What's On Month by Month in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter

Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, the Hunter Valley and Port Stephens have something on almost every weekend of the year — from free community events to big ticketed shows.

This guide covers family-friendly events across the region, month by month, so you can plan ahead or find something to do right now.

Select your month below to see what’s coming up, or scroll down for highlights across the year. Listings are updated regularly as new events are confirmed.

Things to do with kids in Newcastle in February

Browse Events by Month

January

Summer is in full swing and there’s plenty happening across the region. Australia Day events, outdoor festivals and free activities make January a great month to get out with the kids.

February

The summer school holidays wind down but events keep coming. February is a great month for shows, outdoor activities and community days before the cooler months arrive.

March

March brings some of the region’s biggest annual events.

April

April is one of the best months for events in the region. School holidays, Easter, Anzac Day and some major annual events make this a busy and rewarding time to get out with the family.

May

The cooler weather arrives and the event calendar stays strong. May is a great month for outdoor festivals, community days and celebrating Mum.

June

Winter kicks off with a packed calendar. There’s plenty to keep the family busy indoors and out, from whale watching season to regional festivals worth the drive.

July

School holidays hit in July and the region delivers. NAIDOC Week, community events and plenty of indoor and outdoor options to fill the break.

August

August is quieter on the calendar but National Science Week brings some great free activities for curious kids across the region.

September

Spring arrives and so does Father’s Day. September is a lovely month to get back outdoors with the family as the weather starts to warm up.

October

October is one of the biggest months on the calendar. Halloween, outdoor cinema, multicultural festivals and more make this a month the kids will love.

November

The lead-up to Christmas starts in November, with the Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas lights kicking off and the calendar filling fast.

December

December is the big one — Christmas events, carols, lights and New Year’s Eve fireworks. There’s something on almost every weekend across the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What family events are on in the Newcastle & Hunter region this weekend?

Check our monthly guide for the most up-to-date listings. We cover free and ticketed events across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Cessnock and Port Stephens.

Are there free events for kids in Newcastle?

Yes — many events listed across our monthly guides are free or low cost. Look for community days, festivals and outdoor events in your chosen month.

Do you cover Hunter Valley events?

Yes. We cover the broader Hunter region including Cessnock, Maitland, Singleton and the Hunter Valley, as well as Port Stephens and Raymond Terrace.

How often are events updated?

We update monthly guides regularly as new events are confirmed, usually a month or more in advance for major events.

Do you cover Sydney events too?

Yes — for some major events and school holiday periods we include Sydney listings. Browse our Sydney guides for more.

You might also like:

18 Unique Rural Shows, Fairs and Festivals in the Hunter Region — Beyond the city — great days out at regional events worth the drive.
School Holidays Guide — Everything to do with the kids during the school break.
Free Things to Do with Kids in Newcastle — No budget? No problem.

What’s On Month by Month in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter