What’s on in October? 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. For Halloween events, visit our Halloween roundup.
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Model Newcastle: Big Stories, Little Things
A captivating exhibition of models and miniatures that celebrate Newcastle’s history, creativity and community. From intricate railways and maritime marvels to dollhouses, puppetry and cinematic cityscapes, this exhibition brings together treasures from Newcastle Museum’s collection alongside contributions from local makers and storytellers.
With playful, hands-on experiences, displays of technical brilliance and moments of nostalgia, this exhibition invites visitors of every age to discover the big stories told by these little things.
Date: Runs until February 2026
Time: Newcastle Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday 10am – 5pm. It’s open 7 days a week during NSW school holidays and Public Holidays.
Location: Newcastle Museum
Age Group: All ages
Cost: $10 (adults), $8 (concession), $5 (children 5-16), FREE (children 4 and under). Family tickets for two adults and two children can be purchased for $25.
Website
Ted Prior’s Grug Exhibition
The ‘Grug Retrospective’ exhibition celebrates the enduring legacy of Ted Prior’s beloved children’s character, Grug, who has captivated audiences since his creation in 1979. The exhibition features original illustrations, manuscripts, and a selection of puppets used in Windmill’s productions, offering insight into the creative processes behind both the books and the plays.
Date: Runs until Saturday 15 November 2025
Time: Monday to Friday 9am – 4.30pm, Saturday 10am – 2.30pm
Location: PACC Cessnock
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free
Website
Mamma Mia!
Presented by The Very Popular Theatre Company, Mamma Mia! is celebrating 25 dazzling years of musical magic! As the world’s favourite feel-good musical, it has captivated audiences across the globe since its debut in London’s West End. Set on a stunning Greek island, the story follows a mother, her daughter, and three potential dads, all brought to life through ABBA’s unforgettable pop masterpieces.
Date: Runs until Sunday 26 October 2025
Location: Civic Theatre
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Tickets from $69
Website
Lake Mac Action Festival
Formerly the Fast & Loud Festival. Experience this incredible line up of action on and off the water including on-water speed competitions, boat street parade, classic cars, live music, and an array of family-friendly entertainment.
Date: Friday 17 – Sunday 19 October 2025
Time: Various times
Location: Various locations around Lake Macquarie
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free entry
Website
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. Don’t forget the famous duck race on the picturesque Karuah River. A day not to be missed.
Date: Saturday 18 October 2025
Time: 9am – 5pm
Location: Lionel Morton Oval, Karuah
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free entry
Website
Mayfield Day
The Hunter Events Group is proud to present, on behalf of the Mayfield Business Improvement Association, Mayfield Day. This free family day out will showcase all things Mayfield. Dangar Park will come alive with a full day of live music, special performances, creative workshops, face painting, and activities for the kids, along with local business showcases to explore throughout the day. Local families and residents are all invited to this free community event, filled with family-friendly entertainment and an opportunity to celebrate this incredible suburb.
Date: Saturday 18 October 2025
Time: 10am – 3pm
Location: Dangar Park, Mayfield
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free entry
Website
Morisset Lake Macquarie Agricultural Show
The Morisset Lake Macquarie Agricultural Show offers agricultural community charm with rides, local produce, and traditional show attractions. Expect to see goats, poultry and eggs, goats, dogs and horses as well as a bike show and fireworks.
Date: Saturday 18 – Sunday 19 October 2025
Time: From 8.30am
Location: Morisset Showground
Age Group: All ages
Cost: $20 (Adults 17+), $10 (Children 3-16), Free (Under 3), Family ($50 Sat, $35 Sun)
Website
Fernleigh15
Run, walk or chair the Fernleigh15 this October and experience the beauty of this classic old rail line. For kids aged 5-17 there’s the Fernleigh1500, a fun event staged in front of a huge crowd at the finish line of the main Fernleigh15 event.
Date: Sunday 19 October 2025
Time: From 7.30am, Fernleigh1500 10.00am
Age Group: 5-17 (Fernleigh1500)
Cost: Fernleigh15 from $70.00 early bird (plus processing fee), Fernleigh1500 from $25.00 early bird (plus processing fee)
Website
Aussie Bird Count
Participate in the Aussie Bird Count. It’s easy! Just spend 20 minutes in your favourite outdoor space and count the birds you see during that period. You can submit your results using the app or the web form on the Aussie Bird Count website. Every count helps!
