Looking for what’s on in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie or the Hunter Valley this October? You’ll find the best family-friendly events right here — from festivals to shows, free community events and everything in between.
Events are listed by date so you can easily plan your week or weekend, whether you’re heading out during the school term, the September/October school holidays, or just looking for something fun to do with the kids.
For all Halloween events and activities, see our Halloween Events Guide.
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October at a Glance
- Throughout October — Mr Squiggle and Friends Exhibition
- Until 11 October — Aussie Ark Open Days
- Until 23 October — Shipwrecked! Exhibition
- 1 – 2 October — Scholastic Children’s Book Warehouse Sale
- 1 – 3 October — New Annual: Press Play by Tantrum Youth Arts
- 1 – 4 October — New Annual: At Sea – Catapult Dance Choreographic Hub
- 3 October – Cinema Under the Stars in Maitland | High Tea on the Harbour
- 3 – 4 October — New Annual: Curtain Call – Strut Your Stuff
- 4 October – Spaghetti Confetti Album Launch Tour at The Bowlo Stockton
- 6 October — Pre-school Art School
- 7 October — Gone Buggo Show
- 8 – 25 October — The Rainbow Fish Musical
- 10 October — Maitland Riverlights | Cinema Under the Stars in Lake Macquarie | MV Calmer: All Ages Pop Party on the Harbour
- 10 – 18 October — Disney’s Frozen The Broadway Musical
- 11 October – Festival of Sweets & Treats
- 12 October – Pushy Kids
- 15 October — Digitales: Storytime and Art
- 17 October — Karuah Oyster and Timber Festival | Kurri Kurri Community Festival
- 17 – 18 October — Lake Mac Action Fest 2026 | Morisset Lake Macquarie Agricultural Show
- 18 October — Fernleigh15 | ARTSPACE: Free Family Artmaking at MAC yapang
- 19 – 25 October — Aussie Bird Count
- 24 October — Mayfield Day 2026 | Flo’s Day 2026
- 25 October — Yoga on the Water Sunrise Wellness Cruise | Edgeworth Trains | I Run For Her
- 31 October — Crafternoon at The Lockup
Mr Squiggle and Friends Exhibition
Newcastle Museum has a new exhibition for the school holidays, and it is a nostalgic one. Mr Squiggle and Friends: The Creative World of Norman Hetherington has opened as the first stop on its national tour, and it is packed with puppets, props and plenty of reasons to bring the whole family along.
Date: Until 1 November July 2026 (closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Open 7 days in school holidays)
Location: Newcastle Museum
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free
Website
Aussie Ark Open Days
Aussie Ark opens its gates for the spring school holidays, giving families a rare chance to see Tasmanian Devils, Eastern Quolls and wallabies up close in the Barrington Tops. It’s a full morning out with a guided tour included, so allow plenty of time and pack for a bush setting.
Date: Until Sunday 11 October 2026
Time: Gates open 10.30am, experience runs 11am to 1pm
Location: Aussie Ark, 1 Tomalla Road, Tomalla (Barrington Tops)
Age Group: All ages, great family outing
Cost: Ticketed – check website for prices (BBQ lunch available for a small extra cost)
Website
Shipwrecked! Exhibition
Presented by the Tomaree Museum Association. Discover the maritime disasters that shaped the Port Stephens coast at this new exhibition at Tomaree Lodge, featuring stories from three notable local wrecks. Alongside the exhibition, three guest talks run through September and October, though seats are limited so book ahead.
Date: Until 23 October 2026
Time: 9am – 3pm
Location: Main Hall, Tomaree Lodge, Shoal Bay
Age Group: All ages, best suited to older kids
Cost: Free
Website
Scholastic Children’s Book Warehouse Sale – Lisarow
Shop thousands of new kids’ books at half price. Kids can fill a box for $49, there’s face painting daily and a fire truck visit on the Wednesday, so it’s worth allowing a bit of extra time to browse.
Date: Wednesday 30 September – Friday 2 October 2026
Time: 8am to 5pm daily
Location: Scholastic Warehouse, Gate 3, Building 2, 76-80 Railway Crescent, Lisarow NSW
Age Group: All ages, with activities suited to under 12s
Cost: Mix of free and paid activities
Website
New Annual: Press Play by Tantrum Youth Arts
Fifty young actors race the clock to premiere a show in just 50 minutes, with the audience pressing buttons to control part of the action. It’s a relaxed, family friendly performance at the Civic Theatre, so kids are free to move around, snack or wear headphones if that helps them enjoy it.
