Looking for what’s on in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie or the Hunter this April? We’ve rounded up the best family-friendly events happening across the region, from festivals and markets to theatre shows, exhibitions and free community events.
Events are listed by date so you can easily plan your week or weekend, whether you’re heading out during the ANZAC Day long weekend, 2026 Youth Week or just looking for something fun to do with the kids.
Bookmark this page — we update it each month so you can easily find what’s on in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter.
⭐ Planning a weekend outing?
This guide includes events happening throughout April, so it’s a great place to start when planning your weekend. For our weekly picks and last-minute ideas, make sure you’re subscribed to our newsletter.
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April at a Glance
A quick look at what’s coming up across the month.
- 24 Apr — Twilight Fridays at MAP mima, Drum Tao, Civic Theatre
- 26 Apr — King of Concrete, Bar Beach | Edgeworth Trains
- 29 Apr – 2 May — Ride the Cyclone, Civic Theatre Playhouse
- 30 Apr — Women’s State of Origin, McDonald Jones Stadium
Ongoing in April
These events run across multiple weeks in April.
Mega Creatures
Dinosaurs, mythical creatures and after-dark adventures. Day sessions run 9am–4pm; Night Safari runs on weekends and school holidays 5–9.30pm. On until 26 April.
Date: Saturday 28 March -Monday 27 April 2026
Time: Open 9am – 4pm (last entry 3pm)
Location: Hunter Valley Gardens
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Day Pass: Kids (aged 4-15) $31, Kids (3 and under) FREE, Adults (16yrs+) $42
Website
The City That Made Surfest Exhibition
Celebrating four decades of Surfest through rare objects, footage and stories.
Date: On display until July 2026
Time: Newcastle Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday 10am – 5pm
Location: Newcastle Museum
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free
Website
YPT Presents Shrek JR.
Everyone’s favourite ogre hits the stage at Young People’s Theatre. A fun, feel-good show for the whole family that runs well into May.
Date: Monday 13 April – Saturday 23 May 2026
Time: Various
Location: Young People’s Theatre Hamilton
Age Group: All ages
Cost: $28
Website
Stardust Circus
All the classics under the big top — wheel of death, flying trapeze, aerial acts, magic, clowns and performing animals. Running throughout school holidays.
Date: Thursday 2 April – Sunday 26 April 2026
Time: Various
Location: Richardson Park, Chatham Road, Hamilton North
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Tickets from $35
Website
April Events
Gresford Billy Cart Derby
Get trackside for the exciting Gresford Billy Cart Derby. This free family-friendly event sees kids from just 10 years of age and adults who are young at heart, race homemade billy carts down the steep main street of the picturesque rural village of Gresford, just one hour from Newcastle. Other entertainment includes a gumboot tossing competition, market stalls, raffles, vintage cars and delicious food for everyone to enjoy.
Date: Saturday 4 April 2026
Time: From 8am
Location: Park Street, East Gresford
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free to spectate, Entry Fee $15
Website
Burton Automotive Hunter Valley Steamfest
Steamfest features a diverse program of family friendly entertainment. Enjoy live music, roving performance, historic heritage walks, market stalls, gourmet food stalls and more. The heart and soul of Steamfest is its impressive assembly of steam trains
Date: Saturday 18 & Sunday 19 April 2026
Time: 9am – 9pm (Saturday), 9am – 4pm (Sunday)
Location: Maitland Station Precinct
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free to visit the Maitland Station Precinct, market stalls and entertainment area. Entry into the Steamfest Rally Ground is $5pp (under 16 years free).
Website
Kids Cube Disco at Twilight Fridays
Date: Friday 24 April 2026
Time: From 5pm
Location: MAP mima, Speers Point Park
Age Group: Kids Cube Disco suitable for ages 5- 12
Cost: Free
Website
Drum Tao ‘Samurai of the Drum’
Fusing the thunderous power of taiko drumming with martial arts athleticism, choreography, and cinematic staging.
Date: Friday 24 April 2026
Time: 7.30pm
Location: Civic Theatre
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Premium from $79.90, Concession from $69.90, Under 17 from $49.90
Website
King of Concrete
Australia’s premier national bowl competition, led by world champ and Olympic judge Renton Millar. Free for families to watch — great energy, great vibe
Date: Sunday 26 April 2026
Time: 10am – 4pm
Location: Bar Beach skate park
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free to watch
Website
Edgeworth Trains
Monthly public ride day from the Lake Macquarie Live Steam Locomotive Society. Steam and diesel miniature trains on elevated and ground-level tracks — an easy, affordable couple of hours for little train lovers.
Date: Sunday 26 April 2026
Time: Trains running from 12:15pm till 3:30pm (weather permitting). The park is open from around 9:30am.
Location: Velinda Street, Edgeworth
Age Group: All ages
Cost: It costs $3 per train ride. Children under 2 years old are free.
Website
Ride the Cyclone
Six teens, a broken rollercoaster and a cult musical with over half a billion TikTok views. Now in Newcastle. Recommended 13+
Date: Wednesday 29 April – Saturday 2 May 2026
Time: Various
Location: Civic Theatre Playhouse
Age Group: Recommended for persons aged 13+
Cost: $50
Website
Ampol Women’s State of Origin 2026
Game I of the series kicks off right here in Newcastle. Blues vs Maroons — live, loud and great value for families.
Date: Thursday 30 April 2026
Time: The match is set to kick off at 7.45pm
Location: McDonald Jones Stadium
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Ticket start from $19 adults, $10 for Kids 4 – 15 for General Admission Northern & Southern Hill.
Website
You might also like:
- Easter Events in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter
- Anzac Day Events in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & the Hunter
What’s On Next Month?
Looking for more events in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter? Check out our What’s On Guide with information about events all year long. The guide provides a list of local family-friendly events organised by month.