The last weekend of winter is packed right across the region, so grab a coat and let's map out your Friday to Sunday.
Friday
The Hunter Valley Home Show (Maitland) — Kicking off today and running all weekend, it's your one-stop shop for reno ideas, gadgets and everything for the house and garden.
Newcastle Comedy Club Showcase (Newcastle) — Start the weekend with a laugh as a lineup of top touring comics and local funny folk take the stage in the CBD.
Impact Festival (Lake Macquarie) — Warners Bay is buzzing as Australia's regional contemporary dance festival returns with bold new works and brilliant performers through Sunday.
Kingsley Winter Lodge (Newcastle) — Cosy up by the fire with a warming drink at this alpine-style pop-up — perfect for a wintry Friday night catch-up.
Exhibition / Wendy Sharpe / Into the Dark (Newcastle) — Wander through immersive, labyrinth-like installations from one of Australia's most celebrated painters at this striking solo show.
Saturday
The Hunter Valley Home Show (Maitland) — Make a day of it in Maitland browsing hundreds of exhibitors — a great excuse to finally start that home project.
You are a Universe (Lake Macquarie) — Last chance this weekend to be wrapped in this dreamy 360-degree projection at Speers Point — it wraps up Sunday.
Introduction to Resin Workshop: Create your own Cheeseboard (Lake Macquarie) — Get hands-on in Cardiff and pour yourself a swirly, one-of-a-kind cheeseboard you'll actually take home.
Coffee and Claytime Workshop (Newcastle) — Ease into Saturday morning with a cuppa in hand while you shape your own pottery in a relaxed small group.
Artisan Garden Markets at the Wollombi General Store (Hunter Valley) — Take a country drive to Wollombi and poke around handmade treasures in the heritage courtyard of one of the state's oldest stores.
Sunday
Pokolbin Market (Hunter Valley) — Wine country comes alive every Sunday with local stalls — pair it with a cellar door or two and call it a perfect day out.
Kenny Rogers and Friends Tribute Show - Argenton (Lake Macquarie) — Know when to hold 'em? Local performer Graham G Toole salutes Kenny Rogers, Glen Campbell and John Denver in one big singalong afternoon.
The Hunter Valley Home Show (Maitland) — Final day to wander the stands and snap up show-only deals before the doors close.
Tocal Homestead Open Days (Hunter Valley) — Pack a picnic for the lawns and explore this beautiful historic homestead at your own pace with an audio guide.
Art Sunday (Maitland) — A free creative session where kids of all ages — and the grown-ups too — can roll up their sleeves and make something together.
Event details via Destination NSW. Always check with organisers before travelling.
