Enjoy some family fun in Maitland this spring with a vibrant program of family-friendly events and community activities. There’s something for everyone to enjoy, from Street Eats, author events, Garage Sale Trail and Riverlights festivities.
October
Week of Riverlights
Kick off the Week of Riverlights with a day packed with creativity, culture and family fun. Kids can make their own lantern, learn Indonesian dance, try their hand at judo or get active in the pool with Aqua Vibes. There’s also plenty of magic on offer, with a family-friendly Chinese cultural magic show and a hands-on wizardry workshop.
Date: 6 – 9 October
Location: Various times and locations
Maitland Riverlights
Make a day of it at Maitland Riverlights, where more than 50 cultures come together through food, music, dance, art and interactive experiences. As the sun goes down, the celebrations continue with the Riverlights Community Parade, followed by the much-loved lantern flotilla and a spectacular finale on the Riverlights Stage. The night finishes with a fireworks display.
Date: 10 October, 2pm – 9pm
Location: The Levee
Rebel Spirits with Paula J Beavan
Come along to hear Paula share the inspiration behind her latest novel and discover the stories that bring the Hunter Valley’s past to life.
Date: Friday 23 Oct 2026
Location: East Maitland Library
Book now
Kate and Jol Temple in Conversation
Get ready for an evening of laughs, stories and behind-the-scenes! From the smash-hit Bin Chicken series to their brand-new middle grade adventures with the Mega Rich Guinea Pigs, discover where Kate & Jol’s hilarious ideas come from and how they turn them into stories that kid can’t put down. Whether you’re a young reader, a parent, teacher, aspiring writer or simply love children’s literature, this is an evening not to miss.
Date: 30 October, 6pm – 8pm
Location: Maitland Town Hall – $5
Book now
Street Eats Chisholm
Get ready for a spooktacular night at Whitewater Park, Chisholm! Bring the family, dress up in your favourite Halloween costume and enjoy a night of delicious food, music and plenty of spooky fun.
Date:30 October, 5pm – 8pm
Location: Whitewater Park, Chisholm
November
Street Eats East Maitland
Bring along your family and friends and head to Stockade Hill, East Maitland for a relaxed evening of good food, music and fun! Bring along your own disc and have a go at disc golf, then grab a bite of food from one of the food foods, settle in with a picnic rug and enjoy the tunes from the DJ.
Date: 13 November, 5pm – 8pm
Location: Stockade Hill, East Maitland
Garage Sale Trail
Australia’s biggest secondhand treasure hunt is returning this November, and Maitland City Council is encouraging locals to get involved. Make or save money over 2 big weekends and explore your local neighbourhood for garage sales or host your own.
Date: Saturday & Sunday 7 – 8 & 14 – 15 November
Location: Check locations online
Emergency Expo
The community is encouraged to attend this free family-friendly event and learn from the emergency supporting services and government agencies. The Expo will feature practical displays, live demonstrations and interactive activities designed to give residents a clear understanding of emergency management procedures and encourage preparedness when it comes to natural hazards including bushfires, floods and storms.
Date: 14 November, 9am – 2pm
Location: Maitland Showground
For full event details and more events happening in Maitland this spring, visit https://mait.city/WhatsOnSpring
For more ideas on what to do with kids, check out these articles: