Winter's on the way out and the region is buzzing, so grab your calendar because we've found something for everyone from Maitland to the lake this weekend.
Friday
The Hunter Valley Home Show (Maitland) — Kick off the weekend browsing everything for the house and garden as this big three-day expo throws open its doors in Maitland.
Impact Festival (Lake Macquarie) — Warners Bay is alive with movement as Australia's regional contemporary dance festival returns for its second year.
Exhibition / Wendy Sharpe / Into the Dark (Newcastle) — Wander through immersive labyrinth-style installations and watch a mural come to life in this striking solo show from one of Australia's best-known painters.
Valley Estate Agents Charity Ball Supporting Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation (Maitland) — Frock up for a great cause on Friday night, with every dollar raised heading straight to the Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation.
Newcastle Comedy Club Showcase (Newcastle) — Start the weekend with a laugh as top touring comics and local up-and-comers hit the stage in the CBD.
Kingsley Winter Lodge (Newcastle) — Cosy up by the fireplace with a warming drink at this alpine-style pop-up right in town.
Saturday
Handmade in the Hunter Markets (Hunter Valley) — Stroll the stalls in Pokolbin and stock up on locally made, baked, grown and sewn goodies straight from the makers.
Sourdough Class at Historic Arnott Bakehouse (Hunter Valley) — Roll up your sleeves in Morpeth and learn the secrets of a perfect loaf from one of the founders of Morpeth Sourdough Bakery.
You are a Universe: by Ryan Wild featuring Juundaal Strang-Yettica (Lake Macquarie) — Catch the final days of this dazzling 360-degree projection at Speers Point before it disappears on Sunday.
Introduction to Resin Workshop: Create your own Cheeseboard (Lake Macquarie) — Get hands-on in Cardiff and pour, swirl and create your very own resin cheeseboard to take home.
The Hunter Valley Home Show (Maitland) — Saturday is prime time to chat with exhibitors and gather ideas for your next reno or garden project.
Coffee and Claytime Workshop (Newcastle) — Ease into the morning with a coffee in one hand and clay in the other at this relaxed small-group pottery session.
Sunday
Kenny Rogers and Friends Tribute Show - Argenton (Lake Macquarie) — Local performer Graham G Toole channels Kenny Rogers, Glen Campbell and John Denver for a nostalgic Sunday singalong in Argenton.
The Hunter Valley Home Show (Maitland) — It's your last chance to snap up show deals as the home show wraps up its final day.
Impact Festival (Lake Macquarie) — Round out the weekend with the closing performances of this bold contemporary dance celebration in Warners Bay.
Elemental (Newcastle) — Take a quiet Sunday moment with this thoughtful exhibition pairing ceramics and photography around themes of transformation.
Artisan Garden Markets at the Wollombi General Store (Hunter Valley) — Make a country drive of it and browse artisan wares in the heritage courtyard of one of NSW's oldest trading stores.
Event details via Destination NSW. Always check with organisers before travelling.