Date: Monday 20 – Friday 26 October 2025
Time: Various times
Location: Various locations
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Visit website to register or donate
Website
Bird & Brush Art Exhibition
Details: Morpeth Gallery is proud to present an exclusive exhibition showcasing a stunning collection of realistic bird paintings by Australia’s most renowned avian artists. Immerse yourself in lifelike bird paintings that capture intricate details of Australia’s diverse bird species from vibrant feathers of Rainbow Lorikeets to the majestic stance of the Wedge-tailed Eagle
Date: Thursday 23 October – Sunday 26 October
Time: 2pm – 9pm
Location: Morpeth Gallery
Age group: All ages
Cost: Free entry
Website
Orange Picking at Cedar Farm Dooralong
Want a fun day out? Go fruit picking with your family. This weekend is the start of the valencia orange picking season at Cedar Farm, then every weekend only until the end of November. Oranges are $1.75/kg and an extra $1 per litre per kilo for juicing. Please BYO bags. The sturdier the better as oranges get heavy. The orchards can be closed due to wet weather or a muddy parking lot so check the Pick Your Own Oranges Dooralong Facebook page before leaving home to avoid disappointment.
Date: Saturday 25 & Sunday 26 October 2025
Time: 10am – 4pm
Location: 48 Dittons Road, Dooralong
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free entry
Website
Emergency Services and Community Resilience Expo
Get along to celebrate those who keep the community safe in emergencies. Head to Speers Point Park for a family-friendly day and get up close with the people and equipment that keep our community safe. The expo brings together NSW Police, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW RFS, NSW Ambulance, NSW SES, Marine Rescue NSW, and many more vital organisations.
Date: Saturday 25 October 2025
Time: 9am – 2pm
Location: Speers Point Park, Speers Point
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free entry
Website
Beauford Avenue Reserve Playground Event
Come and celebrate play with City of Newcastle at Beauford Avenue Reserve in Maryland! The playground has been revamped and features a new nest swing, climbing structure, slide, rubber soft-fall, an inground trampoline and a new half-court basketball court. There will be plenty of activities to keep the little ones entertained, with face painting, music and cupcakes on site. Plus, enjoy a free bike check-up and tune, a great excuse to ride to the event with family or friends and get active along the way
Date: Saturday 25 October 2025
Time: 10am – noon
Location: Beauford Avenue Reserve Playground, Maryland
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free entry
Website
Eleebana Public School Spring Fair
Get ready for a day of family fun, community spirit, and fundraising magic at the Eleebana Public School Spring Fair! Thrilling Rides for all ages, classic sideshow games with awesome prizes, market stalls full of treasures and handmade goodies, delicious food and drinks to keep you fuelled, live entertainment and fun surprises throughout the day! Bring your friends and family! Don’t miss out on the fun!
Date: Saturday 25 October 2025
Time: 12pm – 7pm
Location: Eleebana Public School, Ian Street, Eleebana
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free entry
Website
Teralba Lakesiders Fishing Club Junior Fishing Tournament
Join in the fishing fun of the 7th annual Teralba Lakesiders Junior Fishing Tournament to be held over the weekend of 25 & 26 October. This is a free entry, catch and release event, open to all juniors 16 years and under with no minimum age (if your bub can hold a handline, they can participate). Juniors must have a registered adult supervisor with them at all times with a maximum of 4 juniors to one adult. All participants receive at least one small prize, trophy or certificate, with additional prizes awarded. Entry forms can be obtained by emailing ianguy@outlook.com.
Date: Saturday 25 & Sunday 26 October 2025
Location: Teralba
Age Group: Under 16 years
Cost: Free entry
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 26 October 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
Kids Cube Disco at MAP mima
It’s kids’ night at MAP mima. The Cube will be transformed into a vibrant disco space, with upbeat family-friendly tracks and immersive projections. Kids are invited to dance, move, and play in an environment unlike any other. The Cube’s projection screens will come alive with dazzling visuals that shift, pulse, and swirl in rhythm with the music, creating an energetic atmosphere where sound and image combine to spark joy and creativity.
Date: Friday 31 October 2025
Time: From 5pm
Location: MAP mima, Speers Point Park,
Age Group: 5 – 12 years
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.