What's On Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & the Hunter | May 2024

What's On in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & the Hunter this May 2024?

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PAST

EVERY FRIDAY

FELLR x Glow In the Dark Lawn Bowls at Adamstown Bowling Club Gather your family and friends for a classic lawn bowls game with a small twist! With glow-in-the-dark equipment and a great atmosphere, you are sure to have a fabulous evening. Whether you're a seasoned bowler or a first-timer, this event is perfect for all skill levels and ages.

WEDNESDAY 1 -SATURDAY 4 MAY

Catch Me if You Can The Musical at The Playhouse, Civic Theatre Based on the book Catch Me if You Can, the By What Theatre Company presents a musical comedy about chasing your dreams and not getting caught. The musical follows the misdeeds and lies of teenager Frank Abagnale, Jr, and is a big and bright spectacle with high powered dance numbers and a thrilling story. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

THURSDAY 2 MAY

A Taste of Ireland at Civic Theatre Laugh, cry and jig into the night with a show that has amused thousands. A Taste of Ireland is precisely what it promises: a generous serving of everything you love about Ireland and a spoonful more! The show merges cultural traditions, modern flair, and craic galore to deliver a performance that has brought the house down night after night. Don’t miss out on this journey through the heart and soul of Ireland. To get more information or purchase tickets, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

FRIDAY 3 – SUNDAY 5 MAY

Maitland Region Society of Artists Autumn Art Exhibition at St James’ Anglican Church Hall Morpeth Join the fun at the opening night of the Autumn Art Exhibition. The $10 opening night entry fee includes drinks and finger food, but the following days require only a gold coin entry. With more than 200 quality paintings and sculptures for sale, you don’t want to miss this!

SATURDAY 4 MAY

Lake Macquarie Autumn Fair at Speers Point Park Round up your friends and family for this event full of fun! With free entertainment all day, such as games and rides for the children, classic car displays, loads of food and market stalls too! The Fair is also a major fundraiser for the Rotary Clubs of Lake Macquarie, helping to support local charities. For more information, visit the Facebook page.

SUNDAY 5 MAY

CANCELLED

The Festival of Sweet Treats at The Station Calling all Sweet Tooths! Indulge your tastebuds for a festival even tastier than you could ever imagine! There will be a delicious and indulgent lineup of treats from mouthwatering cakes, ice cream, pastries, lollies and more. If you’re not too busy tasting the sweets, you could learn how to make them for yourself in the masterclasses or even enter the cake decorating competition if you’re brave enough. For more info or tickets, visit www.festivalofsweetsandtreats.com.au

THURSDAY 9 – SATURDAY 11 MAY

CraftAlive at Newcastle Racecourse CraftAlive is the country’s largest craft event, providing individuals of all ages and skillsets a hands-on experience. The event delivers the chance to learn from specialist teachers from all over Australia, with classes for beginner to advanced. Come along to learn from the best and get your hands on the latest craft supplies, kits and equipment. For more info or tickets, visit www.craftalive.com.au

THURSDAY 9 MAY

Banana Bathroom Ladies Night at Banana Bathroom Banana Bathrooms is extending the invite to local women in the hopes of fostering a supportive, welcoming and inclusive environment within a typically male dominated industry. The event will consist of educated industry female speakers, entertainment, drinks and nibbles, $4K worth of prizes, and gorgeous melodies from local music artist Claudi! For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.bananabathrooms.com.au

THURSDAY 9 MAY

Fabulous Ladies Wine Soiree with Dandelion Vineyards at Ravella’s Newcastle Grab your glass, gather your wine-loving friends and join in celebrating a glorious night with the 2022 McLaren Vale Winemaker of the Year, Elena Brooks, founder and winemaker of Dandelion Vineyards. Hosted by Ravella’s, in collaboration with a bespoke five-course menu created and provided by the award winning Alfie's. There are plenty of prizes and giveaways to be won, as well as loads of fun and friendship with other wine-loving women to be created. Don’t miss out! For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.fabulousladieswinesociety.com

FRIDAY 10 MAY

Lizzy Hoo – Hoo’s That Girl? at Newcastle Comedy Club Bringing to Newcastle her brand new solo show, Lizzy Hoo will talk about love, grief and sharing custody of her dog. Let’s just say her past year has been a mix of emotions. Between her big 4-0 and a big breakup, Lizzy’s been saying, “I’m fine! No, really, I’m fine!” a lot. For a night of laughter and maybe some tears, this is your best pick! For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.eventbrite.com.au

SATURDAY 11 MAY

The Greatest Travel Show at Noah’s on the Beach Have you ever thought about travelling somewhere but you just don’t know how? This event is for you! Prepare yourself for the ultimate immersive travel experience - It's your chance to connect with experienced travel experts and look into incredible travel destinations. This is your opportunity to ask any questions you have and get the clarity you need to take the leap on your next adventure! For more information, visit www.allevents.in

SATURDAY 11 MAY

Billy D'Arcy: It's Not A Competition at The Newcastle Comedy Club Aussie stand-up Billy D'Arcy returns with a brand-new show to melt the paint off the walls once again. The young man with great confidence and even better hair, Billy is Australia’s next big thing in comedy. Whilst this is not a competition, he is definitely in it to win it. Get your tickets now to see him take home the medal via the Newcastle Comedy Club Facebook Page.

