Get ready for a big Youth Week across the region with events in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Cessnock and Port Stephens! Youth Week kicks off on Thursday 16 April and runs through to Sunday 26 April 2026.
The theme for NSW Youth Week 2026 is ‘Dream. Dare. Do.’ Designed by young people, for young people, Youth Week is all about giving 12 – 24 year olds the chance to be heard, try something new and get involved. From live events and competitions to creative showcases and community activities, there’s plenty happening right across the region.
It’s also a great opportunity for parents to encourage their teens to step out, connect with others and explore their interests in a fun and supportive environment. Here is what’s happening in our region.
Jump to: Newcastle | Lake Macquarie | Maitland | Cessnock | Port Stephens
Newcastle
Bike School & Art Classes
Looking for something creative, practical or confidence-building these school holidays? City of Newcastle is offering free workshops for high school students are designed to build skills, spark creativity and support safer, more independent travel. These include DIY Maintenance, City Riding and Art workshops. All workshops are delivered by experienced instructors, and registrations are essential. Cycle sessions are running at Carrington and Tighes Hill while Art Sessions run in Hamilton.
Proudly funded by the NSW Government.
Date: Sessions run Tuesday 14 April to Sunday 19 April
Time: Various times
Location: Various locations
Age Group: 12 -18
Cost: Free but registrations are essential
Website
Samaritans Youth Week 2026
Bungee trampoline and rock climbing wall, photobooth, craft stations, Up & Up graffiti art and live music
Date: Thursday 16 April 2026
Time: 10am – 2pm
Location: Tram Shed, Newcastle Foreshore Park
Age Group: Youth event
Cost: Free but RSVP
Website
Zine Club Meet Up
Get creative and connect with other young people through the art of zine-making at Newcastle Library.
Date: Thursday 16 April 2026
Time: 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Location: Newcastle Library
Age Group: Youth event
Cost: Free
Bookings: Drop in
Website
Future Makers Festival
The headline event of Newcastle’s Youth Week program. Expect live music, art-making, upcycled fashion, demos, a food truck and more. No bookings needed – just show up and dive in.
Date: Friday 17 April 2026
Time: 1pm – 5:30pm
Location: Newcastle Museum
Age Group: Youth event
Cost: Free. Drop in, no bookings required
Website
Surviving Dystopia – Creative Writing Workshop
Put your imagination to work in this creative writing workshop. Bookings are essential and spaces are limited, so get in early.
Date: Friday 17 April 2026
Time: 1:30pm – 3pm
Location: Newcastle Museum
Age Group: 12+
Cost: $10 includes Model Newcastle exhibition entry for participants. Bookings essential
Website
Refashion Lab – Upcycling T-Shirts
Give an old tee a new life in this hands-on upcycling workshop at Newcastle Museum. Two sessions available – bookings are essential.
Date: Friday 17 April 2026
Time: Session 1: 2:30pm – 4pm | Session 2: 4pm – 5:30pm
Location: Newcastle Museum
Age Group: 12 – 24
Cost: Free Bookings essential
Website
Youth Changemaker Awards Night
A celebration of young people making a difference. The Youth Changemaker Awards Night features cultural showcases, live performances and youth achievement awards. Bookings are essential for this one.
Date: Friday 24 April 2026
Time: 3pm – 9pm
Location: Newcastle Museum
Age Group: Youth event
Cost: Free. Bookings essential – book via website
Website
Youth Week Skate Comp
Skaters, this one’s for you. Wallsend Skate Park is hosting an inclusive skate comp with DJ sets and food trucks. All skill levels welcome – register on the day.
Date: Monday 27 April 2026
Time: 1pm – 5pm
Location: Wallsend Skate Park
Age Group: Youth event
Cost: Free Bookings. Register on the day
Enquiries: communityadmin@ncc.nsw.gov.au
YA Book Club 5th Birthday
Newcastle City Library’s YA Book Club is turning five and celebrating in style with a special event featuring authors Gary Lonesborough and Will Kostakis. Drop in – no bookings needed.
Date: Friday 10 April 2026
Time: 6pm – 7pm
Location: Newcastle City Library
Age Group: Youth event
Cost: Free. Drop in, no bookings required
Lake Macquarie
Open Mic #NotAlone
Join in for an uplifting afternoon of live performances and connection, dedicated to youth mental health. This open mic event celebrates young voices and creates a safe, supportive space for teens to share, listen and feel seen. Calling young creatives (13-19 years old). Top submissions will be displayed at the event and selected authors will have the chance to share their work live at the mic.
Date: Saturday 18 April 2026
Time: 1pm – 3pm
Location: Windale Hub, bilyabayi, 20 Lake Street, Windale
Age Group: 13 – 19
Cost: Free
Website
Youth Week Cartoon Workshop
Ever wanted to create your own cartoon character? This hands-on workshop walks you through the basics of character design – from concept to the page. A great creative afternoon for young artists and storytellers.
