What’s on in August? Here’s the month’s top events in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & The Hunter specially selected for families. There is a mix of ticketed and free events for parents, grandparents and carers to enjoy some family fun.
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Sustainable Neighbourhoods Waste to Art Competition
Sustainable Neighbourhoods are inviting individual artists, community and school groups to register for this community art exhibition that aims to educate, inform and challenge perspectives on waste. Registrations are now open for 2025. The exhibition will be held across two locations in Charlestown and Swansea from 20 October 2025 to 24 January 2026.
Date: Registrations now open
Location: The exhibition is open to community members from across the region
Age Group: Open to all ages
Cost: Free to enter
Website
Response III Sculpture in the Botanic Gardens
The Hunter Region Botanic Garden’s biennial collaboration with Newcastle University is on again! Twenty four artists explore, challenge and interrogate the dialogue that has long existed between architectural sculptural form and the natural environment for this exhibition at the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens. Official opening 2nd August from 1pm with special guest Kate Washington, MP.
Date: Until Sunday 14 September 2025
Time: Gardens open daily 9am – 4pm
Location: Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, Heatherbrae
Age Group: All ages
Cost: View the sculptures as part of your $5 entry fee to the Gardens
Website
CBCA NSW Hunter Region Young Writers’ Story Competition
The CBCA NSW Hunter Region Young Writers’ Story Competition is a new competition open to all young writers between 10-12 years of age in the Hunter Region. The competition is open for submissions from 4 August until 12 September 2025. Full competition information, including how to enter and submission guidelines, can be found here.
Date: Open for submissions Monday 4 August – Friday 12 September 2025
Location: Competition open to all young writers in the Hunter Region
Age Group: 10-12 years
Cost: Entry free for member schools (or those that have a CBCA member on staff), $20 for non-member schools or students who are homeschooled.
Website
WinterHeat Festival
Winterheat is back—Newcastle’s free, fiery winter festival returns for its 21st year! On Sat Aug 16th, Pacific Park will transform into a vibrant wonderland of live music, fire sculptures, roving performers, and delicious street food. Warm up with free marshmallow toasting, electrifying beats, and the infamous “Eat the Heat” chilli contest. Kids can enjoy face painting, crafts, and giant puppets, while everyone grooves at the silent disco hill.
Date: Saturday 16 August 2025
Time: 5pm – 9pm
Location: Pacific Park, Newcastle
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free entry
Website
Hunter Science Festival
Newcastle’s biggest celebration of science is back and bigger than ever! With more than 20+ partners and exhibitors, there’s something for everyone – from robot races to garbage trucks, science shows to shark tanks, and even free plants. Highlights include BBQ and science-themed sweet treats, the HMRI Poo Palace, Solar car and boat building, Fizzics Education Big Science Big Fun! show, free plant giveaway, STEM challenges, meet-a-scientist talks, LEGO®, science books and more!
Date: 17 August 2025
Time: 10am – 2pm
Location: Newcastle Museum
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free
Website
Hunter Valley Highland Games
Come experience the Hunter Valley Highland Games in beautiful Wine Country! These games celebrate the deep connection between Australia and Scotland. Come spend a day in the vines. Hear the pipes, see the strength and watch the dance, plus there’ll be a host of activities for the kids!
Date: Saturday 23 August 2025
Location: Saltire Estate, Lovedale
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Adults $20, Children (5-18 years) $5, Pensioners $10
Website
Newcastle Outdoor Adventure & Lifestyle Expo
Bringing together the best in outdoor adventure products and advice, all for an unforgettable experience. Over three action-packed days, the Newcastle Entertainment Centre will come alive with the most anticipated lifestyle event in the region, featuring something for the whole family. Don’t miss your chance to get up close and personal with the latest gear, technology, and accessories all in one convenient location.
Date: Friday 29 – Sunday 31 August 2025
Location: Newcastle Entertainment Centre
Age Group: All ages
Cost: TBA
Website
35th Newcastle Jazz Festival
The 36th Newcastle Jazz Festival will provide a rich variety of music, from Traditional Jazz, Mainstream, Swing, Blues, Contemporary, Jazz Orchestras and Big Band. Some of Australia’s and the Hunter’s finest musicians will provide a wide range of styles designed to cater for your every taste.
Date: Friday 29 – Sunday 31 August 2025
Location: City Hall
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Various passes available (including Under 19 years passes)
Website
Community Day at Glendale City Centre
Join Glendale City Centre for a free fun-filled, family-friendly Community Day in the under cover market precinct alongside the vibrant Glendale Farmers & Artisans Markets! This exciting event celebrates our local community with a full line-up of interactive activities, emergency service displays, free entertainment and more.
Date: Saturday 30 August 2025
Location: Glendale City Centre
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free
Website
Play Well – Athletic Fun Activities and Wrap Up
Join the wrap up for Come and Try Sports for children and adults with disability, featuring fun athletic activities for all ages. Experience fun athletic activies and final wrap up of Come and Try Sports for children and adults with disability.
Date: Saturday 30 August 2025
Time: 10:30am – 12:30pm
Location: Hunter Sports Centre, Glendale
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free
Website
Edgeworth Trains
Ride on a miniature train. Lake Macquarie Live Steam Locomotive Society hosts monthly public ride days. There’s a variety of miniature trains such as steam and diesel and different rail routes (both elevated and ground-level) so you can easily spend a couple of hours watching and riding trains. Their public ride days run on the last Sunday of each month excluding December.
Date: Sunday 31 August 2025
Time: Trains running from 12:30pm 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
Jack’s Irish Society Newcastle Family Fun Day
Come and celebrate Irish culture with music, fun & community spirit. The event includes bouncy castle, face painting, goodie bags, Irish-themed raffles, finger food, and live Irish music.
Date: Sunday 31 August 2025
Time: 2pm – 5pm
Location: Mayfield Bowling Club
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free entry
Website
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.