The Hunter Women’s Network are hosting a high tea on February 8 at Largs to raise money for the fight against ovarian cancer. Tickets from $40. Email womensnetworkhunter@gmail.com.

EVENTS

Australia Day Warm-Up Sunday. Get ready for the big day at the Metropolitan Hotel in Maitland, who are putting on three great acts (Just Jez, Brace for Whiplash and Yellow Feather Dogs) from noon to 6pm. Includes a sausage sizzle. $5.

Kids Art Maitland Saturday and Sunday. Continuing its month of free art activities, Maitland Regional Art Gallery presents, on Saturday, Cardboard City from 11am to 1pm, and kids sketch club (12 and over) from 2pm to 4pm. On Sunday, take part in art activities related to current exhibitions from 11am to 1pm or take a guided tour (bookings required) from 3pm to 4pm. High Street, Maitland. 4943 9859.

LAMBunctious Weekend Saturday and Sunday. To prepare for Australia Day, Murray’s is putting on a free concert from noon, and presenting food like the Aussie-themed LAMB-bourghini pale ale and lamb pizza.  Thong-throwing competition from 3pm. Murray’s Brewery, Nelson Bay Road, Bobs Farm. Entry free. Bookings required: 4982 6411.

LAMBunctious Weekend Saturday and Sunday. To prepare for Australia Day, Murray’s is putting on a free concert from noon, and presenting food like the Aussie-themed LAMB-bourghini pale ale and lamb pizza.  Thong-throwing competition from 3pm. Murray’s Brewery, Nelson Bay Road, Bobs Farm. Entry free. Bookings required: 4982 6411.

Walka Mini Railway Sunday. Take a 20-minute journey through Walka Reserve on miniature trains, passing through bushland and alongside a scenic lake. Covered footwear required. Walka Water Works, Scobies Lane, Oakhampton. From 11am. $3.

Breakfast with the Birds Sunday. As part of this guided tour, see the diverse flora and fauna found in Hunter wetlands and watch the feeding of the birds. Hunter Wetlands Centre, Sandgate Road, Shortland. 8am. $30. Bookings on 4951 6466.

ENTERTAINMENT

Newcastle Juggling Convention Showcase Saturday. Jugglers from throughout Australia show their skills in a public show at this year’s convention. Circus Avalon Big Top, at Newcastle Police Citizens Youth Club, Broadmeadow. 6pm. trybooking.com.

AUSTRALIA DAY

Maitland Park Thanks to Maitland Mutual, enjoy free breakfast from 7.30am, free face painting, amusement rides and entertainment from 9am to 3pm, and free entry to Maitland Pool. Charity Movie Newcastle Gilbert and Sullivan Society will perform at Regal Cinema, Birmingham Gardens, before a free screening of Australian film Red Dog, to raise money for mental health charity Lifeline. Donations welcome. Shows 3pm and 6.30pm.

Honeysuckle Markets Experience live music, circus workshops, face painting, roving entertainment, international dance performances and multicultural BBQ from 10am to 4pm. Workshop Way, Honeysuckle.

Honeysuckle Hotel As well as playing the Triple J Hottest 100 all day, the hotel also offers face painting, a thong-throwing competition and unbeatable harbour views. 49291499.

Merewether Celebrate the day in style on the top floor of Merewether Surfhouse, who are putting on $5 beer, cider and sausage sandwiches. If sweeping views over the water weren’t enough, they’re playing the Hottest 100 countdown all day.

The Grain Store Count down the top 100 Australian beers and ciders of 2014 and enjoy a special Aussie-themed menu.

Maryville Tavern Drink specials from $5 and a free barbecue.

Lake Macquarie Festival Starting at noon with a flag-raising The Festival will start at noon with a flag raising ceremony, movie Satellite Boy on a big screen, and continue with market stalls, free kids’ activities, local entertainment and the annual Scouts Canoe Race. Fireworks at 9pm. Speers Point Park.

ART

Back to Back Galleries Simpatico, the work of Ruth Chapman and Ros Elkin, to February 8.

Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery Wild Side: The Animal In Art, to February 1; Animal Sanctuary, to February 1; A Tribute: Uncle Jim Ridgeway, to February 1.

Lovett Gallery, Newcastle Library Soccer, to March 6. Nikon Walkley: Photography Exhibition, opens January 26, to March 7.

Maitland Regional Art Gallery Archibald Prize Regional tour, to February 22; Jim Cooper: My family, the album and their animals, to February 8; Remain in Light: Photography from the MCA Collection, to February 1.

Newcastle Art Gallery Kilgour Prize, $50,000 prize for figurative and portrait painting, to January 25; Beards, Mos & Bros, a celebration of the hirsute in art, to January 25; Like Us, Patricia Piccinini, to February 22.

Newcastle Art Space 15 in 15: annual fundraiser and Deposition by Wayne Macartney, to February 8.

Timeless Textiles Anne Leon: Botanical Ephemera, to February15.

MARKETS

Maitland Harvest Saturday, 8am to 11am. Maitland Showground.

Newcastle Farmers Sunday, 8am to 1pm. Newcastle Showground. Also Wednesday, 2.30pm to 9pm.

Swansea Markets Saturday, 7.30am to 1pm. Quinn Park, Galgabba Street, Swansea.

Vietnam Veterans Sunday, 7am to 1pm. Wickham Park Islington.

Lake Macquarie Farmers Markets Saturday, 8am to 1pm. Speers Point Park.

MOVIES

ADVANCED SCREENING

Still Alice (M) When renowned linguistics professor Alice starts to forget words, she receives a devastating diagnosis that tests her family bonds. Stars Julianne Moore, Kristen Stewart and Kate Bosworth. (Tower)

OPENING

American Sniper (MA15+) A biographical war drama based on the life of Chris Kyle (played by Bradley Cooper), who served four tours in Iraq and became the most lethal sniper in US Military history. Directed by Clint Eastwood.

The Wedding Ringer (MA15+) Two weeks away from his wedding, socially-awkward groom Doug hires a best man and seven wacky groomsmen to pretend to be his friends – but the scheme doesn’t exactly go to plan.

NOW SHOWING

Alexander And The Horrible No Good Very Bad Day (PG) Alexander wakes up with gum in his hair, and things just get worse as his day progresses. Stars Jennifer Garner.

Annie (PG) It’s been a hard knock life for Annie (Quvenzhané Wallis) since she was left as a baby with a mean foster mother (Cameron Diaz). But her luck starts to change in this story, set in 2014, when she meets tycoon Will Stacks (Jamie Foxx).

Big Hero 6 (PG) A special bond develops between inflatable robot Baymax, and prodigy Hiro Hamada, who team up with a group of friends to form a band of high-tech heroes.

Birdman (MA15+) In a ploy to revive his declining career, actor Riggan Thomson (Michael Keaton) puts on a Broadway show. But, things don’t go to plan when his castmate is injured. Stars Emma Stone, Edward Norton, Zach Galifianakis and Naomi Watts.

Dumb And Dumber To (M) Twenty years after the original film, Harry (Jeff Daniels) and Lloyd (Jim Carrey) are back for another adventure: finding Harry’s teen daughter.

Finding Vivian Maier (PG) The life of street photographer Vivian Maier, whose thousands of pictures were unearthed by a historian at an auction, is explored through never-before-seen photographs, films, and interviews with those who knew her. (Regal)

The Grand Seduction (M) To survive, a dying Canadian fishing village must convince a young doctor to take up residence by any means necessary. Trouble is, they are terrible liars. Remake of French-Canadian hit comedy, Seducing Doctor Lewis. (Regal)

The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies (M) The Company of Thorin has reached Smaug’s lair; but can Bilbo and the dwarfs reclaim Erebor and the treasure? And, if so, can they hold on to it?

The Imitation Game (M) British mathematician Alan Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch) tries to crack the Enigma code, which the Germans use to encrypt their communications, during WWII. Also stars Keira Knightley.

Into The Woods (PG) A childless couple (James Corden and Emily Blunt) venture into a magical forest to collect items from famous fairytale characters after they’re cursed by a witch (Meryl Streep). Also stars Anna Kendrick, Johnny Depp and Chris Pine.

Living Is Easy With Eyes Closed (M) When John Lennon arrives in the Spanish city of Almeria to shoot a film, English teacher Antonio travels to meet his hero. On the way he is joined by two runaways, and together they journey across the the sun-drenched Spanish countryside. Part of the Six Summer Flicks Festival. (Tower)

Mr Turner (M) Explores the final 25 years of eccentric British painter J.M.W. Turner, as he travels, paints, stays with the country aristocracy, and claims a spot as a popular if anarchic member of the Royal Academy of Arts. (Avoca)

My Old Lady (M) When an American man (Kevin Kline) inherits an apartment in Paris, it comes with an unexpected resident (Maggie Smith). (Regal)

Night At The Museum: Secret Of The Tomb (PG) Museum security guard Larry (Ben Stiller) travels the globe to unite favourite characters (including the late Robin Williams, in one of his last films) in an epic quest to save museum magic.

Of Mice And Men This landmark Broadway revival of John Steinbeck’s play is a powerful portrait of the American spirit. Filmed by National Theatre Live, it stars James Franco, Chris O’Dowd and Leighton Meester (Gossip Girl). The production was nominated for two Tony Awards. (Avoca Beach)

Paddington (G) The Brown family take in Paddington, a polite young bear from Peru who travels to London in search of a home and a family. Based on the famous books by Michael Bond.

Paper Planes (G) In this uplifting Australian film, a young boy enlists the help of his family to train and compete in the World Paper Plane Championships in Japan.

Penguins Of Madagascar (G) After their starring role in Madagascar, penguins Skipper, Kowalski, Rico and Private join forces with an undercover organisation to help save the world. Voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch, John Malkovich and Werner Herzog.

Pride (M) During the lengthy miners’ strike in the summer of 1984, Gay and Lesbian activists from London begin a campaign of solidarity to raise money for a struggling Welsh town. (Regal)

St Vincent (M) A young boy whose parents have just divorced finds an unlikely friend and mentor in the gambling, alcoholic veteran (Bill Murray) who lives next door. (Regal)

Taken 3 (M) In the final instalment to this cult revenge trilogy, ex-government agent Bryan Mills (Liam Neeson)  must use his unique set of skills to exonerate himself when he’s falsely accused of  murder. 

Unbroken (M) Based on the true story of US Olympian Louis Zamperini, who survived a WWII plane crash, drifted in a raft for more than a month, then was captured by Japanese soldiers and made a Prisoner of War. Directed by Angelina Jolie.

The Water Diviner (M) Four years after his sons are reported missing in action in Gallipoli, Australian farmer Connor (Russell Crowe) travels to Istanbul to discover their fate.

Wild (MA15+) After several turbulent years in her life, including a divorce and the death of her mother, Cheryl Strayed (Reese Witherspoon) sets out alone to hike the Pacific Crest Trail, one of America’s longest and toughest, despite having no outdoors experience. Based on a true story. (Tower; Event Glendale)

MUSIC

 5 Sawyers Saturday, DJ Sean Andrews. Sunday, DJ Jonathan.

 Absolute Thai Saturday, Dynamite.

 Anna Bay Tavern Saturday, Slam Tango. Sunday, Dean Dee.

 Argyle House Saturday, Stavros3000.

 Bar 121 Saturday, Rubber Bullet.

 Bar Petite Saturday, Dean Kyrwood. Sunday, Crocq.

 Beauford Hotel Saturday, Grayson.

 Belmont 16 Footers Saturday, The Cruisers. Sunday, Franky & Johnny.

 Belmore Hotel Saturday, Sun Hill Drive.

 Beresfield Bowling Club Saturday, Rock Oz.

 The Bradford Saturday, Liz Aday. Sunday, Jackson Halliday.

 Cambridge Hotel Sunday, Helm, Glass Oceans, Self Is A Seed.

 Cardiff RSL Club Saturday, GenX. Sunday, Rock Oz.

 Catho Pub Sunday, Marriah.

 Central Charlestown Leagues Club Saturday, Matt Semmens.

 Cessnock Rugby League Supporters Club Saturday, The Big Bang.

 Club Kotara Saturday, Mark Wells.

 Club Lemon Tree Saturday, Troy. Sunday, Michael Mills.

 Club Maitland City Sunday, James Chatburn.

 Colliery Inn Saturday, Pete Sneddon.

 Commercial Hotel Morpeth Saturday, Loko.

 Cricketers Arms Saturday, James Naldo.

 Criterion Hotel Carrington Sunday, Matt Mclaren.

 Customs House Hotel Saturday, Matteo. Sunday, Ben Travis.

 D’albora Marina Saturday, Ben Travis, Kim. Sunday, Chris Phillips.

 Denman Hotel Sunday, Todd Stewart Duo.

 Dora Creek Workers Club Sunday, Bec Willis.

 Duke Of Wellington Saturday, Daniel Arvidson.

 East’s Leisure And Golf Saturday, Shazza’s Karaoke.

 East Maitland Bowling Club Saturday, Flying Mare. Sunday, Emile.

 Edgeworth Bowling Club Sunday, Deborah Sinclair.

 Entrance Leagues Club Saturday, Dr Love.

 Finnegans Hotel Saturday, Misbehave, Resident DJs.

 Gateshead Tavern Sunday, Izzy And Leeroy.

 George Tavern Saturday, AdzDrumz.

 The Grain Store Saturday, Scotty Gelzinnis with Harry Gelzinnis. Sunday, JJ King.

 Grand Junction Hotel Saturday, The Junes. Sunday, The Aussie Beef Week Show.

 Gunyah Hotel Saturday, Mardmax. Sunday, GenR8.

 Hamilton Station Hotel Saturday, Live It Up Karaoke. Sunday, Jen Buxton, New Original Artists.

 Honeysuckle Hotel Sunday, Kylie Jane Trio.

 Hotel Delany Saturday, 4 Letter Word. Sunday, Sean Andrews.

 Hotel Jesmond Saturday, Phonic Duo.

 Kent Hotel Saturday, Code Red, The Rub. Sunday, Finn.

 King Street Hotel Saturday, SCNDL. Sunday, Laneway Party: Jaytee, K-Rock, Sam Idols, DJ RPM.

 Lake Macquarie Tavern Saturday, Karaoke.

 Lambton Park Hotel Sunday, Celebrate the Australia Day Weekend with Jake Folbigg.

 Lass O’Gowrie Saturday, The Hedonists, Sicaria.

 Lizotte’s Newcastle Saturday, Frankie J Holden & Wilbur Wilde.

 Long Jetty Hotel Saturday, Kirsty Larkin. Sunday, Open Mic Day With Kate Keighran. 

 Mark Hotel Saturday, Pete Gelzinnis. Sunday, DV8.

 Mary Ellen Saturday, Freetones Duo. Sunday, Damien.

 Mattara Hotel  Saturday, Showtime Disco & Karaoke.

 Mavericks On The Bay Saturday, Greg Bryce. Sunday, Mick Jones.

 Merewether Surfhouse Sunday, Jerome.

 Metropolitan Hotel Maitland Sunday, Just Jez, Brace For Whiplash, Yellow Feather Dogs. 

 Moonshadow Cruises Nelson Bay Saturday, Edie Love.

 Museum Hotel Saturday, White Room.

 Nag’s Head Hotel Saturday, The Remedy. Sunday, The Ride Ons.

 Nelson Bay Bowling Club Saturday, All In Good Fun Karaoke. Sunday, All In Good Fun Karaoke.

 Nelson Bay Diggers Saturday, The Gaudrys. Sunday, Zane Penn Duo.

 The Newcastle Club Saturday, Marissa Lee.

 Northern Star Hotel Saturday, The Bad & The Ugly.

 Oriental Hotel Saturday, Graeme Mills. Sunday, Graeme Mills.

 Pearl Beach Cafe Saturday, Ryan Daley.

 Pedens At Cessnock Saturday, Tres Hombres.

 Pippis At The Point Saturday, Hey Poncho. Sunday, Karen O’Shea.

 The Pourhouse Saturday, Ian Henry.

 Premier Hotel Saturday, Frets With Benefits. Sunday, The Years.

 Prince Of Wales Saturday, Mick Jones. Sunday, Sleepers.

 Queens Wharf Hotel (The Brewery) Saturday, Katrina Burgoyne, DJ Sean Michael. Sunday, Jason Bone, Jon-T.

 Racecourse Hotel Saturday, Michael Mills.

 Railway Hotel Cessnock Saturday, John Larder.

 Regal Kurri Hotel Saturday, Secret Society.

 Royal Crown Hotel Dudley Saturday, You’re The Star Karaoke. Sunday, Live Music.

 Royal Federal Hotel Saturday, The Nick Raschke Duo.

 Royal Hotel Denman Sunday, Loose Change.

 Royal Hotel Singleton Sunday, James Naldo.

 Royal Inn Waratah Saturday, Pistol Pete.

 Rutherford Hotel Saturday, Kellie Cain.

 Salamander Shores Saturday, Sundays Record.