Liane Morris - Writer, Project Manager, Story Teller

One of the biggest entertainment phenomena in Disney history is about to take centre stage in Newcastle. Frozen became the highest-grossing animated film of all time, launching a global phenomenon that has generated billions at the box office and produced one of the most recognisable Disney songs ever recorded.

There is something about stepping through the velvet curtains of a Spiegeltent Newcastle that changes the rules. The outside world seems to disappear. The lights dim, the mirrors catch the glow, the stage is suddenly close enough to touch, and the audience finds itself not simply watching a show but becoming part of the atmosphere.

On Saturday, 22 August, the Hunter Valley Highland Games will return to Saltire Estate, bringing together Scottish heritage, family entertainment and community spirit for one of the region's most unique annual events. The Games are a gathering of the clans Down Under, an action-packed and family-oriented community event with a difference, and everyone is invited!

The Hunter Valley has long been known for cellar doors, restaurants, and gourmet offerings, but a regular fresh-produce market hasn’t traditionally been part of the Pokolbin experience.

For many Newcastle families, Disney On Ice has become a winter tradition. It’s the kind of event that draws together parents, grandparents and children for a few hours of shared wonder. This July, the beloved production returns to Newcastle Entertainment Centre with Disney On Ice presents Magic in the Stars skating into town from 9-12 July.

Newcastle is a coastal city built on the ocean, shaping the skyline, the lifestyle and, increasingly, the plate.

Welcome to the Dungog Tea Party, where a spectacular showcase of over 250 tea cosy and trivet entries awaits you, along with artwork created by local school students displayed at the IGA and larger works exhibited at the theatre.

When & Juliet arrives at Newcastle’s Civic Theatre this June, it brings with it the glittering credentials of a global phenomenon. Since its 2019 premiere, this irreverent reimagining of Shakespeare's most famous tragedy has conquered the West End, Broadway, and stages across the globe, winning three Olivier Awards and earning nine Tony nominations along the way.

There’s something quietly extraordinary about a festival that not only survives but thrives - growing year after year without losing its soul. In a landscape where even major events have fallen by the wayside, The Gum Ball has done the opposite. It has deepened, expanded, and embedded itself into the cultural fabric of regional New South Wales, located in the bush, on the property of Dashville in Lower Belford.

As Newcastle Fringe Festival rolls into its second decade, something has quietly shifted. This is no longer a homegrown, determined start-up proving its worth. Nor is it a novelty on the cultural calendar. Newcastle Fringe has grown up, and in doing so, it has become something rarer and more powerful: a festival the city can genuinely claim as its own.

In a region defined by choice, few Hunter Valley estates offer the sheer breadth of experience that Bimbadgen does. Wine of pedigree, multiple dining styles, an on-site distillery, premium accommodation, concerts, weddings and vineyard experiences - all anchored by two of the region’s oldest vineyards and one of its most recognisable hilltop sites, framed by century-old fig trees and sweeping views to the Brokenback Range.

Decades after her death, Princess Diana remains a figure of deep fascination - mythologised, scrutinised, adored and misunderstood in equal measure. Yet, behind the tiaras and tabloids, was a young woman searching for love, purpose, and a sense of self in a world that demanded perfection.

Few names in Australian wine carry the weight, respect, and recognition of Brokenwood Wines.

Join the creative extravaganza of Newcastle Fringe 2026. Discover unique performances, global artists, and local gems from March 14-29. Get tickets now!

Few names in Australian wine carry the weight, respect, and recognition of Brokenwood Wines.

The Deck Café and Gartelmann Wines have long been one of the Hunter Valley’s most recognisable and beloved destinations.

The festive season in Newcastle is more than just tinsel and lights - it’s a time for connection, joy, and celebration. From the heart of the city to the sparkling Harbour Foreshore, City of Newcastle is rolling out its annual calendar of Christmas cheer and New Year festivities, offering something for everyone. Whether it’s wandering through a glowing Christmas precinct, snapping selfies with Santa, or dancing your way into 2026, the city is alive with energy, creativity, and community spirit.

Each summer, as twilight settles over Pokolbin, a familiar sparkle returns to the heart of the Hunter Valley. The Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular, running from 7 November to 26 January 2026, promises a truly dazzling season of festive joy, community spirit, and breathtaking light displays with more magic, more colour, and more reasons to visit than ever before.

Step into a world of high heels, high hopes, and higher spirits this December, when Newcastle’s Chookas Entertainment presents the Tony Award-winning musical Kinky Boots at the Civic Theatre. From 18 to 21 December, audiences will be swept up in a feel-good celebration of self-expression, courage, and community, perfectly timed for the festive season.