and cooking, and art, craft, and photography.
Kurri Kurri Nostalgia Festival
Kurri Kurri Nostalgia Festival is a popular, free event celebrating the vibrant spirit of the 1950s and 60s, and featuring classic cars, hot rods, retro fashion, and live rock ‘n’ roll. Families can enjoy the “Show and Shine” vintage display, market stalls, and dance demonstrations, with tickets available for additional indoor shows.
Warbirds Over Scone
Warbirds Over Scone is an unforgettable two-day spectacle featuring Australia’s largest gathering of historic Spitfires and Mustangs since WWII. With breathtaking aerobatics and iconic warbirds filling the skies, this event offers a thrilling day of history and excitement for the whole family.
Gresford Billy Cart Derby
Held in the picturesque village of Gresford, this free, family-friendly race features homemade billy carts hurtling down the main street. Beyond the track, enjoy market stalls, vintage cars, gumboot tossing, and delicious food, all while supporting local community groups through the Rotary Club of Dungog fundraiser.
April
Stroud Show
Held annually the weekend after Easter, this classic ‘real country show’ has a wonderful close-knit community vibe. Families can enjoy a variety of traditional events, including cattle and horse competitions, a dog show, handicrafts, a demolition derby, and the iconic, must-see wife-carrying contest!
May
Tocal Field Days
This three-day agricultural event at Tocal Agricultural College offers a fantastic mix of city and country fun. Held every May, families can explore over 340 exhibitors showcasing the latest in farming technology, machinery, and solar energy, alongside award-winning livestock, local food, wine, and live demonstrations. Read more about Tocal Field Days.
Maitland Brickfest
Maitland Brickfest is a massive LEGO fan event, perfect for builders of all ages. Besides an incredible array of displays, there’s also an interactive play zone, and the chance to win prizes while supporting the Maitland Hospital Volunteers.
June
Dobell Festival
A month-long celebration honouring the artistic legacy of William Dobell. A series of exhibitions, workshops, and events throughout Lake Macquarie provide a wonderful opportunity for families to explore their creative side.
Harvest Festival
Presented by the Central Coast Council, this weekend-long event explores the region’s picturesque hinterland with over 30 unique experiences. Families can enjoy picking fresh pecans and citrus, feeding farm animals, trying their hand at archery, and learning about local platypuses, all while enjoying great music, food, and art. Read more about the Harvest Festival.
Festival of the Fleeces
Head to Merriwa on the June long weekend to celebrate the region’s rich agricultural history at the fun, family-friendly Festival of the Fleeces. The highlight is the iconic Grand Parade, led by the famous “Running of the Sheep,” followed by a weekend of market stalls, sheep dog demonstrations, shearing displays, and fireworks. Read more about the Festival of the Fleeces.
Luminous Festival
Experience The Levee Maitland transformed into a glittering wonderland through this immersive light and art festival. Families can enjoy exploring creative light installations and interactive displays, making it a magical evening adventure in the centre of town. Read more about Luminous Festival.
Maitland Heritage Fest
Running for two weeks in June, this festival culminates in a Free Family Fun Day in the historic Church Street precinct. Families can step back in time with horse-drawn carriage rides, old-fashioned games, a treasure hunt, and heritage demonstrations, with most activities offered for free. Read more about Maitland Heritage Fest Family Fun Day.
Float Your Boat
A spectacular annual event on Lake Macquarie featuring a parade of illuminated boats cruising across the water, creating a stunning visual display for families to enjoy from the shore. Float Your Boat is a fantastic evening out, accompanied by festivities at selected foreshore locations, making it a highlight of the local calendar. Read more about Float Your Boat.
July
Aberdeen Highland Games
A full day of Highland dancing, pipe bands, strongman competitions and novelty races in the heart of the Hunter Valley. Kids can join in the fun with events like the three-legged race and the Kilted Dash, and there are plenty of stalls for browsing too.
Port Stephens Winter Festival
The annual Port Stephens Winter Festival, held over 9 packed days, features the popular Port Stephens Car Show, the annual Human Whale event, and Taster’s Trails. Full of family activities, food, festival fun and more! Plus great foodie options for the adults only.
Stroud Brick and Rolling Pin Throwing Competition
Held annually at the Stroud Showground, this unique event connects four international townships in a fun test of skill and strength. Join the Stroud community to throw a brick, hurl a rolling pin, or even fling a rubber chook, while the kids enjoy face painting, tug-of-war, a street parade, and plenty of market stalls.
Newcastle Winter Fun Fest
Head to Nobby’s Beach Reserve in the July school holidays for this magical fair by the harbour. There’s thrilling carnival rides, delicious festival treats, a circus, and more. Read more about Newcastle Winter Fun Fest.
Lake Mac POP BAM Festival
A fun pop culture festival celebrating all things comics, gaming, and geek culture at the Hunter Sports Centre Glendale. Explore a variety of artist stalls, engage in gaming tournaments, and enjoy cosplay displays. A must-visit event for local pop culture enthusiasts of all ages. Read more about the Lake Mac POP BAM Festival.
Peek into the Past at Tocal Homestead
Tocal Homestead’s Peek into the Past is a fun-filled day of living history. Enjoy traditional bush games, see heritage crafts like blacksmithing and glass blowing, and meet friendly farm animals. Don’t miss the 73rd Regiment of Foot soldiers as they march through the site and fire their muskets! Read more about Peek into the Past at Tocal Homestead.
August
Winterheat
Winterheat is a free festival that transforms Pacific Park into a cozy wonderland filled with fire sculptures, live music, and interactive performances. It is a wonderfully wintry community event that has something for everyone, including a dedicated kids’ zone and plenty of winter-warming treats. Read more about Winterheat.
Hunter Valley Highland Games
Experience the spirit of Scotland in the heart of Wine Country with this celebration of heritage and culture. Beyond traditional feats of strength like the Caber Toss and stone carries, families can enjoy Haggis hurling, live music, dance performances, and an array of authentic Scottish food.
Hunter Science Festival
This popular free event at the Newcastle Museum features live science shows, interactive exhibits, and hands-on STEM activities. It is a dynamic day of discovery perfect for the whole family to explore science in a fun and engaging way. Read more about the Hunter Science Festival.
Newcastle Jazz Festival
Taking place over three days at the Newcastle Civic Theatre, the long-running Newcastle Jazz festival is a wonderful way to introduce children to the world of live music. Families can enjoy a diverse range of performances across multiple stages, making it an accessible cultural experience for music lovers of all ages.
September
Vacy Country Carnival
Vacy Country Carnival is an annual event in Vacy Village that is full of country fun! Experience country cooking, Jack Russell and Dachshund races, pony and camel rides, market stalls, and country food. There’s also sheep dog trials and Team Penning exhibitions, Blacksmithing and other traditional country crafts on show.
Broke Village Fair & Vintage Car Display
This beloved community fair is a fantastic day out for the whole family, featuring hundreds of vintage and classic vehicles. Visitors can enjoy an action-packed lineup that includes live music, market stalls, woodchopping competitions, piglet races, and whip-cracking displays, all with a friendly, small-village atmosphere.
Illuminate Raymond Terrace
Head to Boomerang Park for a magical night of light, creativity, and community connection. Illuminate is a free, family-friendly event that transforms the park into a dazzling wonderland featuring light installations, live entertainment, and plenty of activities for all ages to enjoy together. Read more about Illuminate Raymond Terrace.
Living Smart Festival
As one of Australia’s largest sustainability events, this annual festival inspires families to embrace eco-friendly living through a wide range of interactive workshops and stalls. The event also features a vibrant multicultural zone, where visitors can enjoy diverse music, dance, traditional cooking, and cultural practices from around the globe. Read more about the Living Smart Festival.
