Morning Newy! It's a cracker of a weekend, with World Cup rugby league in town, artists opening their doors around the lake and plenty of great reasons to get out and about from Friday night right through to Sunday.
Friday
Bunt. at The Beach Hotel (Newcastle) — Kick off your weekend by the sea as Bunt. bring their feel-good beats to The Beach. If you haven't got a ticket yet, move fast!
Good Folk Brewing/Danny's House Party (Newcastle) — Head to Beaumont Street for a proper house party vibe, with live tunes, cold craft beer and pizza, and it won't break the bank.
Twilight Fridays at MAP mima (Lake Macquarie) — The Speers Point arts pavilion kicks off its Friday evening series, a lovely way to ease into the weekend down by the lake.
Lake Macquarie Outdoor Living and Caravan Expo (Lake Macquarie) — Dreaming of the open road? The very first Lake Mac caravan and outdoor living expo opens at Morisset, so come and plan your next big getaway.
Exhibition / Izabela Pluta / Cavitation (Newcastle) — Newcastle's own Izabela Pluta unveils a huge new solo project, made in partnership with a gallery in Poland. It's a real coup for our local arts scene.
Christmas Lights Spectacular at Hunter Valley Gardens (Hunter Valley) — It's early, we know, but Pokolbin is already glowing with millions of twinkling lights, and the kids will be absolutely starry-eyed.
Saturday
Rugby League World Cup 2026 - Men's & Women's Semi Final 1 (Newcastle) — The world's best are in our backyard with a World Cup double-header semi final, men's and women's, and a grand final spot on the line. Don't miss it!
Lake Mac Open Studios (Lake Macquarie) — More than 80 local artists are opening up their studios around the lake, so you can wander in, have a chat and maybe find something special to take home.
Morpeth Treasure Trail (Maitland) — Grab a coffee and go hunting for vintage gems as historic Morpeth turns into one giant treasure trove for the weekend.
Australian Haydn Ensemble - Haydn's Oxford (Lake Macquarie) — Treat yourself to a classy night at Rathmines, where this acclaimed ensemble brings Haydn's grand symphonies to life in a cosy, intimate setting.
Romberg's Dirty Lunch (Newcastle) — Feeling fancy? Settle in for a long rooftop lunch with mini martinis and a little caviar, the perfect Saturday splurge.
Operation Art (Maitland) — A heartwarming showcase of artwork made by young people opens in Maitland, and it's guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
Sunday
Art Sunday (Maitland) — Bring the whole family along for free hands-on art fun in Maitland, where little ones and grown-ups alike can get creative together.
Lake Mac Open Studios (Lake Macquarie) — It's your last chance to studio-hop around the lake and meet the makers behind some seriously beautiful local work.
Morpeth Treasure Trail (Maitland) — Missed it Saturday? There's still time to fossick for retro finds among Morpeth's gorgeous old streets before the trail wraps up.
History Illuminated (Lake Macquarie) — Lake Mac's annual history celebration finishes up today in Warners Bay, a lovely chance to discover the stories behind the places we love.
Lake Macquarie Outdoor Living and Caravan Expo (Lake Macquarie) — It's the final day at Morisset to check out the rigs, the gear and all the camping inspo before the expo packs up.
Tactile - An Exhibition Exploring The Tactile Nature of Clay and Wood (Newcastle) — Catch Karen and Jono's striking clay and wood sculptures on the last day. They mix old-school craft with fresh modern style.
Event details via Destination NSW. Always check with organisers before travelling.
