Looking for what’s on in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie or the Hunter Valley this September? 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.
🔖 Bookmark this page — we update it throughout the month so you can easily find what’s on in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter.
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September at a Glance
- Throughout September — Mr Squiggle and Friends Exhibition
- 4 – 20 September — NEURODIVERSE Exhibition & Opening
- 17 September — Digitales: Storytime and Art
- 18 – 20 September — Dungog Pedalfest
- 19 September — Living Smart Festival | Illuminate Raymond Terrace 2026 | Church Walk Park’s 102nd Birthday Celebration
- 19 – 20 September — Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show
- 20 September — Move for MADA | ARTSPACE: Free Family Artmaking at MAC yapang
- 25 – 27 September — Singleton Show
- 25 September – 4 October — New Annual 2026
- 25 September — Burn the Floor: Luminous
- 26 September — Crafternoon at The Lockup | Taste of the Hunter Valley | Sonic Swing Fest Youth Music Festival | MAP mima Rocks
- 26 – 27 September — New Annual: Curtain Call – Strut Your Stuff | Brickfest Newcastle
- 26 – 29 September — New Annual: At Sea – Catapult Dance Choreographic Hub
- 27 September — Yoga on the Water Sunrise Wellness Cruise | Edgeworth Trains | Hunter Wetlands Centre Spring Festival
- 28 September — Film: Chicken Run
- 30 September — Maitland Pool Open Day | New Annual: Lenny’s Country | Scholastic Children’s Book Warehouse Sale
Mr Squiggle and Friends Exhibition
Newcastle Museum’s current feature exhibition 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: Saturday 4 July – 1 November 2026 (closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Open 7 days in school holidays)
Location: Newcastle Museum
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free
Website
NEURODIVERSE Exhibition
Step into MAP mima’s 360-degree projection cube for the opening of Neurodiverse, an immersive exhibition by neurodivergent artists from across regional NSW. A lovely one for families wanting to celebrate different ways of thinking, seeing and making.
Date: Friday 4 – Sunday 20 September 2026 (exhibition dates)
Location: Multi-Arts Pavilion mima (MAP), Lake Macquarie
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free
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 17 September 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
Dungog PedalFest
A weekend of cycling for all levels, from serious mountain bike and criterium racing down to the family friendly Kids and Cobwebs ride and the Scones, Jam and Cream ride. Good one for kids on bikes or balance bikes, with plenty to watch even if your crew isn’t riding.
Date: Friday 18 – Sunday 20 September 2026
Location: Dungog Common and around Dungog township
Age Group: All ages, family rides suited to younger kids
Cost: A mix of free and ticketed events
Website
Living Smart Festival
Lake Macquarie City Council presents Living Smart, one of Australia’s largest sustainability festivals. With free workshops, market stalls, live music and a dedicated kids’ zone, this is a fun day out for the whole family. This year’s headline guest is YouTube sensation, author and upcycling guru Beau Miles.
Date: Saturday 19 September 2026
Time: 9am – 3pm
Location: Speers Point Park
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free
Website
Illuminate Raymond Terrace 2026
Boomerang Park transforms into a glowing wonderland for one night, featuring stunning light installations, live entertainment, delicious food and free, family-friendly activities for all ages. It’s an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate everything that makes Raymond Terrace unique. Whether you’re exploring the glowing displays, enjoying live performances or spending time with family and friends, Illuminate offers something for everyone in a welcoming and accessible environment.
Date: Saturday 19 September 2026
Time: From 4pm
Location: Boomerang Park, Raymond Terrace
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free entry
Website
Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show
Bluey’s Big Play is back in Australia and heading to the Civic Theatre. It’s a great pick for Bluey fans of all ages, especially little ones. The show features brilliantly made puppets bringing the Heeler family to real life, with an original story and new music from the show’s creator and composer.
Date: Saturday 19 September – Sunday 20 September 2026
Time: Saturday 9.30am, 12.30pm & 3.30pm, Sunday 9.30am
Location: Civic Theatre, Newcastle
Age Group: All ages (children under 24 months require a free Babe in Arms ticket)
Cost: Ticketed – check website for prices
Website
Church Walk Park’s 102nd Birthday Celebration
Church Walk Park turns 102 this year, and the Friends of Church Walk Park Landcare volunteers are marking the occasion with a day of native planting, history walks and live local music. A relaxed one to wander through with kids of any age, with plenty to see between the art and history exhibitions.
Date: Saturday 19 September 2026
Time: 10am – 2pm
Location: Church Walk Park, The Hill
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free
Website
Move for MADA Fun Run & Event
The Maitland Against Domestic Abuse (MADA) Committee is proud to announce Move for MADA Family Fun Run & Event. Now in its third year, this Maitland community event brings families together to raise funds and awareness for children and young people affected by domestic and family violence.It is a genuinely family friendly morning, with a course suited to all ages and fitness levels, plus live music, kids’ activities and a sausage sizzle.