Date: Thursday 1 – Saturday 3 October 2026
Location: The Playhouse, Civic Theatre, Newcastle
Age Group: Family friendly, best for school-age kids
Cost: Ticketed – check website for prices
Website
New Annual: At Sea – Catapult Dance Choreographic Hub
Catch this free 30 minute dance work at the water’s edge as dancers move with the tide, wind and sand at Canoe Pool. It’s an early one at 8am, but stick around afterwards for a relaxed, no-experience-needed dance workshop on the sand.
Date: Thursday 1 – Sunday 4 October 2026
Time: 8am to 8.30am
Location: Canoe Pool, Newcastle
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free
Website
High Tea on the Harbour Cruise
Step aboard MV Calmer and enjoy a beautiful afternoon on Newcastle Harbour, surrounded by sparkling water, stunning views, and the timeless charm of our take on a classic high tea. Gather your friends and family, celebrate a special occasion, or simply treat yourself to an day out on the water.
Date: Saturday 3 October 2026
Time: 12pm – 2:30pm
Location: Queen’s Wharf Terminal, Newcastle
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Ticketed – check website for prices
Website
Newcastle Permanent Cinema Under the Stars – Maitland
Pack a picnic and enjoy a free family movie night at Maitland Park. Newcastle Permanent’s Cinema Under the Stars features How to Train Your Dragon (PG), plus kids’ activities, live music, food vendors and free popcorn before the movie starts at sundown.
Date: Saturday 3 October 2026
Film: How to Train Your Dragon (PG, 2025)
Time: Live entertainment from 4.30pm, with the film to commence at sundown
Location: Maitland Park
Website
New Annual: Curtain Call – Strut Your Stuff
Turn discarded clothing into your own runway look at this free, drop-in fashion installation at Museum Park. No sewing skills needed, if you can work a safety pin you’re ready, and Saturdays feature all-ages runway parades on the hour while Sundays offer a quieter, low-sensory session.
Date: Saturday 3 & Sunday 4 October 2026
Time: 10am – 2pm
Location: Newcastle Museum Park, Newcastle
Age Group: All ages, drop-in (school holiday workshops suit ages 4 to 12 with an adult)
Cost: Free
Website
Spaghetti Confetti Album Launch Tour at The Bowlo Stockton
Live music, dancing and a whole lot of family fun await when Spaghetti Confetti bring their Album Launch Tour to Stockton. It’s free entry with no tickets required, so just round up the kids and grandparents and settle in for the afternoon.
Date: Sunday 4 October 2026
Time: From 2pm
Location: The Bowlo Stockton, Stockton
Age Group: All ages, family friendly
Cost: Free
Website
Pre-School Art School
An expert tour guide leads little ones through the latest exhibition at the Museum of Art and Culture, Lake Macquarie, followed by story time and a craft activity inspired by the artwork. A great way to spend the morning getting creative with the youngest artists in the family.
Date: Tuesday 6 October 2026
Time: 10 – 11am
Location: Museum of Art and Culture, yapang, 1A First Street, Booragul
Age Group: suited to ages 0 – 6
Cost: Free, bookings preferred but not required
Website
Gone Buggo Show
A lively, LEGO-meets-wildlife-photography show from science communicator Steven Gill, exploring Australia’s weird and wonderful backyard critters. Great for curious kids aged 5 and up, though worth noting Rathmines Theatre has no air conditioning, so dress for the weather.
Date: Wednesday 7 October 2026
Time: 10.30 – 11.30am
Location: Rathmines Theatre, 25 Stilling Street, Rathmines
Age Group: Ages 5 and up (adults pay children’s price)
Cost: Ticketed – check website for prices
Website
The Rainbow Fish Musical
Based on the beloved bestselling picture book, this charming musical brings a big cast of sea creatures to the stage with a heart-warming message about kindness and belonging. A lovely first-theatre-show pick for younger kids who know the story.
Date: Thursday 8 – Sunday 25 October 2026
Location: Young People’s Theatre, Cnr Lindsay & Lawson Streets, Hamilton
Age Group: Young children and families
Cost: Ticketed – check website for prices
Website
MV Calmer: All Ages Pop Party on the Harbour
Dance the afternoon away to chart topping pop hits aboard the MV Calmer as it cruises Newcastle Harbour. It’s an all ages event but under 18s must be with a parent or guardian, and there are no prams allowed, so it suits older kids and teens better than little ones.