Date: Thursday 16 April 2026
Time: 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Location: Sugar Valley Neighbourhood Centre, 65 Carrington Street, West Wallsend
Age Group: 12 – 18
Cost: Free. Bookings essential.
Website
PCYC Youth Week Disco
Get ready to dance! PCYC Lake Macquarie is throwing a Youth Week disco with a night of music, movement and good vibes. A great way to celebrate the week with mates in a fun, safe environment.
Date: Friday 17 April 2026
Time: 5pm – 8pm Location: PCYC Lake Macquarie, 2b Lake Street, Windale
Age Group: Suitable for ages 9 years and above.
Cost: Free
Website
PCYC Morisset Youth Week Celebration
Join PCYC Morisset for a free Youth Week celebration packed with activities designed for young people including spray paint workshop, disco and photo booth and free dinner and activities.
Date: Friday 24 April 2026
Time: 5pm – 8pm
Location: PCYC Morisset, 5 Kahibah Street, Morisset
Age Group: Designed for young people aged 10 – 17 years
Cost: Free
Website
Hoops Lab – Youth Week 2026
Level up your game with BLANK SLATE //HOOPS. Join in these school holidays for a fun and energetic basketball workshop designed for your people. Come along to build your skills, stay active and connect with others in a positive and supportive environment.
Date: Friday 17 April 2026
Time: 9am – 11am – for ages 12 – 15. 12noon -2pm for 16+
Location: Basketball Court, 275 Fishery Point Road, Bonnells Bay
Age Group: 12+
Cost: Free. Spots are limited. Bookings essential.
Website
Water Fun and Colour Run
Get ready to get messy! Arise Community Support is hosting a colour run and water fun day to celebrate Youth Week. Expect excitement, energy and plenty of community spirit – bring a change of clothes!
Date: Friday 17 April 2026
Time: 12pm – 3pm
Location: Baxter Field, 34 Swan Street, Marks Point
Age Group: Youth event
Cost: Free – No registrations are required.
Website
Edgy Youth Space
Edgeworth Memorial Neighbourhood Centre is hosting an action-packed Youth Week celebration with a full afternoon of activities. Drop in and be part of the fun. Fun includes gaming van, pool tables, slushie machine, photo booth and lunch is included.
Date: Friday 17 April 2026
Time: 11am – 3pm
Location: Edgeworth Memorial Neighbourhood Centre, 1 Minmi Road, Edgeworth
Age Group: Suitable for ages 11-17 years.
Cost: Free. Bookings encouraged.
Website
Maitland
Dungeons & Dragons Character Creation Workshop
When it comes to creating a character in Dungeons & Dragons, it’s all in the mix! Your “stats” – like strength, intelligence, and charisma – are the building blocks that shape what your hero is naturally good at, not so good at, and how they’ll tackle the world’s challenges. Afternoon tea provided.
Date: Thursday 16 April 2026
Time: From 1pm
Location: East Maitland Library, 3 Garnett Road, East Maitland
Age Group: This event is designed especially for teens aged 12 – 17 years
Cost: Free, but bookings are essential and numbers are strictly limited
Website
Capture the Flag Launch Party
This Youth Week cyber experts from Maitland City Council’s ICT are hosting a Capture the Flag cybersecurity challenge, and we’re throwing a launch party to learn all about it. Learn about challenges in cryptography, web exploitation, forensics and more. The challenges are all set up with the intent of being hacked, making it an excellent, safe way to get hands-on experience. Afternoon tea included.
Date: Friday 17 April 2026
Time: From 2pm
Location: East Maitland Library, 3 Garnett Road, East Maitland
Age Group: Suitable for children aged 12+
Cost: Free, but bookings essential
Website
Capture the Flag Cybersecurity Challenge
This Youth Week, cyber experts from Maitland City Council’s ICT are launching a Capture the Flag cybersecurity challenge! If you’ve ever been curious about hacking (the good, legal kind!), this is your chance to jump in and test your skills in a safe, supportive environment designed especially for young people. Running for the entire duration of Youth Week, it’s the perfect opportunity to sharpen your skills, think like a cyber detective, and see if you can capture the flag.
Date: Friday 17 April 2026
Time: From 3pm
Location: East Maitland Library, 3 Garnett Road, East Maitland
Age Group: Suitable for children aged 12+
Cost: Free, but registrations essential
Website
Cessnock
Aboriginal Art with Sand
Get creative with sand art! Design your own colourful masterpiece using Aboriginal art designs in this fun, hands-on activity.
Date: Thursday 16 April 2026
Time: 10.30am – 11.30am
Location: Huntlee Park
Age Group: Youth
Cost: Free but bookings essential
Website
Movie at PACC: Puss in Boots – The Last Wish
Enjoy a special Youth Week screening of Puss in Boots: The Last Wish on the big screen. Expect adventure, laughs and plenty of fun.
Date: Thursday 16 April 2026
Time: 10am – 11.40am
Location: Performance Arts Culture Cessnock
Age Group: Youth
Cost: Free for 30 and under but bookings required
Website
Cooking at Wollombi General Store
Join this hands-on cooking session where you’ll try new flavours, learn new skills and create delicious food inspired by old-school recipes.
