What's On in April

Maho Magic Bar. Image by Mike King.

FROM SATURDAY 1 APRIL

• Maho Magic Bar at Civic Park

Get ready to disbelieve your eyes as Japan’s leading closeup magicians and specialists perform magic shows at your table. Even better, relax and enjoy a cocktail with the show. Stimulate your senses in a bespoke space that will dazzle you. Part show. Part bar. All magic! Shows will run from 1 April to 7 May. For more information or to book tickets, visit www.strutnfret.com/spiegeltentnewcastle

• The Party at Civic Park

The Party is a festival style celebration with a cast of talented circus artists, great music, extravagant costumes and energy unlike anything you’ve experienced in a theatre setting. The lavish stage is set for The Party of the century, so make sure you secure seats. It’s destined to be one for the history books! Shows will run from 1 April to 7 May. For more information or to book tickets, visit www.strutnfret.com/spiegeltentnewcastle

• Lions Club of Adamstown Online Art Auction

The Lions Club of Adamstown is hosting an online art auction for displaced Ukrainians in Ukraine. Bid on over 60 original artworks by artists living in or associated with Newcastle. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has continued for over a year, and this auction is designed to send money from the hearts of Novocastrians to those struggling in Ukraine. The cherished artwork will become a reminder of your generous contribution. If you win an artwork via the bid, you must arrange to pick up the piece, as no delivery is available. For more information or to view the artworks for bidding, visit app.galabid.com/Ukraine-art-auction

• Mega Creatures at Hunter Valley Gardens

Mega Creatures are returning to the heart of Wine Country- The Hunter Valley Gardens! You’ll find all your favourite dinosaurs, dragons, and creepy crawlies on display, which will transport you back to prehistoric times. With a thrilling night safari on offer, this truly is a MEGA event for the whole family to enjoy, as the sun sets and the mega creatures awaken across the gardens! On the Easter long weekend as part of the Mega Creatures event at the Hunter Valley Gardens, children can partake in an Easter Egg Hunt. Following the special hunt, each child receives one easter chocolate! Mega Creatures will run until Sunday, 30 April. To book your tickets, visit www.huntervalleygardens.com.au

SATURDAY 1 APRIL

• Newcastle Writers Festival

Discover the stories behind the stories of more than 100 writers! Celebrating its 10th year, the Newcastle Writers Festival is one of the largest regional literary festivals in Australia. Celebrate the talent of words and ideas in writing! The festival will run from Friday, 31 March to Sunday, 2 April. For more information or to view the program, visit www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au

• RocKwiz at Civic Theatre Newcastle

The RocKwiz Team are excited to get back on the road and perform after a few covid-filled years. Taking their brand into theatres and concert halls, Julia, Brian, Dugald, along with the RocKwiz Orkestra are bringing your favourite segments, special guests, and new surprise to the Civic Theatre! You don’t want to miss out. For more information or to book tickets, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

SATURDAY 8 APRIL

• Easter Weekend Craft Workshops at Mercer Wines

Mercer Wines, in collaboration with local Hunter business Nature & Nurture, will host Easter craft workshops across the long weekend (8 to 10 April)! It’s not just for the kids either, grown-ups get to enjoy a complimentary wine tasting, making it an Easter weekend activity for the whole family! For more information or to book, visit www.mercerwines.com.au

SUNDAY 9 APRIL

• The Great Mac Easter Egg Hunt at The Museum of Art and Culture

Bring your young children along to enjoy an Easter egg hunt followed by some family art activities inspired by Easter! Tickets also include entry to view the Archibald Prize of 2022. For more info or to book tickets, visit mac.lakemac.com.au

FRIDAY 14 APRIL

• The Wedding Singer at Civic Theatre Newcastle

Hunter Drama is taking you back to a time when hair was big, and collars were up with their production of The Wedding Singer. Based on the hit movie, the story follows Robbie Hart after he was left at the altar by his fiancée. Eventually he meets Julia, who wins his affection, but to get the girl of his dreams, Robbie must pull off the performance of the decade! The new score makes it a stand-out musical, and you’ll even leave thinking that a wedding singer is the coolest guy in the room. Make sure you get seats and party like its 1985 at this hit musical production! The show will run from 14 to 22 April. For more information or to book tickets, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

SATURDAY 15 APRIL

• Daniel Sloss at Civic Theatre Newcastle

Daniel Sloss, Scotland’s international comedy star, is bringing his solo show to Australia. He has established himself as one of the most successful touring stand-ups because of his unique style of tackling diverse and uncomfortable material. Be sure to get your tickets to this show full of cracking jokes and hilarious stories. To book your tickets, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

• Don McLean at The Station

Being one of the most respected songwriters and singers in American history, Don Mclean is bringing his 50th Anniversary Tour to our shores. With many hit songs like ‘American Pie’, this will be a packed show for fans to enjoy. For more information or to book tickets, visit www.oneworldentertainment.com.au

• Hot Potato Band Children’s Concert at Rathmines Theatre

The Hot Potato Band’s brass collective sets a new bar for interactive performances with their take on a traditional New Orleans brass band turned modern-day dance machine and visual spectacle. Enjoy a special children’s concert complete with energetic and quirky musical performances! To book tickets, visit www.lakemac.com.au

Hot Potato Band. Image supplied by Lake Macquarie City.

