Get ready for a massive Youth Week in Newcastle, Lake Maquarie & Hunter. It kicks off on Wednesday 9 until Thursday 17 April.
NSW Youth Week celebrations are organised by young people for young people and give those aged between 12 and 24 the opportunity to have their voice heard, showcase their talents, take part in competitions, attend live events, celebrate and have fun!
NSW Youth Week started in 1989 as a NSW Government initiative and is now a nationwide celebration across all states and territories in Australia.
Here is what’s happening in our region.
Newcastle
Nouns For Sounds – Newcastle City Library
Headspace Newcastle and Newcastle Libraries are hosting a workshop for those making music with the aim of providing tips and tricks to taming those song writing demons. Ages 16 -21.
Date: Thursday 10 April
Time: 4:30pm – 6:30pm
Location: Newcastle City Library
Cost: Free
Bookings: Required
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NM:PM Future Street Party at Newcastle Museum
Newcastle Museum is set to party for Youth Week 2025 with a stellar line up of bands including Butterknife, Trophy Wyfe, The Sobars and soloist Evan Worgan.
Event highlights include:
- Free tote bag printing for the first 100 attendees
- Music industry panel hosted by MusicNSW – an opportunity for young people to connect with industry leaders and learn how to develop their careers in music
- YA book swap – bring your old books!
- Free art activities and retro sideshow booths
The event will also feature a screening of The Power of Activism and Q&A supported by students from Cooks Hill Campus and a climate activism yarning circle hosted by Youth Rising to complement Disrupt, Persist, Invent – a National Archives of Australia touring exhibition at Newcastle Museum.
Date: Saturday 12 April
Time: 5pm – 9pm
Location: Newcastle Museum
Cost: Free
Bookings: Just drop-in, no bookings required!
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UP&UP SNAK N RAP
SNAK N RAP is and youth-focused event that combines music, art, food, community and connection as a way to inspire young people to connect with their communities and have their voices heard.
Date: Sunday 13 April
Time: 12pm – 2pm
Location: Maryland Skate Park
Cost: Free
Bookings: Just drop-in, no bookings required!
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Lake Macquarie
Giant Games on the Grass
The proposed “Giant Games on the Grass” is designed as a vibrant and interactive lunchtime event to encourage connection, creativity, and engagement among high school students.
The event will feature a variety of giant outdoor games, art stations, and interactive activities, providing students with opportunities to express themselves, connect with peers, and share their ideas on issues that matter to them. Through hands-on art projects, group discussions, and collaborative games, the event aims to foster a sense of community, promote student voices, and contribute to a positive and inclusive school culture.
Date: Wednesday 9 April
Time: 12:30pm – 1:30pm
Location: Toronto High School
Cost: Free
Bookings: Toronto High School 4959 1788
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Colour Run
PCYC Lake Macquarie is excited to bring back the highly requested Colour Run & BBQ, an event designed by and for young people in the local community. After its success in previous years, participants expressed a strong desire for its return, highlighting the sense of fun, connection, and community it fosters.
Date: Friday 11 April
Time: 4pm – 6:30pm
Location: PCYC Lake Macquarie, Windale
Cost: Free
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Swansea Community Cottage Youth Week Event
Get ready for a fun-filled day at the Swansea Community Cottage Youth Week Event, held at the stunning Caves Beach Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC)! This exciting event is designed for young people aged 12-24 years, offering a safe, inclusive space to connect, have fun, and share their voices.
Event Highlights:
- Surf Lessons: Two 90-minute sessions led by the experienced team from Newcastle Surf School.
- DJ: Enjoy great music and good vibes by the beach.
- BBQ: Grab a bite and relax with friends.
- Beach Volleyball & Cricket: Get active and have fun with classic beach games.
Date: Saturday 12 April
Time: 10am to 2pm
Location: Caves Beach Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC)!
Cost: Free
Bookings: Contact Swansea Community Cottage kirra@swanseacc.org.au
More Info
Water Fun Day and Colour Run
Get ready for an unforgettable day of excitement, energy, and community spirit at the Water Fun Day and Colour Run! This dynamic event is designed to engage young people in a vibrant celebration of movement, creativity, and connection.
From the thrill of water-based activities to the colour-filled fun of the run, it’s an inclusive experience where everyone can let loose, express themselves and make lasting memories.
Date: Monday 14 April
Time: 1pm – 4pm
Location: Baxter Field, Marks Point
Cost: Free – No registrations are required.
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The Ultimate Nerf War
The ‘Ultimate Nerf War’ is a dynamic, fun and engaging physical activity during Youth Week 2025 at Bonnells Bay Youth & Community Centre Reserve Area. This event will be an exciting, active, and inclusive experience for young people, between the ages of 10-17 years-old, in our community.