Date: Sunday 20 September 2026
Time: 10 – 11.30am
Location: Harold Gregson Park, Maitland
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Run is ticketed. Free community event.
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 20 September 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
Singleton Show
Three days of classic country show fun, with pavilion displays of cooking, handcraft, woodwork and produce alongside live entertainment, a horse show and the famous Australian Wife Carrying Titles.
Date: Friday 25 September – Sunday 27 September 2026
Time: Friday 8am – 11pm, Saturday 8am – 10pm, Horse Show Sunday from 8am
Location: Singleton Showground
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Ticketed – check website for prices
Website
New Annual 2026
Newcastle’s flagship arts and culture festival is back for ten days across the CBD, with public art, live performance and family-friendly events woven throughout. Check out our article about New Annual’s family-friendly activities and events.
Date: Friday 25 September – Sunday 4 October 2026
Location: Newcastle CBD
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Mix of free, low-cost and ticketed events
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 26 September 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
Taste of the Hunter Valley
The best of the Hunter’s wineries, breweries and food stalls set up on Newcastle Harbour, with jumping castles, mini golf and face painting keeping the kids busy while the grown-ups sample a few local drops. Kids under 16 get in free, so it’s an easy one for the whole family.
Date: Saturday 26 September 2026
Time: 11am – 6pm
Location: The Station, corner Scott and Watt Streets, Newcastle
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Ticketed – check website for prices, kids under 16 free
Website
Sonic Swing Fest Youth Music Festival
Twelve local youth acts take to the stage for this one-day music festival, kicking off the September school holidays in style. Every ticket also includes a round of mini golf and entry into giveaway prizes, so it’s worth the visit beyond just the music.
Date: Saturday 26 September 2026
Time: 12 – 6pm
Location: Rippit Golf, 20 Curley Road, Broadmeadow
Age Group: Youth
Cost: Ticketed – check website for prices
Website
MAP mima Rocks
Five bands, one loud night of alternative and grunge at the Multi-Arts Pavilion mima. It’s a free, all-ages gig so bring the whole crew for a proper dose of local live music. Good one for older kids and teens who are into their indie and 90s-inspired sounds.
Date: Saturday 26 September 2026
Time: 3pm – 9pm
Location: Multi-Arts Pavilion mima (MAP), Lake Macquarie
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free
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 26 & Sunday 27 September 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
Newcastle Brickfest: A LEGO Fan Event 2026
Nearly 300 tables of LEGO displays and 120 exhibitors make this one of the biggest LEGO fan events in regional Australia, with a build area, speed build competitions and a colouring in comp to keep younger fans busy. Staggered entry times are in place, so once you’re in you can stay as long as you like.
Date: Saturday 26 September & Sunday 27 September 2026
Time: Saturday 10am – 5pm, Sunday 9am – 4pm
Location: Newcastle Jockey Club, Darling Street, Broadmeadow
Age Group: All ages
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: Saturday 26 – Tuesday 29 September 2026
Time: 8am to 8.30am
Location: Canoe Pool, Newcastle
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free
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 27 September 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 27 September 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
Hunter Wetlands Spring Festival
A free family day out at the wetlands with a jumping castle, face painting, market stalls and roaming reptile encounters, plus walks and talks if you want to make a morning of it. Good for a range of ages, and worth wearing shoes you don’t mind getting a bit muddy.
Date: Sunday 27 September 2026
Time: 10am – 2pm
Location: Hunter Wetlands Centre, 1 Wetlands Place, Shortland
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free
Website
Film: Chicken Run
A school holiday screening of the claymation classic Chicken Run, perfect for a rainy day matinee with the kids. Grab the family ticket if there are four or more of you, it works out cheaper than individual tickets.
Date: Monday 28 September 2026
Time: 10 – 11.25am
Location: Performance Arts Culture Cessnock, 198-202 Vincent Street, Cessnock
Age Group: All ages, great for school holidays
Cost: Ticketed – check website for prices
Website
Open Day at Maitland Pool
Join Maitland Aquatics for a free family open day as they launch the summer season. Enjoy free pool entry, a sausage sizzle, laser tag, lawn games, Learn to Swim activities, aqua classes and CPR demonstrations.
Date: Wednesday 30 September 2026
Time: 10am – 3pm
Location: Maitland Aquatic Centre, Les Darcy Drive
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free
Website
New Annual: Lenny’s Country
A free evening of illuminated puppetry and storytelling on Throsby Creek Foreshore, led by Worimi Elder Aunty Debbie Dates and Newcastle company Curious Legends. Pack a picnic and settle in for stories about the land, community and native wildlife, brought to life through giant lit-up puppets roving through the space.
Date: Wednesday 30 September 2026
Location: Throsby Creek Foreshore, Newcastle
Age Group: All ages, family friendly
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
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.