TUESDAY 18 APRIL

• Teddy Bears Picnic at Hunter Region Botanic Gardens

Hunter Region Botanic Gardens welcomes you to the Teddy Bears Picnic to enjoy storytime from Hunter Heroes, giant lawn games and local food trucks. Be sure to bring your teddy bear, picnic basket and picnic blanket for a fun day out with your little ones. For more info or to book tickets, visit www.eventbrite.com.au

FRIDAY 21 APRIL

• The Gum Ball at Dashville

The Gum Ball is a music lover’s paradise with a large lineup of artists that’ll leave you wanting to come back for more. It is sure to be an epic weekend full of adventure, live music, and heart-and-soul displays in a family-friendly atmosphere. The Gum Ball will run from Friday 21 to Sunday 23 April. For more information or to book tickets, visit www.thegumball.com.au

SUNDAY 22 APRIL

• Groovin the Moo at Maitland Showground

Groovin the Moo is back as one of the largest regional musical festivals, and they can’t wait to rejoice with their community! With a lineup featuring massive artists such as Alt-J, Ball Park Music, Denzel Curry, Fatboy Slim, Ocean Alley and many more, it will surely be a time for you to remember! For more info or to book tickets, visit www.gtm.net.au/maitland

• Moneybowl Newcastle at Bar Beach Skatebowl

The Rumble Tour is coming to Newcastle! With many divisions, including Juniors, Opens, Best Trick Cash Grab and Longest Grind, there is something for all skaters to participate in. If not, go along and spectate all the fun for free. For more info or to register, visit www.therumble.com.au

• Beer & BBQ Festival at Hope Estate

If you love beer and you love BBQ, this is the event for you! For its third year, the festival will combine classic favourites and new twists with over 40 beers on show. BBQs and smokers will fill the air with the delicious smell of cookoff competitions. Enjoy the selection of beer with the Ultimate Angus Lunch while soaking up the live music. A relaxing day (or weekend) in the vineyards awaits you! The festival will run from 22 to 23 April. To book tickets, visit www.hopeestate.com.au

SUNDAY 23 APRIL

• Chamber Music at the Cathedral at Christ Church Cathedral

Hear music for flute, violin, cello and piano performed by some of Newcastle's leading musicians. The varied program will include works by Haydn, Dvorak, Gliere and Doppler, plus tango music by Astor Piazzolla and more. For more information or to book tickets, visit www.stickytickets.com

• The Stranglers at The Cambridge Hotel

The iconic British band is touring Australia this month. Promising a set that will cover many tracks from over 45 years, fans can expect their best hits. Go experience this exhilarating live experience while you still have the chance! For more information or to book tickets, visit www.sbmpresents.com

THURSDAY 27 APRIL

• The Wharf Revue: Looking for Albanese at Civic Theatre Newcastle

Inspired by the national spirit of optimism that lasted only a week, the team at Wharf Revue are keen to tackle big-picture issues of our state. This satirical show will make you uproar with laughter. Shows will run on 2 nights: Thursday 27 and Friday 28 April. To book tickets, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

FRIDAY 28 APRIL

• Banging Denmark at Civic Theatre Newcastle

The Very Popular Theatre Co presents Banging Denmark, an explicitly spiky feminist rom-com! It examines our understanding of the female mind through an engaging story with a fabulously funny cast. Shows will run from 28 April to 6 May. For more information or to book tickets, visit www.verypopulartheatreco.com.au

Banging Denmark. Image by Peter Stoop.

SUNDAY 29 APRIL

• Dylan Moran at Civic Theatre Newcastle

The brand new show, We Got This, is presented by Dylan Moran and BAFTA. It promises to take you through the frustration and folly of modern-day life in a joyously furious way. For more info or to book tickets, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

• Burton Automotive Hunter Valley Steamfest at Maitland

Welcoming visitors far and wide, Steamfest celebrates all things steam, with the heart and soul being an impressive assembly of steam trains. Many unique train trips are on offer for the day to various destinations in the Hunter. Steamfest also features live music, heritage walks, market stalls, and gourmet food for you to enjoy. Steamfest will run across the weekend (29 to 30 April). For more information, visit www.steamfest.com.au

COMING UP NEXT MONTH

SUNDAY 7 MAY

• Fundraising Singalong at Adamstown Uniting Church

The community fundraising singalong is back, with all funds going to a local charity! Featuring songs about the seasons, such as Autumn Leaves, Winter Wonderland and more, there will be a song for everyone’s enjoyment. As it is a week before Mother’s Day, songs about mums will also be featured. Don’t stress, you won’t forget any words as all the lyrics are shown on screen, and maestro Philip Sketchley will be there to make sure everyone is in tune! Tickets are $15 at the door. For more info, phone 4943 5316.

**WE MAKE EVERY EFFORT POSSIBLE TO BE CORRECT, HOWEVER EVENTS DO CHANGE. PLEASE CHECK INDIVIDUAL EVENTS ONLINE BEFORE PLANNING**