Your guide to what's on in Newcastle and the Hunter this weekend | Weekend Planner
SATURDAY
Living Smart Festival - Day One 8am to 2pm, Speers Point Park, Speers Point. One of Australia's largest sustainability events is celebrating its 10th anniversary with workshops, cooking demonstrations, eco-living displays and more. Gardening Australia host Costa Georgiadis is the headline presenter.
Newcastle Stitches & Craft 2019 Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 4pm, Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Broadmeadow.
Street Feast 4pm to 8pm, Foreshore Park, Newcastle East.
Flowers in the Vines 11am to 3pm, Saddlers Creek Winery, 15 Marrowbone Road, Pokolbin. The finale celebration for 28 days in Flowers. Local artisan market stalls; flower crown making workshop by Jade Hull; Flowers for Frida photography session; fun activities for the kids; wreath making; drumming and more.
Maitland Relay For Life 1pm Saturday until 8am Sunday, Marcellin Park, Glenarvon Road, Lorn.
Tooheys 150th Celebration 2pm, Bar 88 at Wests New Lambton. Doug Walters; Andrew 'Bobcat' Ryan; competitions and more.
PCYC Lake Macquarie Fight Night 6pm to 9.30pm, Club Charlestown, 5 Lincoln Street, Charlestown. A fundraiser for the club and local youth.
BBQ For Boobs 11am onwards, Pelican Foreshore. A fundraiser for The Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation. Raffle, sausage sizzle, coffee, cold drinks, a jumping castle, ice-cream and music.
Spring Time in the Garden Saturday and Sunday, Hunter Valley Gardens, Pokolbin. Also, 360 All Stars at Hunter Valley Gardens Saturday and Sunday, 9am to 5pm. Until October 13. Breakdancers, beatboxing and more.
NICU Babies Ball 2019 6pm, NEX Newcastle. Supporting the Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit at John Hunter Hospital.
Kids Pretzel Decorating Noon to 2pm, Beerhaus, Westfield Kotara. $5; book at beerhaus.com.au
Lego Construction Plus 10.30am to 11.30am, East Maitland Library, 3 Garnett Road, East Maitland.
First Release Wine Week Saturday and Sunday, various venues along Hermitage Road, Pokolbin. Full program of events at aroundhermitage.com.au. Includes wine and chocolate tasting, tutorials, horse riding, Wine Escape Room, picnics, long lunches and more.
Family Fun Fest and 40th Anniversary Celebrations Saturday and Sunday, 9.30am to 5pm, Richmond Vale Railway Museum, Main Road 135, Leggett's Drive, Richmond Vale. Ride the trains; activities and displays; model trains; face painting; wood turning.
Plant Party on the Platform 9am, The Station Newcastle. Launch of The Green Altar.
Baby & Child CPR & First Aid Noon to 3pm, The Place, corner Frederick and Pearson streets, Charlestown. Tickets $75 at mybabybasics.com.au
Stockton SLSC Open Day 10am onwards, Stockton Surf Life Saving Club.
The Paddock - Thornton Community Garden 9am to noon, 34 Government Road, Thornton. Fresh local produce; coffee and treats; children's activities and rock painting. Bring your own bag.
2019 Thurkell Trophy Saturday and Sunday, Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club. Youth regatta.
HSPA Stage Band - The Last Hurrah Concert 6pm to 10pm, Newcastle Diggers.
The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Ugly Animals 2pm to 3pm, Harry Hartog Bookseller, Westfield Kotara. A book signing, author talk, fun art lessons and book launch with Newcastle author and illustrator, Sami Bayly.
SUNDAY
Living Smart Festival - Day Two - Sunday Sessions 11am to 4pm, Speers Point Park, Speers Point. Food; fresh beverages; entertainment; an over-18s bar; live music ft Jack The Fox, Tim Harding, Mark Wells, Jarrad & Brie Acoustic Duo, Megan Core Music, Jai Maree, The Andy Show, Sam Windley, Sione, Beth Gleeson.
Marvel Family Fun Day 11am onwards, Sydney Junction Hotel, Hamilton. Book a table (11.30am or 1.30pm) and eat while the kids enjoy face painting, superhero arts and crafts, a jumping castle and a colouring-in competition.
Poetry Reading 6pm, Secret Book Stuff, Newcastle. Featured poet is Ela Fornalska.
Sunday Sessions at The Station Noon to 7pm, The Station Newcastle. Featured local winery; live entertainment; lounge chairs; a dance floor; food truck.
Newcastle Colour Frenzy 8.30am, Foreshore Park, 32 Wharf Road, Newcastle.
Bold BRCA Brunch 9.30am, Newcastle Food & Flower Markets, 1 Rural Drive, Sandgate. A fundraiser for Pink Hope.
Sing Out For Murrurundi 2pm to 4.30pm, Belmont 16s. A fundraising concert to support the farming community of Murrurundi's Pop-Up Pantry. Features Connor Wink, The Newcastle Novatones, Eastlakes Ukulele Group, The Clan McEwan Pipe Band & Dancers, Sing Australia Belmont and Friends.
Fun Day Sunday on The Deck 11am to 2pm, Marketown Newcastle. Face painting and entertainment for the kids.
Learn and Play Beach Volleyball 2.15pm, Nobby's Beach, Newcastle.
Family Fun Fair Noon, Hamilton North Bowling Club. A jumping castle, family bowls competition, music soloist, raffles, children's activities and more.
SAVE THE DATE
Inflatable Fun at The Station Newcastle (September 30 to October 2; October 7 to 10). The Station Platform will be transformed into an inflatable wonderland with putt putt mini golf, pony carts, food trucks, fairy floss, popcorn and more. $15 per child for a two-hour session (10am to noon; noon to 2pm; 2pm to 4pm). Tickets can be purchased at The Station.
Also, the first Hunter Valley Raid My Wardrobe will be held at Singleton Diggers on Sunday, October 20, 10am to 1pm. $5 entry fee, free parking, coffee and refreshments available. Cash sales only. ATM onsite.
MARKETS
Belmont North Markets Saturday, 9am to 2pm, 114a Ntaba Road, Belmont.
Lake Macquarie City Farmers Market Saturday, 7.30am to 2pm, Speers Point Park, Speers Point.
Newcastle Food & Flower Markets Saturday, 8am to 2pm, 1 Rural Drive, Sandgate.
Market Day Saturday, 8am to 1pm, New Lambton Uniting Church, 48 regent Street, New Lambton.
Hunter Wine Country Markets Saturday, 9am to 3pm, De Bortoli Wines, 532 Wine Country Drive, Pokolbin.
Handmade in the Hunter Markets Saturday, 9am to 3pm, Kevin Sobels Wines, 5 Halls Road, Pokolbin.
Hamilton Clocktower Markets Saturday, 8am to 2pm, James Street Plaza, Hamilton.
Adamstown Lions Market Sunday, 7am to 1pm, corner Brunker and Glebe roads, Adamstown.
Hunter Street Organic Markets Saturday, 9am to 3pm, Hunter Street Mall, Newcastle.
Newcastle City Farmers Market Sunday, 7am to 1pm, Newcastle Showground, Broadmeadow.
Newcastle & Hunter Vietnam Veterans Inc. Market Sunday, 6am to 1pm, Wickham Park, Islington.
Softys Merch Markets Sunday, 11am to 4pm, Softy's Clubhouse, 20 Maitland Road, Newcastle.
ARTS
Newcastle Library Local History Lounge The Queen's Album.
Make Space Newcastle Stance - Surf Art & Photography Exhibition.
University of Newcastle Gallery Steel Life, by Murray McKean, until October 19.
Cooks Hill Galleries La Danse, by Bruce Rowland, until October 14.
Art Systems Wickham There is Another World But it is This One, by John Heaney, until October 6.
Brough House, Museum of Clothing High Street Maitland - Coming to Town in the 50s, until November 30.
The Lock Up An Immeasurable Distance, by Emma Fielden, until October 6.
SEEN@Swansea Industrial Landscapes, until October 6.
Hunter Wetlands Centre Inspired By The Wetlands, ends Saturday.
Dungog Contemporary Two, until October 13.
Watt Space Gallery Objectify, ends Sunday.
CStudios Art Gallery Janelle Goldman; Journey Through Winter, by Ros Elkin, ends Saturday.
Maitland Regional Art Gallery Stories from Wonnarua Country, until October 13. Somewhere Else, by Lottie Consalvo; The Nightingale and The Rose, by Del Kathryn Barton, until November 3. The Myth of the Angry Wizards of Maitland, by Frank Oakes; Time Traveller, by Suzanne Archer; In The Light of the Day, by Nola Tegel, until November 17. A Poem For Maitland - In celebration of the Maitland Region Society of Artists 21st Birthday, until November 24. Unfolding Time, Penelope Seidler's Gift to Maitland, until February 16. Free Art Sunday.
Hunter Artisan Gallery & Cafe Decadent Deco, by Judy Duncan, ends Sunday.
Port Stephens Community Arts Centre Fabulous Fakes; Pastel Artworks, a Fusion Display and Quilting Challenge, until October 22.
Newcastle Museum Earthquake - Now and Then, 30 Years, until October 27.
Blackstone Gallery The Cleaning Ritual, by Danielle Delaney, until September 30.
Newcastle Art Gallery Introducing: From the collection; Kilgour Prize 2019, until October 13. Off the Canvas, by Robert Dickerson, until November 3.
Curve Gallery & Studios Piopiotahi, by Jane Lander, until October 19.
The Creator Incubator Baroque-a-Coco, by Jen Denzin, Bridie Watt, Joanne Black, Lyndal Campbell.
THEATRE
Season's Greetings Alan Ayckbourn's comedy has people getting together for a Christmas celebration, with many amusing things coming out in their words and actions. Newcastle Dinner Theatre, at St Matthew's Church Hall, Georgetown. Saturday, dinner and show at 7pm, show only at 8pm (final shows). 0403 705 680.
MUSIC
5 Sawyers Saturday, DJ Urby.
Adamstown Uniting Church Saturday, Russian Rehab: The Barbarians.
Anna Bay Tavern Saturday, The Way. Sunday, Andrew G.
Argenton Hotel Sunday, Kaylens Rain Duo.
Babylon Sunday, Speakeasy Sunday ft The Half Nelson Jazz Band.
Belmont 16s Saturday, Gen-X. Sunday, 2 Left Feet.
Belmont Hotel Saturday, Kristy J Duo.
Belmore Hotel Saturday, FEELS, Alias.
Beresfield Bowling Club Saturday, 24 Hours. Sunday, Rave On.
The Black Malabar Sunday, Bandaluza Flamenco.
The Bradford Saturday, Born Jovi - The Bon Jovi Show, No Exit - The Angels Show.
Brokenwood Wines Saturday, Brokenwood on The Terrace.
Burwood Inn Saturday, Austin Mackay.
Cambridge Hotel Sunday, Doko, She's My You, Hazel Dazel.
Cardiff RSL Club Saturday, GenR8. Sunday, Matt McLaren.
Carrington Bowling Club Sunday, Kids Disco.
Catho Pub Sunday, Busta Thong.
Caves Beach Surf Life Saving Club Sunday, Craig Thommo.
Caves Coastal Bar & Bungalows Sunday, Hayden Johns.
Central Leagues Club Sunday, Geoff Powers West Coast Jazz Band.
Cessnock Leagues Club Saturday, Solid Gold Party Night.
Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle Sunday, Cathedral Brass.
Civic Theatre Saturday, Cliff Richards & The Shadows 60th Anniversary Tribute Concert. Sunday, Kris Kristofferson.
Club Charlestown Saturday, Shooting Molly.
Club Kotara Saturday, Alias.
Club Maitland City Saturday, Chad Shuttleworth.
Colliery Inn Sunday, TomKaT Duo.
Commercial Hotel Morpeth Saturday, Craig Thommo.
Cranky Rock, Wollombi Saturday-Sunday, Wollombi Music Festival (sold out).
The Crown & Anchor Hotel Sunday, Level Up Sundays.
Customs House Sunday, Greg Bryce.
Cypress Lakes Saturday, Megan Core.
D'Albora Marina Saturday, Chad Shuttleworth.
Duke Of Wellington Saturday, Jackson Broadway.
East Cessnock Bowling Club Saturday, Homegrown 2.
East Maitland Bowling Club Saturday, Code Red. Sunday, Zane Penn.
Easts Leisure & Golf Club Sunday, Jim Overend.
Edgeworth Bowling Club Saturday, Tailgate Drive.
Edgeworth Tavern Saturday, Slam Tango.
Exchange Hotel Saturday, Area 51 Glowstick Party.
Family Hotel Newcastle Saturday, Saturday Knights.
Finnegans Saturday, Kidd Kaos, Zannon.
Gateshead Tavern Sunday, Darren Rolling Keys Duo.
George Tavern Saturday, Sari Jade & Spike.
Goldfish Bar & Kitchen Sunday, Goldfish Sunday Sessions.
Grand Junction Hotel Sunday, Sam Newton Band.
Great Northern Hotel Newcastle Saturday, 2GoodReasons.
Great Northern Hotel Teralba Saturday, Big Night Out.
Gunyah Hotel Saturday, Nano. Sunday, Jackson Broadway.
Hamilton Station Hotel Saturday, Tsugnarly Bunyip Tour, I Hate People, Grim. Sunday, The Shadow Cast Residency (Lachlan X Morris, Boots Porter).
Harrigan's Pokolbin Saturday, MAK.
Hexham Bowling Club Saturday, Paparazzi.
Hiss & Crackle Records Saturday, Sleepeaser.
Honeysuckle Hotel Saturday, Jump. Sunday, Megan Core.
Imperial Hotel Maitland Saturday, The After Party Trio.
Imperial Hotel Singleton Saturday, Jason Curruthers with Coaltrain.
Iron Horse Inn Saturday, Bobby C.
Jewells Tavern Saturday, The Big Bang Band.
Karuah Motor Yacht Club Saturday, Darren Rolling Keys.
Kent Hotel Saturday, Misbehave. Sunday, Bounty Hunters Band.
King Street Hotel Saturday, Riton.
Lass O'Gowrie Hotel Saturday, The Fighting Fish, Garven, Jesse Madigan, Liquid Joy, Clayhands, DANCE DANCE, Zoot, Newdark, India & the Journey to The East, WELL?
Ed Kuepper
Lizotte's Saturday, Ed Kuepper. Sunday, Big Country.
Lucky Hotel Saturday, Jake Davey. Sunday, Howard Shearman.
Mary Ellen Hotel Saturday, Love That Hat.
Maryland Tavern Saturday, Hornet.
Mattara Hotel Saturday, Emily Smith.
Mavericks On The Bay Saturday, Jon Matthews. Sunday, Reg Sinclair.
Mavericks On Darby Saturday, Mick Jones.
Mayfield Ex-Services Saturday, MardMax Trio.
Mezz Bar at Wallsend Diggers Saturday, Bad Paris, DJ 88. Sunday, Kaylah Anne.
Miller Park Sports Club Saturday, All In Good Fun Karaoke.
Murray's Brewery Saturday, Oktoberfest, Elisa Kate. Sunday, Dean Kyrwood.
Nag's Head Hotel Saturday, Pap & That.
Nelson Bay Diggers Saturday, Spank N The Monkey.
Nelson Bay Golf Club Saturday, Beth Gleeson. Sunday, James Paul.
Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club Sunday, Kazzie.
Newcastle Diggers Saturday, HSPA Stage Band - The Last Hurrah Concert.
Northern Star Hotel Friday, Brent Murphy. Saturday, John Larder, Nickerson.
Pelican RSL Saturday, INXS Tribute Show.
Pippis At The Point Saturday, Shaka. Sunday, David McCredie.
The Pourhouse Saturday, Oktoberfest 2019.
Prince of Wales Hotel Saturday, Byren.
Queens Wharf Hotel Saturday, Pocket Aces, Big Night Out, Matt Semmens. Sunday, Love That Hat, Wharf Life.
Raymond Terrace Bowling Club Sunday, Steve Werren.
Royal Federal Hotel Branxton Saturday, Shivoo.
Royal Hotel Singleton Sunday, Crawford Brothers.
Royal Motor Yacht Club Toronto Saturday, All In Good Fun Karaoke. Sunday, James Naldo.
Rutherford Hotel Saturday, Scully.
Seabreeze Hotel Saturday, The Core. Sunday, Big Pete.
Shaft Hotel Sunday, Max Jackson.
Shenanigans at The Imperial Saturday, The After Party Trio.
Shoal Bay Country Club Saturday, The V Dubs. Sunday, Mick Jones.
Shortland Hotel Saturday, Darren.
Singleton Diggers Saturday, One Hit Wonders.
The Small Ballroom Saturday, Georgina Grimshaw EP launch, Sandy Louise.
Soldiers Point Bowling Club Saturday, Snape Trilogy. Sunday, Kids Disco.
Speers Point Park Saturday, Kempy, Matt McLaren Duo.
Stag and Hunter Hotel Saturday, The Fossicks.
Star Hotel Saturday, Keys on King.
The Station Newcastle Sunday, Sunday Sessions.
Swansea Belmont Surf Lifesaving Club Sunday, John Larder.
Swansea Hotel Saturday, City Beats. Sunday, Kristy J Duo.
Swansea RSL Club Saturday, Hummdinger Duo.
Swansea Workers Club Sunday, Maryann Rex.
Tilligerry RSL Saturday, James Naldo.
Toronto Hotel Saturday, Rock The Lake ft Jets Play Jets, Damnation, All Access 80s. Sunday, ROX.
Toronto Workers Saturday, The Flattrackers.
Town Hall HotelSaturday, You're The Star Karaoke.
Victoria Hotel Hinton Saturday, Daniel Arvidson. Sunday, Matt McLaren.
Vincent St Kitchen & Bar Cessnock Saturday, Matt McLaren Duo.
Wangi Wangi RSL Club Sunday, Morning Glory.
Wangi Workers Sunday, Emile.
Warners at the Bay Saturday, Zane Penn Duo.
Warners Bay Hotel Saturday, Overload.
Wests Cardiff Saturday, Cruzers.
Wests Nelson Bay Saturday, Spank N The Monkey. Sunday, Mark Wells.
Wests New LambtonSaturday, Loko. Tuesday, Angamus.
Wests NEX Saturday, The Gaudrys.
Wickham Park Hotel Saturday, Surfing the Spectrum fundraiser ft The Ride Ons, The Blues Bombers, JJ King. Sunday, Madelyn Live, The Years.
Windsor Castle Hotel Saturday, Junior and Luana.
MOVIES
Abominable (G) When a mischievous group of friends encounter a young Yeti, they embark upon an epic quest to reunite the magical creature with his family at the highest point on Earth. (Lake Cinema)
A Dog's Journey (PG) Bailey is living the good life on the farm of Ethan and Hannah. As Bailey's soul prepares to leave this life for a new one, he promises Ethan to find CJ and protect her at any cost.
Ad Astra (M) Astronaut Roy McBride (Brad Pitt) travels to the outer edges of the solar system to find his missing father and unravel a mystery that threatens the survival of our planet.
After (M) Entering her first semester of college, Tessa's guarded world opens up when she meets Hardin Scott, a mysterious and brooding rebel who makes her question all she thought she knew about herself -- and what she wants out of life.
Angel Has Fallen (MA) Secret Service Agent Mike Banning is framed for the attempted assassination of the President and must evade his own agency and the FBI as he tries to uncover the real threat.
Armstrong (G) A dramatic and emotional documentary that features never-before-seen family home-movie footage, along with still and moving images that chronicle Neil Armstrong's incredible life.
Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan (MA 15+) Australian and New Zealand soldiers take on battle-hardened Viet Cong and North Vietnamese soldiers. (Lake Cinema)
Diego Maradona (M) A look at the career of the celebrated football player. (Lake Cinema)
Dora & the Lost City of Gold (PG) Having spent most of her life exploring the jungle with her parents, nothing could prepare Dora for her most dangerous adventure ever - high school.
Downton Abbey (PG) The continuing story of the Crawley family, wealthy owners of a large estate in the English countryside in the early 20th century.
Fast & Furious: Hobbs & Shaw (M) Lawman Luke Hobbs and outcast Deckard Shaw form an unlikely alliance when a cyber genetically-enhanced villain threatens the future of humanity.
The Game Changers (M) Follows the story of James Wilks - Special Forces trainer and winner of The Ultimate Fighter - as he travels the world on a quest for the truth about meat, protein and strength.
Good Boys (MA) Three sixth grade boys ditch school and embark on an epic journey while carrying accidentally stolen drugs, being hunted by teenage girls, and trying to make their way home in time for their first kissing party.
Good Morning (M) Each day, a formal general and an army doctor meet at a café, and sit by a corner bay window overlooking Beirut life. They meet to play crosswords to preserve their memory and fight against oblivion.
IT: Chapter Two (MA) Twenty-seven years later, the Losers Club have grown up and moved away, until a devastating phone call brings them back.
Kairos (M) Danny, an aspiring boxer with down syndrome, has his dreams of stepping into the ring challenged after a violent mishap with his trainer John. During the emotional and psychological fallout from the incident, Danny turns inward and begins to question the very nature of his identity.
Late Night (M) A late night talk show host suspects that she may soon lose her long-running show.
Little Women (PG) A modern retelling of Louisa May Alcott's classic novel.
My Big Gay Italian Wedding (M) Happily engaged Antonio brings his fiancé Paulo to the exquisite old Italian village of his birth to meet his headstrong parents and reveal his sexuality, setting out on a quest to make a city founded on religious tradition understand that love is love.
Ne Zha (PG) The aura from heaven and earth has given birth to a powerful pearl inserted with huge energy. Yuanshi Tianzun concocts two pills out of the pearl - a spiritual pill and a sorcery pill.
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (MA) In 1969 Los Angeles everything is changing as TV star Rick Dalton and his long-time stunt double Cliff Booth make their way around an industry they hardly recognise anymore.
Palm Beach (M) Lifelong friends reunite for a party at Sydney's Palm Beach.
Rambo V: Last Blood (CTC) Rambo goes up against a Mexican cartel.
Red Joan (M) A widow living out a quiet retirement in the suburbs is arrested by the British Secret Service. (Lake Cinema)
Ride Like A Girl (PG) The story of Michelle Payne, the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup.
Rocketman (M) Reginald Dwight changes his name to Elton John and collaborates with singer-songwriter Bernie Taupin to become one of the most iconic figures in pop history.
Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark (CTC) Sarah, a young girl with horrible secrets, has turned her tortured life into a series of scary stories.
The Angry Birds Movie 2 (PG) When a new threat emerges that puts both Bird and Pig Island in danger, Red, Chuck, Bomb, and Mighty Eagle recruit Chuck's sister Silver and team up with pigs to forge an unsteady truce and form an unlikely super team to save their homes.
The Dead Don't Die (MA 15+) The peaceful town of Centerville finds itself battling a zombie horde as the dead start rising from their graves.
The Farewell (PG) A headstrong Chinese-American woman returns to China when her beloved grandmother is diagnosed with terminal cancer.
The Goldfinch (M) A boy in New York is taken in by a wealthy Upper East Side family after his mother is killed in a bombing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The Keeper (M) Based on a true story, Bert Trautmann, a German prisoner of war sent to Northern England at the end of WWII, goes on to become an English football legend.
The Lion King (PG) Simba idolises his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub's arrival.
Tolkien (M) The formative years of the orphaned author J.R.R. Tolkien as he finds friendship, love and artistic inspiration among a group of fellow outcasts at school.
Top End Wedding (M) Lauren and Ned are engaged, they are in love, and they have just 10 days to find Lauren's mother, who has gone AWOL somewhere in the remote Australia, reunite her parents and pull off their dream wedding.
UglyDolls (G) An animated adventure in which the free-spirited UglyDolls confront what it means to be different, struggle with a desire to be loved, and ultimately discover who you truly are is what matters most.
Wild Rose (M) Fresh out of prison, a Scottish woman juggles her job and two children while pursuing her dream of becoming a country music star.
Yesterday (M) A struggling musician realises he's the only person on Earth who can remember The Beatles after waking up in an alternate timeline where they never existed.