Spring has well and truly sprung across the Hunter, and this weekend serves up floating lanterns on the Maitland river, bucking broncos, markets by the lake and a touch of Broadway magic right here in Newcastle.
Friday
Hunter Valley Rodeo (Hunter Valley) — Dust off your boots and head to Maitland Showground for a night of bucking broncos and big country atmosphere after last year's sellout.
Tobias Celebrates The Cure (Newcastle) — Pull on your eyeliner and head to King Street Hotel as TOBiAS pays heartfelt homage to one of music's most beloved bands.
Riverlights Adult Lantern Making Workshop (Maitland) — Craft your very own lotus lantern to set afloat on the Hunter River as part of Saturday's festival finale.
After Hours w/ Peterson House (Hunter Valley) — Treat yourself to a sparkling evening of fresh seafood, bubbles and good yarns at this special dinner event.
Australian Rugby Shield - Newcastle (Newcastle) — Community rugby's best from around the country hit the paddock all weekend, with entry from just five dollars.
Newcastle Comedy Club Showcase (Newcastle) — Kick off the weekend with a belly laugh as top touring comics and local funny folk take the mic in the CBD.
Saturday
Maitland Riverlights (Maitland) — The riverbank becomes a glowing global village with flavours, sights and sounds from more than forty cultures, capped off by a magical lantern flotilla.
Disney's FROZEN The Broadway Musical (Newcastle) — Elsa and Anna sweep into the Civic Theatre as the Very Popular Theatre Company brings the ice-cool phenomenon to life — opening night is Saturday!
Newcastle Permanent's Cinema Under the Stars (Lake Macquarie) — Grab a picnic rug and the kids for a free movie night under the open sky at Speers Point — a community favourite returns.
Warners Bay Markets (Lake Macquarie) — It's second-Saturday market day by the lake, with stalls full of local makers, bakers and treasure worth browsing.
Let's Surf Lake Macquarie (Lake Macquarie) — Head down to Redhead Beach to watch the next wave of surfing talent carve it up as this council-backed surf celebration kicks off.
Pencil and Watercolour Workshop with Julienne Ross Allcorn (Hunter Valley) — Spend a creative full day at Winmark in Broke learning pencil and watercolour techniques from an acclaimed artist.
Sunday
Walk 4 Hope Newcastle - Huntington's Australia (Lake Macquarie) — Lace up for a feel-good, pram-friendly stroll at Speers Point that raises funds and spirits for Huntington's Australia — all ages welcome.
Spring School Holidays at Hunter Valley Gardens (Hunter Valley) — It's your last day to catch the gardens in full spring bloom with colourful family fun before the holiday program wraps up.
Australian Rugby Shield - Newcastle (Newcastle) — Catch the final day of national community rugby action as the tournament reaches its big-game climax.
Disney's FROZEN The Broadway Musical (Newcastle) — Didn't snag Saturday tickets? The Civic Theatre's snow-dusted spectacular continues on Sunday for the whole family.
Let's Surf Lake Macquarie (Lake Macquarie) — More waves, more grommets, more sunshine — the surf action rolls on at Redhead all day Sunday.
Event details via Destination NSW. Always check with organisers before travelling.
