What's On Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & the Hunter | August 2024
Get intouch with what's on this August in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & the Hunter...
WEDNESDAY 21 AUGUST
The Tipsy Sketching Club at Customs House Hotel
Whether you’re a beginner, a pro or just curious about learning to draw, this night out is the perfect activity to get you and your friends started! Join the Tipsy Sketching Club for an evening of sipping, snacking and sketching. Focused on life drawing, with a range of timed poses from 2-30 minutes, with all materials supplied, you don’t want to miss it! For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.tipsysketching.club.
WEDNESDAY 21 AUGUST
Top Dog Film Festival at Kotara Event Cinemas
Get ready for an unforgettable cinematic experience at the 2024 Top Dog Film Festival, where you’ll celebrate the special bond between dogs and their humans. Over two hours of heartwarming and joyous moments await you in this carefully selected program of short films dedicated to our beloved canine friends. It's a celebration of the love, loyalty, and companionship that dogs bring into our lives. Get your tickets here, www.topdogfilmfestival.com.au.
THURSDAY 22 AUGUST
Opera Australia, La Bohème at Civic Theatre Newcastle
Certain emotions transcend the limitations of language, finding their true expression through music. In Opera Australia’s "La Bohème," your soul will be laid bare to experiences that only melodies can express. It's a journey of the heart that transcends words, inviting you to immerse yourself in the power of music's emotional depth. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit civictheatrenewcastle.com.au
FRIDAY 23 – SUNDAY 25 AUGUST
The 35th Annual Newcastle Jazz Festival at Newcastle City Hall
The renowned Newcastle Jazz Festival draws music enthusiasts from across Australia and New Zealand to its annual event at Newcastle City Hall. Featuring a diverse lineup spanning Trad, Swing, Blues, Contemporary, Big Bands, and Funk, the 35th edition promises something for every taste. With four rooms and three dance areas, you can enjoy a variety of music styles all in one venue. Prepare for a weekend of immersive atmosphere and top-notch entertainment from 50 bands! For more info or to purchase tickets, visit www.newcastlejazz.com.au
SATURDAY 24 AUGUST
The Newcastle Whisky and Craft Spirits Festival at Bartholomew’s
The Newcastle Whisky & Craft Spirits Festival is your ticket to a world of the finest spirits in Australia and beyond. Step into the world of Bartholomew's and immerse yourself in a world of extraordinary spirits waiting to be savoured, featuring 100 different products from 30 different stallholders! Secure your tickets now or get more information via
SATURDAY 24 AUGUST
Barrel Notes: Jazz in the Distillery at Earp Distilling Co.
Experience a unique festival where music meets history with an evening of smooth melodies and exceptional spirits, guided by the rhythm of jazz. This year’s lineup includes Brekky Boy, an electronic jazz trio combining traditional jazz with modern beats, Bleu Collective, a dynamic jazz fusion group celebrated for their innovative style, and Adam Miller, a Newcastle guitarist known for blending blues, jazz, funk, rock, folk, and country influences. For more information, visit www.earpdistillingco.com.
