Spring has well and truly sprung across the Hunter, and this weekend serves up everything from circus glamour in the city to blooming gardens in Maitland and a multisport showdown at Fingal Bay.
Friday
Loca Vida (Newcastle) — The Spiegeltent is back in town, and its brand-new spring show promises a night of glitz, cheek and jaw-dropping performance.
Sharpe Office Newcastle Gold Cup Race Day (Newcastle) — Frock up and head trackside for one of Newcastle racing's biggest days of the year.
The Lieutenant Of Inishmore (Newcastle) — This wickedly dark comedy about revenge gone very wrong is only on stage for a few more days.
Almost, Maine (Maitland) — A charming, whimsical play about love in a tiny town opens in Maitland this weekend.
Studio A - Catherine McGuiness: Night Blossom (Lake Macquarie) — Friday is your last chance to catch this striking debut solo show at Booragul.
Saturday
Maitland Garden Ramble (Maitland) — Wander through Maitland's loveliest private gardens as they burst into spring colour.
Port Stephens Multisport Festival (Port Stephens) — Fingal Bay's beaches and bushland become the playground for a big weekend of off-road racing.
Handmade in the Hunter Markets (Hunter Valley) — Browse stalls of locally made, baked, grown and sewn goodies among the Pokolbin vines.
HIA Newcastle Homeshow (Newcastle) — Renovators and dreamers, the Hunter's biggest home building show wraps up this weekend.
Sculpture in the Vineyards (Hunter Valley) — Make a day trip to Wollombi where art meets rolling vineyard country in this biennial sculpture festival.
Learn to Crochet Workshop (Maitland) — Pick up a hook and learn a new skill in this relaxed beginner session with artist Lisa Wiseman.
Sunday
Run 4 RUN DIPG (Lake Macquarie) — Lace up at Redhead for a feel-good community run supporting childhood brain cancer research.
Mount Pleasant X Rick Stein Winemakers Lunch (Port Stephens) — Settle in at Soldiers Point for a long lunch pairing celebrated wines with the stories behind them.
Port Stephens Multisport Festival (Port Stephens) — Day two of the coastal action continues around Fingal Bay's beaches and national parks.
Maitland Garden Ramble (Maitland) — Missed Saturday? The garden gates stay open Sunday for one last springtime stroll.
Loca Vida (Newcastle) — Round out your weekend with a dose of Spiegeltent magic in the heart of the city.
Event details via Destination NSW. Always check with organisers before travelling.