Pedalfest Dungog
The Annual Dungog Pedalfest is a cycling event for all skill levels, from competitive mountain bike and road races to family-friendly loops with scones and jam. Highlights include State and National Championships for Penny Farthings and Dandy Horses (balance bikes). This inclusive weekend of bike-riding supports the Dungog Shire Community Centre, funding local services for youth, families, and the elderly.
King of the Ranges – Stockman’s Challenge and Bush Festival
Murrurundi hosts this incredible tribute to Australia’s stockmen and women, where the highlight is the intense three-day ‘Stockman’s Challenge.’ Beyond the high-stakes horse competitions, families can enjoy bush poetry, markets, shearing demonstrations, and a dedicated Kids Corner featuring billy goat cart races, whip-cracking clinics, and a disco.
Singleton Show
Held over three days in September, the Singleton Show features extensive pavilion displays ranging from Lego and photography to horticulture and poultry. Enjoy live entertainment and horse shows, and the event’s major drawcard – the Australian Wife Carrying Titles, which have been hosted here since 2005.
Newcastle Brickfest
Join fellow LEGO enthusiasts at this fun fan event. Designed for builders of all ages, there’s a massive build area, speed-build competitions, a “Find a Minifigure” challenge, and a fun cosplay zone. Read more about Newcastle Brickfest.
New Annual
Newcastle’s flagship arts festival turns the city into a playground of creativity, hosting an array of performances, art installations, and workshops. It’s a great opportunity for families to experience the city in a fresh, artistic light, with plenty of interactive events designed to inspire curiosity and wonder in children and adults alike. Read more about New Annual.
October
Dachshtober Longdog Festival
Held every October at Newcastle Harness Racing Club, Broadmeadow, this delightful event brings together dachshund owners and enthusiasts to raise funds for IVDD research. It’s a fun-filled day for the whole family, featuring the famous “Longdog Dash,” fancy dress competitions, doggie-themed market stalls, and plenty of food and drinks.
Old Bar Beach Festival
Held over the October long weekend, this Old Bar Beach Festival is a must-visit for kombi enthusiasts, featuring Australia’s largest gathering of Volkswagen vehicles. It’s a fantastic destination for a family day trip or a long weekend, offering a vibrant mix of live music, food stalls, art, and plenty of beachside fun.
Maitland Riverlights
The banks of the Hunter River comes alive for Maitland Riverlights, a celebration of cultural diversity and creativity. Wander through a wonderland of illuminated lantern installations, enjoy live music, and explore market stalls featuring global flavours, for a mesmerising evening by the water. Read more about Maitland Riverlights.
Karuah Oyster and Timber Festival
Pop along to the annual Karuah Oyster and Timber festival where you’ll be able to see world class axemen compete in a range of timber sports, eat world class oysters, and browse quality markets. Kids will love the famous duck race on the picturesque Karuah River.
Lake Mac Action Festival
Formerly known as “Fast and Loud,” this high-energy event showcases action on both land and water, featuring on-water speed competitions, classic cars, and live music. The festival atmosphere is perfect for families, with the addition of the Morisset Showground Agricultural Show offering rides, local produce, and traditional attractions. Read more about Lake Mac Action Festival.
Mayfield Day
Held at Dangar Park, this annual community favourite highlights local talent and businesses with an array of market stalls, food vendors, and live entertainment. It is a completely free, pet-friendly event where families can enjpy a full day of fun, featuring free kids’ workshops, face painting, and performances. Read more about Mayfield Day.
November
Dungog Show
Held on the second Friday and Saturday of November, Dungog Show is one of Australia’s oldest country shows. Families can enjoy wood chopping, lawnmower races, live music, and fireworks, and experience featuring horse, poultry, dog, and camel events, all while supporting local youth who participate in livestock judging and various agricultural competitions.
While we strive to keep this information accurate, festival dates can sometimes change. Please verify the details on each event’s official website or social media page before planning your visit.
Is there a show, fair or festival we’ve missed? Let us know so that we can add it to the list!
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What’s On Month by Month in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter