Mark your calendars – Newcastle’s favourite winter tradition Winterheat is turning up the heat once again!
After two massive years which saw over 12,000 attendees each year brave the chill for an evening of fiery fun, Winterheat is back for its 22nd anniversary.
This year’s event is on Saturday August 1 from 5pm – 9pm, 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:
Fire Sculptures, Cannons and Performances
True to its name, Winterheat’s fire theme is back with fire sculptures, fire cannons, fire barrels and live fire performances scattered throughout the park. It’s a genuine spectacle after dark and a highlight for kids and adults alike.
Live Music and Hilltop Silent Disco
Two live music stages keep the entertainment going throughout the event, alongside the ever-popular hilltop silent disco. Grab a headset and dance it out under the stars away from the main crowds, a great option if you need a breather from the busier zones.
H’Eat Street Food Alley
The food alley returns showcasing local vendors serving up warming winter bites. It’s the perfect spot to refuel between activities, and a good one to browse early before the dinner rush hits.
Giant Puppets, Roving Characters and the Parade
Giant puppets and roving characters from Curious Legends wind their way through the crowd all evening, joined this year by a new all-in parade. Keep an eye out for photo opportunities, kids love these larger-than-life characters.
Free Kids Zone and Workshops
Families will love that the kids zone is completely free. Expect:
- Sideshow booths and bouncy attractions
- Face painting
- Roaming treats carts with fairy floss, lollipops and s’mores
- A free 100-drum African drumming workshop
Sideshow and Variety Acts
Beyond the main stages, there’s a full lineup of variety entertainment including dance lessons, acrobatics, choir performances, bell ringing and even keytar performances. It’s a fun mix that keeps things moving if your kids have a short attention span for any one activity.
Bicycle Karaoke and Bike Services
Cycling in with the family? Winterheat offers free valet bike parking and bike check ups, plus the always entertaining bicycle karaoke for a laugh on your way through.
What’s New for 2026?
While all your favourite elements are back, Winterheat is also lighting up new surprises to make the 22nd year the most unforgettable yet. The standout new addition for 2026 is the giant inflatable full moon, a striking installation that’s sure to be one of the most photographed spots at the event.
Winterheat 2026 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, Newcastle BIA, Curious Legends, and Fingers Crossed Creative.
Date: Saturday 1 August 2026
Time: 5pm – 9pm
Location: Pacific Park, Newcastle East
Feedback from last year’s attendees:
“10/10. Hugely entertaining. You MUST make this annual.” – Local resident
*”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!!” – Attendee
Practical Tips for Visiting Winterheat with Kids
Rug up. Even with the fire displays keeping things toasty, it’s still a winter night event. Layers, beanies and gloves are your friend.
Bring your own seating. There’s seating and gathering spaces set up around the event, but it’s limited. Bring a folding chair or picnic rug so the whole family has somewhere comfortable to rest between activities.
Parking and getting there. Parking in the inner city gets tight with the crowds Winterheat draws. The good news is the event is held right at the Pacific Park tram stop, so where possible, park at Newcastle Interchange and catch the tram in rather than driving all the way to the venue.
Weather and postponement. Winterheat is an outdoor event built around fire, so extreme weather like heavy rain, damaging winds or fire bans can force a postponement. This year’s event is set for August 1, and if a postponement is needed, organisers will confirm a new date across their website, email and socials. Worth checking in before you head off if the forecast looks rough.
Keep an eye on the kids. Attending Winterheat means taking responsibility for your own safety, especially around the fire features and installations. Children need to stay under adult supervision at all times, so it’s worth agreeing on a meeting spot with older kids in case anyone wanders off.
Best age group: The free kids zone suits toddlers through primary schoolers well, while the fire displays and live music have broader appeal for the whole family. Those with teenaged kids will enjoy Winterheat too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Winterheat is completely free and open to all ages. The only cost on the night is food and drinks from the H’Eat Street vendors.
The event runs from 5pm to 9pm. Arriving close to the start gives you the best chance at good viewing spots for the fire displays and puppets before the crowds build.
Yes, the free kids zone is well suited to toddlers, preschoolers and primary schoolers, with face painting, bouncy attractions and a drumming workshop for younger kids to join in with. The evening timing is worth factoring in for very early bedtimes.
No, Winterheat is a free, no-ticket event. Just show up on the night.
Winterheat can be postponed for extreme weather like heavy rain, damaging winds or storms. Organisers will confirm any changes across the Winterheat website, email and social media, so it’s worth checking in if the forecast looks rough closer to the date.
Looking for more family events? Winterheat is just one of many family-friendly happenings across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter. Check out our full What’s On guide for more school holiday activities, festivals and events to add to your calendar.