Date: Friday 17 April 2026
Time: Bus departs 9am (returns 2pm)
Location: Wollombi General Store (bus from Cessnock Youth Centre)
Age Group: 11 – 18
Cost: Free but bookings required
Website
Top Blokes: Bringing the Beats and Eats
Live DJ, rap battles, free BBQ, sports challenges and interactive stalls. A fun, high-energy event to hang out with mates or meet new people.
Date: Friday 17 April 2026
Time: 10am – 1pm
Location: Turner Park
Age Group: 11 – 24
Cost: Free but book a spot
Website
Minute to Win It
Fast, fun and a little bit chaotic! Take on quick-fire challenges, meet new people and check out the Study Hub.
Date: Friday 17 April 2026
Time: 3.30pm – 5.30pm
Location: Kurri Kurri Community Centre (Study Hub)
Age Group: Youth
Cost: Free
Circus Workshop
Try your hand at aerial and ground circus skills in this interactive workshop run by Three Rings Aerial & Circus Arts.
Date: Saturday 18 April 2026
Time: 10.30am – 12.30pm
Location: Turner Park
Age Group: 11 – 18
Cost: Free but bookings required
Website
DIY Squishy Making
Get creative making your own squishy toys. A fun, hands-on session perfect for relaxing and having a laugh.
Date: Monday 20 April 2026
Time: 3.30pm – 4.30pm
Location: Performance Arts Culture Cessnock
Age Group: 12+
Cost: Free but bookings essential
Website
Pollinator Pot Workshop
Learn about native bees while making your own bee hotel and planting a pollinator-friendly pot to take home.
Date: Monday 20 April 2026
Time: 3.30pm – 5pm
Location: Cessnock Youth Centre
Age Group: 11 – 18
Cost: Free but bookings essential
Website
Storytelling with Comics
Learn how to tell great stories using comic-style techniques. Includes tips on structure, creativity and confidence (plus pizza!).
Date: Tuesday 21 April 2026
Time: 4.30pm – 6.30pm
Location: Cessnock Library
Age Group: 12 – 18
Cost: Free but reserve a spot
Website
Hand Sew Your Own Sensory Plushy
Create your own sensory worry pet while learning simple sewing skills in this creative workshop.
Date: Wednesday 22 April 2026
Time: 3.30pm – 4.30pm
Location: Performance Arts Culture Cessnock
Age Group: 12+
Cost: Free but bookings essential.
Website
Trivia Night
Test your knowledge across music, movies, sport and more. Join a team or bring your own and compete for prizes.
Date: Wednesday 22 April 2026
Time: 3.30pm – 5.30pm
Location: Cessnock Youth Centre
Age Group: 11 -18
Cost: Free but reserve a spot
Website
Young Parents Sensory Play
A relaxed session for young parents and their children to explore sensory play in a calm and welcoming space.
Date: Thursday 23 April 2026
Time: 10am – 11am
Location: Cessnock Youth Centre
Age Group: Young parents
Cost: Free
Pizza Making Workshop
Make your own pizza, choose your toppings and enjoy a fun, hands-on cooking experience.
Date: Thursday 23 April 2026
Time: 3.30pm – 5pm
Location: Cessnock Youth Centre
Age Group: 11 – 18
Cost: Free but reserve a spot
Website
Drama Taster with Tantrum
A 2-hour drama workshop exploring acting through games, improvisation and creative challenges.
Date: Thursday 23 April 2026
Time: 3.30pm – 5.30pm
Location: Performance Arts Culture Cessnock
Age Group: 11 – 18
Cost: Free but reserve a spot
Website
Port Stephens
Street Skills Festival: Dream. Dare. Do.
Port Stephens is celebrating Youth Week with the Street Skills Festival – a free, youth-led day of food, music, workshops and good times. Whether you want to try something new, meet new people or simply soak up the atmosphere, this is the place to be.
Highlights include a skate comp and scooter jam with local partners Grundy’s Skate, plus a full lineup of hands-on workshops run by local businesses and experts.
Workshops on the day:
- Hair styling with Terrace Hair and Beauty – 11am–11:45am and 1pm–1:45pm
- Barber styling with Barber Social – 11am–11:45am and 1pm–1:45pm
- Posca, Street Art and DJ with Up&Up – 11am–2pm (drop-in)
- Car maintenance with Ready Up Skills – 11am–12:30pm and 12:30pm–2pm
- Barbecue cooking with Terrace Meats – 12pm–1pm
- Cultural weaving with Maddie Lilley – 11am–2pm (drop-in)
Youth services and information stalls will also be on site, with local organisations including Jupiter connecting young people to career pathways, support services and future opportunities.
Date: Friday 17 April 2026
Time: 11am – 2pm
Location: Boomerang Park, Raymond Terrace
Cost: Free. No bookings required
Website
