$500,000 program of events to boost the Newcastle CBD throughout May

Outdoor cinema, street parties, pop-up bars, special exhibitions, and picnics in local parks are just some of what will be a month-long program of free events delivered throughout May to encourage people back to the Newcastle city centre.

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'Autumn Alive' is an events-based response to the lingering impacts on small businesses in the city centre caused by COVID-19 and especially last year's local three month lockdown.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said a lively, thriving CBD is critical to Newcastle's post-COVID recovery. “The Newcastle city centre has a range of boutique makers and traders, hospitality venues, and arts and cultural institutions that have been very seriously impacted by the pandemic,” Cr Nelmes said.

“City of Newcastle is giving people the extra encouragement to venture back into the city centre with an eclectic mix of free events and activations that will cater to everyone from families to couples and foodies.

“Thanks to funding from the NSW Government’s CBDs Revitalisation Program, the Autumn Alive program will help stimulate the economy and get people reconnecting and engaging in the city centre."

Newcastle Councillor Carol Duncan said City of Newcastle had developed a program that made the most of its facilities such as the Newcastle Museum and would complement other key City of Newcastle sponsored events through autumn.

“Autumn Alive will be delivered in addition to an already vibrant events calendar for the season, including Surfest, Newcastle Writers’ Festival, Newcastle Food Month, and Sailfest,” Cr Duncan said.

“With events back on the agenda, we're expecting people to take the opportunity to get out and enjoy all Newcastle has to offer, supporting local jobs and bringing our city back to life."

Visit What’s On Newcastle for event details, dates and times.