Date: Saturday 10 October 2026
Time: 11.30am to 2pm (check in from 11am)
Location: Queens Wharf Terminal, 242-258 Wharf Road, Newcastle
Age Group: All ages (under 18s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian)
Cost: Ticketed – check website for prices
Website
Maitland Riverlights
Get ready to take your kids on a cultural adventure these school holidays? Head to Maitland for the Week of Riverlights, a celebration of culture, creativity, food, music and family-friendly fun. From hands-on workshops and cultural experiences to dance, drumming, cooking, crafts and more, there’s plenty to discover across Maitland throughout the week. It’s a great opportunity for kids to try something new, get creative and experience cultures from around the world – all while enjoying a day out together.
The main event is on Saturday 10 October. The Levee transforms into a global village for the day, with over 40 cultures to explore through food, music, language and performance. Grab a cultural passport on the day and make a stop at the global kitchen, groove fusion stage and language lounge, then stick around for the evening lantern flotilla down on the riverbank.
Date: 6 – 9 October with main event on Saturday 10 October 2026
Time: 2 – 9pm
Location: The Levee, High Street, Maitland
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free entry
Website
Newcastle Permanent Cinema Under the Stars – Lake Macquarie
Cinema Under the Stars returns to Speers Point Park with a free screening of How to Train Your Dragon (PG). Arrive early for kids’ activities, live music, food vendors and free popcorn, then settle in for the movie at sundown.
Date: Saturday 10 October 2026
Film: How to Train Your Dragon (PG, 2025)
Time: Live entertainment from 5.30pm, with the film to commence at sundown
Location: Speers Point Park
Website
Disney’s Frozen The Broadway Musical
One of the biggest family shows to hit Newcastle in years, Frozen the Broadway Musical brings Elsa, Anna, Olaf and the whole Arendelle crew to the Civic Theatre. Expect a full live orchestra, spectacular sets and costumes.
Date: Saturday 10 – Sunday 18 October 2026
Location: Civic Theatre, Newcastle
Age Group: Recommended for ages 5+
Cost: Ticketed – check website for prices
Website
Festival of Sweets & Treats
Festival of Sweets & Treats is back, bringing together all your favourite dessert vendors plus a delicious lineup of exciting new stalls. Hosted by Hunter Events Group, the festival is expecting more than 5,000 visitors for a day of dessert stalls, live entertainment and family-friendly fun. From rich and decadent cakes to tangy treats, there’s no shortage of delicious options waiting to be discovered with something for everyone to enjoy. So satisfy your cravings and dive into our irresistible line up of sweets and treats with your friends, family and pups.
Date: Sunday 11 October 2026
Location: The Station Newcastle
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Ticketed – check website for prices
Website
Pushy Kids
Run in a safe, inclusive environment by our professional cycling instructors, This class is designed for 8 to 12 year olds to learn skills to cycle safely, have fun and look after their bikes. All activities will be off-road, within the park environment. Parents are welcome to accompany their kids.
Date: Monday 12 October 2026
Time: 10am to 12pm
Location: National Park Netball Courts
Age Group: 8 to 12 years
Cost: Free, registration essential
Website
Digitales: Storytime and Art
A lovely indoor activity for little ones. Digital stories projected on the big screen followed by hands-on artmaking and shadow play, run by Lake Mac Arts at the Multi-Arts Pavilion, MAP mima.
Date: Thursday 15 October 2026
Time: 11am – 11.45am
Location: Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima, Speers Point Park, Speers Point
Age Group: 2 – 5 years
Cost: Free, bookings required
Website
Karuah Oyster and Timber Festival
A fantastic day out for families who don’t mind a short drive, with world-class woodchopping, fresh local oysters, market stalls and the famous duck race on the Karuah River. The kids’ fishing competition and roving entertainment make it a full day.
Date: Saturday 17 October 2026
Location: Longworth Park, Karuah
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free entry
Website
Kurri Kurri Community Festival
Get along to Kurri Kurri Community Festival for live performances, markets, food trucks, and amusements. Show off your artistic abilities by contributing to the Community Artwork Piece.
Date: Saturday 17 October 2026
Time: 10am – 2pm
Location: Margaret Johns Park
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free entry
Website
Lake Mac Action Fest 2026
A jam-packed weekend of on-water speed, classic cars and live music across Lake Macquarie, with plenty of family-friendly entertainment thrown in. Good one for kids who love watching boats and cars up close, just check the program for timing around each activity.