SATURDAY 11 – SATURDAY 25 MAY

The Mousetrap at Newcastle Civic Theatre The Mousetrap, written by the famous Agatha Christie, is the longest running play in the world to date! This heart-stopping West End thriller production is the genre-defining murder mystery from the greatest best-selling novelist of all time… Don’t miss your chance to join the millions of people who have been on the edge of their seats for The Mousetrap! For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.themousetrap.com.au

SUNDAY 12 MAY

Lake Macquarie Eurovision Watch Party 2024 at Multi Arts Pavilion, Mima

Whilst the most iconic international music concert takes place in Sweden, nothing is stopping you from being a part of the celebration of live music from Lake Mac. It’s time to experience Eurovision like never before, with state-of-the-art projectors and plenty of fun to go around, bigger and better than ever before! For more information, go to www.lakemac.com.au

WEDNESDAY 15 MAY

Banff Mountain Film Festival at Event Cinemas Kotara This film festival follows closely in the footsteps of the Banff Mountain Festival. It is a celebration of all things mountains and sporting – the film festival in Newcastle is set to share over 2.5 hours of exhilarating short films from explorers, runners, mountain bikers, skiers, paddlers and climbers from around the globe. For more information or to purchase your ticket, visit www.banffaustralia.com.au

SATURDAY 18 MAY

The Sustainable Living Festival at Medowie Community Hall and Lions Park Join in on celebrating sustainable and ethical living in support of growing, building and understanding a better way to live your daily life. The community day will be filled with workshops, activities, live entertainment, local community groups, markets, street food, live tunes, kids’ zones, preloved stalls, gourmet produce and more! For more information, visit www.portstephens.nsw.gov.au

SATURDAY 18 MAY

Hunter Record Fair at Kotara High School Calling all vinyl lovers, don’t miss out on bargains, rarities, long players, 45’s and more at this year's Hunter Record Fair! Stallholders will be holding a large collection of new and second-hand vinyl records and CDs. There will be thousands of records across every genre, including country, rock, soul, metal, punk, pop, hip-hop, jazz, blues, reggae, etc. While most stallholders will have EFTPOS available; it is encouraged to bring cash. For more information, visit the Hunter Record Fair Facebook page

SATURDAY 18 – SUNDAY 19 MAY

Lovedale Long Lunch at Lovedale The Lovedale Long Lunch is a progressive style lunch where food and wine lovers are invited to discover the wonders of Lovedale. Each year, six of Lovedale’s finest wineries pair up with the region's greatest chefs and local entertainment for the weekend to provide a tasting experience like no other. Don’t miss your chance to experience the road less travelled and try some of the Hunter Region's best culinary creations and local drops. It’s time to gather your friends – it’s time to enjoy a fun and relaxing weekend away at the Hunter Valley’s biggest food and wine event of the year. For more information, visit www.lovedalelonglunch.com.au

WEDNESDAY 22 MAY

Untested Material – Is this Something? at Newcastle Comedy Club Ever wonder what happens when comedians drop their tried-and-tested routines that everyone has heard before for something a bit... experimental? Well, Weird Wednesdays are preparing to demonstrate just that with their new free even —Is this Something? You get to be the judge, whether it's something or not. It's guaranteed to make you laugh, either at them or with them. For more information, visit the Newcastle Comedy Club Facebook Page.

WEDNESDAY 22 – SATURDAY 25

Love and Information at The Playhouse Hunter Drama presents Love and Information, a kaleidoscopic, inventive and topical play written by Carol Churchill. The play examines the complexities of human connection in the current digital age, exploring how love and information navigate our lives – causing us to question how technology might have an impact on the dynamic of our relationships. For more information or to purchase tickets, www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

FRIDAY 31 MAY

Tommy Little has a Regular Size Deck at Newcastle Civic Theatre Brace yourself for an eruption of laughter as Australia’s reigning king of comedy, Tommy Little, tours his brand-new hour of standup. Loved for pushing the boundaries and keeping audiences on the edge of their seats with his excellent storytelling - Little’s new show is a laugh-a-minute ride that spares no one, not even himself. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

SATURDAY 1 JUNE

Romeo and Juliet at Newcastle Civic Theatre Prepare to walk down the moonlit streets of Verona and feel Shakespeare's most magnificent love story unfold in front of your very own eyes. Expect to be enchanted by an evening filled with passion, tragedy and world-class ballet. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to experience this captivating realm of love and rivalry. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

SATURDAY 1 JUNE

Op Shop Trail at Newcastle Repair Café Stepping into an op shop for the first time may be overwhelming. This op shop trail will allow you to discover the excellence of shopping preloved to help reduce waste and reuse what’s already in circulation. Your guide, Mardi Lee, will teach you how to op shop with purpose, show you the best tips, delight in the

affordable pricing, and learn about the uniqueness of second-hand shopping, in addition to the advantages of shopping at more than one op shop. Finish off the trail with a complimentary morning tea and chat about what you have learnt! Bookings are essential and limited; for more information, visit www.newcastlelibraries.com.au