Date: Wednesday 16 April
Time: 10am – 4pm
Location: Morisset PCYC
Cost: Free but bookings required
Bookings
BBQ & Beats
Get ready for an epic night at BBQ and Beats! Join us for an evening packed with live music, delicious food, fun games, and creative spray paint and Posca pen art. It’s the perfect opportunity for local young people to connect, get creative, and engage with PCYC and the Police in a relaxed and fun environment.
Date: Friday 18 April
Time: 5pm – 8pm
Location: PCYC Morisset
Cost: Free
Bookings: slenton@pcycnsw.org.au
More Info
Maitland
Youth Week Live
Come and celebrate Youth Week with an unforgettable night of live music by local young people!Grab your friends and head to Maitland Regional Art Gallery for great tunes, good vibes and an incredible atmosphere.
Date: Friday 11 April
Time: 5pm – 8pm
Location: Maitland Regional Art Gallery
Cost: Free
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Learn to Skate – Woodberry Skate Park
Enjoy a learn to skate session led by professional coaches from Grundys Skateboarding and the chance to win prizes. Limited skateboards and protective gear available. Registrations
on the day. Contact Grundys Skateboarding Facebook Page for more information facebook.com/
Grundysskateboarding/
Date: Saturday 12 April
Time: 2pm – 5pm
Location: Woodberry Skate Park
Cost: Free
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Youth Express Stand Out; Youth Resume Workshop
Learn essential resume writing techniques, key components and strategies to tailor your resume to stand out to employers. Suited to those ages 14-24.
Date: Monday 14 April
Time: Sessions at 9am, 11:30am and 2pm
Location: 1/12 Ken Tubman Drive, Maitland
Cost: Free but bookings required
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Learn to Skate – Largs Skate Park
Enjoy a learn to skate session led by professional coaches from Grundys Skateboarding and the chance to win prizes. Limited skateboards and protective gear available. Registrations
on the day. Contact Grundys Skateboarding Facebook Page for more information facebook.com/
Grundysskateboarding/
Date: Monday 14 April
Time: 2pm – 5pm
Location: Largs Skate Park
Cost: Free
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Clay Mask Workshop for Teens
Join artist Indeah Clarke for an air-dried clay workshop creating your own mask.
Date: Tuesday 15 April
Time: 1pm -3pm
Location: Maitland Regional Art Gallery
Cost: Free but bookings essential
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Learn to Skate – Gillieston Heights Skate Park
Enjoy a learn to skate session led by professional coaches from Grundys Skateboarding and the chance to win prizes. Limited skateboards and protective gear available. Registrations
on the day. Contact Grundys Skateboarding Facebook Page for more information facebook.com/
Grundysskateboarding/
Date: Wednesday 16 April
Time: 2pm – 5pm
Location: Largs Skate Park
Cost: Free
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Cyanotype Workshop for Teens
Discover the magical Cyanotype photographic process with artist Claire Paul. Using plants and other natural objects, learn to create your own Cyanotype composition.
Date: Wednesday 16 April
Time: 11am -1pm
Location: Maitland Regional Art Gallery
Cost: Free but bookings essential
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Youth Tree Planting for Endangered Flying Foxes
A unique morning event dedicated to endangered flying foxes, including an ‘eat like a bat’ morning tea, bushwalk, sit spots, nature craft and tree planting.
Date: Thursday 17 April
Time: 9:30am – 12pm
Location: Beryl Humble Sports Complex, Metford Rd, Tenambit
Cost: Free but bookings essential
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Crafty Cinema – Wicked
Follow the yellow brick road to our special Youth Week edition of Crafty Cinema. Embrace the spirit of Wicked by coming dressed as your favourite character from the world of Oz.
Then glam up at the library with free Oz-inspired face painting for all ages and try your hand at simply wicked crafts. Whether you’re a fan of Elphaba, Glinda, or the Yellow Brick Road itself, this event is all about fun, creativity, and celebrating Wicked!
Designed for people who like to keep their hands busy while relaxing with a good movie, Crafty Cinema allows you to get together with other crafters and enjoy a wholesome evening out.
Date: Thursday 17 April
Time: From 6pm
Location: East Maitland Library
Cost: Free but bookings essential
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Port Stephens
Port Stephens Youth Week Battle of the Arts 2025
Port Stephens Council is thrilled to present the Port Stephens Youth Week Battle of the Arts as part of Youth Week 2025. This exciting event is all about showcasing the incredible talent of our local young performers. If you’re a musician, dancer, or actor with a passion for performing, this is your chance to shine!
Date: Thursday 17 April
Time: 2pm
Location: Fly Point Park
Cost: Free
More Info