Spring has well and truly sprung across the Hunter, and from Charlestown to Pokolbin there's a weekend packed with cabaret, blooms, footy and markets waiting for you.
Friday
Loca Vida at the Spiegeltent (Newcastle) — Step behind the velvet curtain for a sizzling new circus-cabaret spectacular in Newcastle's beloved Spiegeltent — it's only here until Sunday, so don't dawdle.
Manhattan Short Film Festival (Lake Macquarie) — Warners Bay joins hundreds of cities worldwide as film fans watch the finalists and cast their vote for the world's favourite short.
New Annual – Bloom (Lake Macquarie) — Lose yourself in a larger-than-life garden of art at Charlestown before this immersive installation wraps up on Saturday.
Almost, Maine (Maitland) — A warm, whimsical night of theatre full of love stories and laughs, playing in Maitland through the weekend.
Spring School Holidays at Hunter Valley Gardens (Hunter Valley) — Pack the kids into the car and soak up the spring colour at Pokolbin's famous gardens, in full holiday-mode all week.
Saturday
Newcastle Permanent's Cinema Under the Stars (Maitland) — Grab a picnic rug and the whole family for a free movie night under the open sky — a Maitland favourite making its big return.
Rebecca O'Connor: Simply the Best as Tina Turner (Lake Macquarie) — Warners Bay turns up the volume with a high-energy tribute to the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll — expect big hair and even bigger hits.
Maitland's True Crime Tour (Maitland) — Wander Maitland's grand old streets and uncover the dark secrets and haunted history hiding behind the heritage facades.
Loca Vida at the Spiegeltent (Newcastle) — Saturday night done right — glitz, glamour and jaw-dropping acts inside the mirrored tent in the heart of town.
A Claytime Workshop (Newcastle) — Ease into the morning with coffee in hand and clay on the wheel at this relaxed small-group pottery session.
Sunday
NRL Grand Final Live Site (Maitland) — The Knights are in the big dance, so pull on the red and blue and roar them home with the whole town at Maitland's live site.
Pokolbin Market (Hunter Valley) — Sunday morning in wine country means fresh produce, local makers and a lazy wander through the heart of Pokolbin.
Maitland Rail Museum Open Day (Maitland) — Step back into the steam era and explore a beautifully preserved slice of Victorian railway history with the family.
Loca Vida at the Spiegeltent (Newcastle) — It's the final night to catch Newcastle's hottest ticket this spring — one last chance to see the Spiegeltent sparkle.
Artisan Garden Markets at the Wollombi General Store (Hunter Valley) — Make a day trip of it and browse handmade treasures in the heritage courtyard of one of the state's oldest trading stores.
Event details via Destination NSW. Always check with organisers before travelling.
