Experience Newcastle's best during New Annual

Strap yourselves in, because it's almost New Annual time again! Newcastle is about to come alive with art, music, and ideas over 10 incredible days of festival programming, public exhibitions, and groundbreaking performances.

From 26 September to 5 October Newcastle's streets, public spaces, and stages are going to be a celebration of culture, a riot of colour, and a spectacle of sensations. We've pulled together a handful of highlights - full program available here - plus some additional ways you can experience the very best of Newcastle during your New Annual stay.

So get inspired, then plan your stay...we'll see you in Newy soon!

First Night Art Party officially kicks the festival off on Friday 26 September with a free night of music, movement and art on Laman Street. It will feature high-energy sets by Haiku Hands, Kira Puru, and Devaura. Plus there'll be roving performances, art projections, and a stack of vibrant energy on the city streets.

Newcastle Art Gallery façade will also join in the opening night celebration as a canvas for shared storytelling and vibrant movement, while energised choreography and dynamic live performances will have you feeling every joyful beat over four incredible hours, from 5pm. 

For a totally immersive event, be sure to catch Darkfield: Séance or Darkfield: Flight. These two spine-tingling 20-minute shows are experienced in transformed shipping containers at Wheeler Place.

Since launching, Darkfield has toured internationally across the UK, Europe, the US, Australia, and Asia, welcoming over 500,000 attendees into the dark – and now it's Newcastle's turn. Whether you choose to enter the Victorian séance room, hop aboard a plane, or treat yourself to both, the mind-bending Darkfield shows will have you questioning your beliefs and your senses, while having a thrilling time doing so. Tickets available here.

For a change of pace, head to the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths at sunset, to catch Soak: Live at the Baths. This series features an incredible array of musicians over the two key weekends – on 27 and 28 September, plus 2, 3, and 4 October. Shows kick off as the evening sweeps in, at 5.30pm.

From post punk quintet, Dust, through to beatboxer, Tom Thum, global phenomenon and pop violinist, Joel Sunny, and a supergroup collaboration featuring live music, including strings, and R&B hip-hop artists; each Soak event showcases unique sounds at the aqua steps of the baths. Soak is free and unticketed. 

Keep those creative juices flowing and join one of the many workshops on offer as part of New Annual, such as the Argo Escargot Workshop with Jen Denzin, the Rosie Deacon-Inspired Mini Putt Putt Workshop, or the Spooky Men's Chorale Workshop 

Outside of the New Annual program, make time to explore some of the incredible art galleries and street art throughout the city, or book a creative experience, such as a Paint and Sip session at Pinot & Picasso, a Clay and Sip class at The Art Department or a Travel Watercolour Class with artist Melody Suranyi.

The beloved Spiegeltent returns to Civic Park with groundbreaking headliners, world-class provocateurs, and raw energy direct from the European underground. The exhilarating cocktail of circus, live music, and comedy is Strut & Fret's La Ronde – a heady, lavish, and brave spectacle, not to be missed. Secure your tickets here.

First Rhythms, a performance by Adam Manning and the Australian Art Orchestra at the Newcastle Conservatorium of Music has been hailed a "virtuosic clapstick cadenza" and can be seen one night only, Thursday 2 October! Get your tickets, fast!

Another night time highlight is Dancefloor Conversion Therapy at Bernie's Bar, which is sure to be amazing. Straight from Edinburgh, Jonny Hawkins was once a devoted Christian Youth Minister. Today, they've found a different kind of congregation — on the dancefloor.

Complement your evening arts program with visits to some of Newcastle's best bars and live music venues. Fortunately for you, there are a wealth of cool, creative bars in Newcastle that channel serious New Annual vibes and will keep the good times flowing.

The Koutetsu, is a dark and moody Japanese speakeasy specialising in creatively crafted cocktails; Coal and Cedar, channeling the prohibition era complete with concealed entry behind a barber shop – password required upon entry; or Mad Poet is a new addition to the West End bar scene with a determined focus on good wine and charcuterie, but above all it's about the music.

There's so much to see and do over the 10-day festival period – get the whole family together and get exploring! Celebrate the heart and soul of our community at Global Gathering, a free, family-friendly event on Beaumont Street in Hamilton. There'll be cooking demonstrations, cultural workshops, eat street, and performances by ILE ILU - a powerful collective of women drummers, horn players, and dancers, led by Marina Da Silva.

New Annual is pushing the boundaries of performance spaces this year, with the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths set to be a hive of activity throughout the festival. Meet Me At The Baths is a brand new site-specific work being presented by powerhouse theatre company Whale Chorus. Two shows a day (except Wed 1), and tickets are a must.

Other shows to see at the baths, Soak is a sunset musical experience on select evenings (mentioned above), and The Bathers, is an outdoor photographic exhibition featuring works by Lee Illfield and Edwina Richards, perfectly positioned amongst the cozzies and concrete.  

With events scattered across the city, New Annual is the perfect excuse to dine out on some of Newcastle's best dishes.

There's plenty to choose from within the main activation area in the Civic Precinct, right in the centre of the city. Dine in style at the Roundhouse Restaurant on the top floor of Crystalbrook Kingsley – with 360-degree views of the harbour, city and beyond. It's an easy stroll from here to any show at the Civic Theatre, Wheeler Place, or in Civic Park.

Nearby you'll also find a range of restaurants with colourful styles and flavourful meals, bringing New Annual vibes year-round. Check out, Ginger Megs, Foghorn, Light Years, and the newly reopened George Darby Hotel. Or across towards the harbour, The Honeysuckle Dining Precinct is a foodies delight, with the likes of Blanca, Honeysuckle ready to satisfy with sumptuous share plates.

Darby Street and Beaumont Street are Newcastle's renowned 'Eat Streets' so put them on your list of must-visit spots. Or if you're heading towards the baths, you may want to drop in at the likes of Humbug, QT Jana Restaurant, or Bistro Penny.

With so much to see at New Annual, you'll want more than just a day to explore. Book yourself a stay somewhere among the festivities so you can truly make the most of the festival and your time in Newcastle.

QT Newcastle – Treat yourself to a stay at this 5-star offering in the city's East End, just a short walk or light rail from the major festival hub in the Civic Precinct, and close to a wide selection of Newcastle's best bars and restaurants. Plus, the unique boutique style of the hotel is very on theme for New Annual.

Crystalbrook Kingsley – Located on the festival's doorstep in the heart of the city's cultural precinct, you'll be in among all the action at the iconic Crystalbrook Kingsley. Enjoy a 5-star stay with easy access to the Civic Theatre, Civic Park, Wheeler Place and Museum Park where much of the festival program is taking place.

Beyond these 5-star beauties there are a range of hotels, motels, apartments, and boutique homes, plus hostels and a holiday park only a ferry ride away at Stockton. Start your accommodation planning here.

There's so much more to see and do in Newcastle beyond the New Annual festival program – you've only just scratched the surface of our colourful city!

Treat yourself to a few extra days in town and check out a few of our top experiences:

• Newcastle Memorial Walk
• Earp Distilling Co. gin tasting and spirit school
• Bathers Way Walk
• Merewether Ocean Baths
• Glenrock State Conservation Area
• Blackbutt Reserve
• Nobbys Lighthouse

Don't forget to swing by our Visitor Information Centre for even more inspiration and local tips for how to get the most out of New Annual and your time in Newcastle! And be sure to tag @visitnewcastleaus in your snaps on Instagram to share the fun with us!