Mark your calendars – Newcastle’s favourite winter tradition Winterheat is turning up the heat once again!
Following last year’s blazing success, which saw over 12,000 locals brave the chill for an evening of fiery fun, Winterheat is back for its 21st anniversary on Saturday August 16, transforming Pacific Park into a free, family-friendly festival like no other.
First ignited in 2004, Winterheat has become one of the city’s longest-running events, and for good reason. Unlike your average community gathering, this is a full-blown festival, meticulously crafted by local creative legends Fingers Crossed Creative. Their director, Zackari Watt, has been part of nearly every iteration, ensuring each year is bigger, brighter, and more exhilarating than the last.
“With the cost of living squeezing budgets, entertainment is often the first thing to go,” Zackari says. “But joy isn’t a luxury, it’s essential. Winterheat brings a little slice of that sweet festival magic to the community, completely free. No tickets, no hidden costs (with the delicious local food as the only exception) – just an awesome, fun night out with the community!!”
This year’s lineup is bigger, bolder, and packed with surprises, including:
Winter Beats & Winter Treats ~ Electrifying live music, fire shows, comedy, acrobatics, a massive drum ensemble, and the infamous “Eat the Heat” chilli contest across 4 stages. Plus, silent disco lovers can groove at the Winterbeats hilltop DJ zone, this year with a whole new stunning neon vibe!
FREE Kids’ Zone & Art Area ~ Face painting, texta tattoos, portrait artists, sideshow booths, inflatables, free arts zone, and kid’s craft workshops by Curious Legends.
Winter Sweets & Roaming Surprises ~ A roaming lollipop cart, free toasted marshmallow & s’mores station, Free drum & dance workshops, roving performers / fire performers / bicycle karaoke, and “SPARK” – a breathtaking new giant puppet spectacle by Curious Legends + much more!
H’Eat Street Returns! ~ A vibrant pop up street food alley with 10+ 100% local vendors serving up delicious winter-warming bites. More vendors – more options (& hopefully shorter line times!)
Fire, Fire, Everywhere! ~ The park will glow with fire sculptures, flaming logs, fire barrels, and the iconic Winterheat fire table, plus dozens of roaring fire cannons to keep you toasty.
While all your favourite elements are back, Winterheat is also lighting up new surprises to make the 21st year the most unforgettable yet.
Winterheat 2025 is a FREE, all-ages celebration of community, creativity, and keeping cozy – right in the heart of Pacific Park, Newcastle East.
Stay tuned for more announcements and visit the Winterheat website or the Winterheat Facebook event – this year’s event is set to be the hottest yet!
Proudly presented by City of Newcastle SBR Program, Newcastle BIA & Fingers Crossed Creative Ltd.
Date: Saturday 16 August 2025
Time: 5pm – 9pm
Location: Pacific Park, Newcastle East
Feedback from last year’s attendees:
“Hi team, I just wanted to express my gratitude for you guys putting on the WinterHeat event yesterday. It was INCREDIBLE we felt like we were back in Europe with the beautiful open fires, the trust, the respect of the people and everyone there enjoying themselves. It truly was soooo well put together and I honestly cannot wait for next year!!”
“I was there with 12 other families and we ALL agreed that it was an outstanding event. Having lived in Melbourne for the past 10 yrs we have really missed the event culture and yesterday really warmed our hearts (pun intended!) and made us feel not only loved but welcomed and reminded us of the power of community and coming together.”
“I really hope others take the time to pass on their positive experiences. It was a brilliant event and you should all be commended for the hard work put into it. It did not go unnoticed! We were very much entertained right until the end!”
“I witnessed the Winterheat event in Pacific Park last night – we live with a view right into the park from Tyrrell House. We need to compliment the organisers on an extremely very well managed and presented event. It was packed with people, but the noise level was great, the crowd was well managed and the pack up was done by morning. Litter – not one piece. We thought it was a great event, if anyone was to be impacted with noise and light and crowds it would be us but we weren’t. It was extremely well done, and crowds looked like they absolutely loved it. Thanks to the Council for supporting and allowing it, a great illustration of a timely, well located and really suitable family friendly event.”
“Winterheat 🔥🔥🔥 What an event!!! Amazing effort from all involved. Pulling off a 4 hour festival in the middle of town. I’m so impressed with our amazing community!!! 🦄🧝🏻♀️🧜”
“That was such an epic event!! Thank you to all the crew who made it happen and for supporting our fabulous creative community. It was great to see so many awesome different things happening around the park. What a huge vibe and a great community activation which sure did bring the heat to Newy, yewww ❤️🔥❤️🔥🙌👏🥰”