TUESDAY 27 AUGUST
Vincent St Kitchen + Bar and Drayton's Wines Degustation Dinner
Vincent St Kitchen + Bar has teamed up with Drayton’s Wines for this year's August degustation dinner. The evening will consist of a five-course menu created by head chef Shaun Simons, each meal thoughtfully paired with a mouth-watering wine. For more information or to book your spot, visit www.vincentstreet.com.au
MONDAY 2 SEPTEMBER
The Big Bike Film Night at Event Cinemas Kotara
Bringing the best cycling short films from around the globe right into Newcastle, The Big Bike Film Night is here! Ride through 2.5 hours of everything a cycle-centric audience could want - action, drama, humour, and plenty of inspiration. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.bigbikefilmnight.nz
FRIDAY 6 SEPTEMBER
The Gruffalo at Civic Theatre Newcastle
Prepare for the ultimate day out with your little ones! The Gruffalo returns to Australia, stopping in at the Civic Theatre Newcastle for a show full of songs, laughs and scary fun! Suitable for ages 3+, this magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler is not to be missed. For more info or to purchase tickets, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au
SUNDAY 8 SEPTEMBER
Our Bushland Festival at Poppet Head Park, Kitchener
Join the celebration of the natural beauty and diversity of our local bushland! With an exciting range of information displays, market stalls, food and drinks, free face painting and mini workshops just for kids, this is a day full of fun for everyone. For more information, visit www.ourbushland.com
PAST
WEDNESDAY 7 AUGUST
Future Choices Expo at McDonald Jones Stadium
The Hunter Future Choices Expo brings together over 120 exhibitors. Its focus is on connecting young people living with disabilities to employment services, employers, education providers, disability services, and government services. The expo aims to help these individuals make informed decisions about their future and access the support available as they transition into adulthood. For more information, visit www.ivvy.com.au
THURSDAY 8 AUGUST
Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase at Warners Bay Theatre
Featuring some of the country’s best talents, this showcase brings a blend of seasoned favourites and up-and-coming talents, promising non-stop entertainment that will have you laughing until your sides ache. So, gather your friends, grab your tickets and prepare to laugh until your cheeks hurt; visit www.sydneycomedyfest.com.au
FRIDAY 9 – SUNDAY 11 AUGUST
Newcastle Outdoor Adventure & Motoring
Expo at Newcastle Entertainment Centre Prepare to experience the outdoor event of the year! From caravans and camper trailers to boating equipment, car accessories and much more, the expo combines all of the best outdoor adventure products and advice for all. Don’t miss your chance to learn about the latest gear, technology, and accessories all in one convenient location. For more information, visit www.newexpo.com.au
SATURDAY 10 AUGUST
Newcastle Northstars vs Melbourne
Mustangs at Hunter Ice Skating Stadium Are you ready for a night of an action-packed game on the ice? The Newcastle Northstars will welcome the Melbourne Mustangs back to Hunter Ice Skating Stadium, where they will suit up and go head-to-head for a night on the ice. Tickets are a hot commodity; get in quick! For more information, visit www.northstars.theaihl.com
SATURDAY 10 AUGUST
The Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever at King Edward Park
Once more, in red frocks and green eyeshadow, 'Kates' will come together for the Newcastle edition of The Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever. The annual event takes place worldwide, igniting a sea of red for a delightful celebration of the inventive dance and enchanting music of Kate Bush, fulfilling the desire for joyful, carefree fun. For more information, visit the Facebook event. WEDNESDAY 14 AUGUST
Anh Do, The Happiest Refugee – Live! at Civic Theatre Newcastle
As one of Australia's most gifted comedians, when Anh Do delves into the highs and lows of his life, the result is an unforgettable night at the theatre that resonates deeply, leaving you uplifted and filled with happiness. It's an unforgettable experience that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the power of laughter to heal. The performance goes beyond conventional comedy, intertwining stand-up humour with genuine personal experiences. To get more information about Australia’s happiest refugee and national treasure, get your tickets or visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au.
WEDNESDAY 14 – SATURDAY 17 AUGUST
Blueberry Play at Civic Theatre Newcastle
Blueberry Play is a beautifully profound story from award-winning Newcastle playwright Ang Collins. The play is a touching monologue exploring the highs and lows of being a teen in a small town. From the creative team that brought you Spewy, the sold-out smash-hit of New Annual 2023, the Blueberry Play is one you don’t want to miss. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au
THURSDAY AUGUST 15
Mentor Walk Newcastle at The Train Sheds, Foreshore Park
Mentor Walks Newcastle is an hour-long mentoring and networking event tailored for women at all career stages. Participants walk and talk along Nobbys Breakwall with a female mentor, discussing career plans, work challenges, and experiences in a supportive environment. The mentors are accomplished professionals, including CEOs, directors, and entrepreneurs, who aim to empower women and provide career guidance. Attendees can join regardless of their career stage and are matched with mentors based on their professional background and discussion preferences. To get your tickets and build relationships with like-minded women in a supporting, fun environment, visit www.mentorwalks.org