Date: Saturday 17 October 2026 & Sunday 18 October 2026
Location: Lake Macquarie (multiple sites)
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free
Website
Morisset Lake Macquarie Agricultural Show
Two days of classic country show fun with horses, goats, poultry, pavilion displays, sideshow alley, a rodeo and fireworks. A great one to combine with a train ride as a shuttle bus runs from Morisset station.
Date: Saturday 17 – Sunday 18 October 2026
Time: From 8.30am
Location: Morisset Showground
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Ticketed – check website for prices
Website
Fernleigh15
The much-loved 15km run, walk or chair along the iconic Fernleigh Track from Adamstown to Belmont. For kids aged under 17, the Fernleigh1500 is a 1.5km race staged right at the main event finish line, a great atmosphere to run into.
Date: Sunday 18 October 2026
Time: From 7.30am; Fernleigh1500 from 10am
Location: Fernleigh Track, Adamstown to Belmont
Age Group: All ages (Fernleigh1500 for under 17s)
Cost: Ticketed – check website for prices
Website
ARTSPACE: Free Family Artmaking at MAC yapang
This free monthly program at the Museum of Art and Culture Lake Macquarie is a lovely outing for young families. Sessions start with a guided look at a current exhibition before kids get hands-on making their own artwork inspired by what they’ve seen.
Date: Sunday 18 October 2026
Time: 10 – 11.30am
Location: Museum of Art and Culture (MAC yapang), Booragul
Age Group: Young children and families
Cost: Free, bookings required
Website
Aussie Bird Count
A fun, easy way to get kids noticing nature. Just spend 20 minutes outside counting the birds you can see and submit your results via the app or website. Works in your backyard, a local park, or anywhere in Australia.
Date: Monday 19 – Sunday 25 October 2026
Location: Anywhere outdoors
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free
Website
Mayfield Day 2026
Dangar Park comes alive for this free community festival, with market stalls, live music and free face painting keeping the whole family entertained. It’s pet-friendly too, so bring the dog along for a stroll while the kids check out the workshops and pop-up stalls.
Date: Saturday 24 October 2026
Time: 10am – 3pm
Location: Dangar Park, Mayfield
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free
Website
Flo’s Day Kids’ Market & Family Fun Day
A cause close to the Hunter community’s heart, Flo’s Day is a big, colourful family fun day raising funds for childhood brain cancer research and local families doing it tough. Expect inflatables, live music, kids’ market stalls and a major raffle, with plenty to keep little ones entertained all afternoon.
Date: Saturday 24 October 2026
Time: 12 – 5pm
Location: Club Lambton, Lambton
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Ticketed – check website for prices
Website
Yoga On The Water Sunrise Wellness Cruise
Start a Sunday with sunrise yoga across three levels of MV Calmer, rotating between three instructors and styles as the sun comes up over Newcastle Harbour. It’s suited to ages 12 and up, so a great one for teens and parents. BYO yoga mat.
Date: Sunday 25 October 2026
Time: 6am to 8am (boarding from 5.45am)
Location: Queens Wharf Terminal, 242-258 Wharf Road, Newcastle
Age Group: Ages 12+
Cost: Ticketed – check website for prices
Website
Edgeworth Trains
Ride on a miniature train at Lake Macquarie Live Steam Locomotive Society’s monthly public ride day. 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.
Date: Sunday 25 October 2026
Time: Trains from 12.15pm–3.30pm (weather permitting), park open from 9.30am
Location: Velinda Street, Edgeworth
Age Group: All ages
Cost: $3 per ride; children under 2 free
Website
I Run For Her
I Run For Her is an annual community event and campaign by Got Your Back Sista to take a stand against domestic violence and support victim-survivors. Walks and runs are hosted across Australia.
Date: Sunday 25 October 2026
Location: Various locations – check website
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Ticketed – check website for prices
Website
Crafternoon at The Lockup
A monthly hands-on art-making session for kids and families at The Lock-Up in Newcastle, Crafternoons are inspired by what’s currently showing in the gallery, so each one is a little different. A good option if your kids like making things and you want something with a bit more substance than a standard craft activity.
Date: Saturday 31 October 2026
Time: 10.30am – 12.30pm
Location: The Lock-Up, 90 Hunter Street, Newcastle
Age Group: Families with children
Cost: Ticketed – check website for prices
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.