Been thinking about heading to Newcastle for a while? Perhaps you saw the Bogey Hole advertised on the side of a bus, a cheap flight, an article on TimeOut or a friend told you about their recent trip?
Well, carve out some time in your calendar this year and commit to a trip. Every day in Newcastle is a good one, but why not level up and coordinate your trip with one of these events?
Returning to iconic Merewether Beach for its 38th year in February and March, Surfest is the largest surfing festival in the southern hemisphere. With over 800 competitors from across the Asia-Pacific region, there is bound to be something in the water to watch.
Surfest
Follow the tunes to the heart our vibrant city as Newcastle sets the stage for a star studded Great Southern Nights line-up from 8-24 March. There's over a dozen headline gigs as part of the 17-night music festival, and when the music stops a delectable food and wine offering awaits. So why not make a weekend of it and press play on the ultimate live music road trip.
Coming to cafes and restaurants across the city for the month of April is Newcastle Food Month. Check out the website and program for full details, but regardless of your palette or wallet preferences, we guarantee there will be something on the menu that you'll enjoy!
Newcastle Food Month
Why not lace up and enter New Run? Spread across two weekends in April, there's two, six and 10km courses as well as a half and full marathon. The courses take in beach and harbour views and the vibe in the city is electric with participants chasing a runners high.
If you haven't heard of Fort Scratchley, you're about to. Overlooking the ocean and the city, it's an impressive and important part of Newcastle's military history and is also now home to Sculptures at Scratchley, returning in 2024 for its second year.
Head along to the event in May and soak up the stunning combination of fresh air, panoramic views and a large range of sculptures.
Moving into September, make sure you mark the return of the highly anticipated New Annual on your calendar. Running from 27 September to 6 October, New Annual is the premier arts and culture festival in the city - don't miss the chance to be drawn into a world of live entertainment, exhibitions and immersive experiences
New Annual
On the topic of art, may we suggest The Big Picture Fest? Trust us, this one is epic. Year by year, the event is taking over every bland city wall it can find and transforming them into a world of colour and imagination.
Explore the event while it's happening in October or come anytime after to see not just the 2024 masterpieces, but previous years too. Grab a map from the Visitor Information Centre or check out the website
PSA: regular events like the Olive Tree Markets, Newcastle Farmers Market and events at The Station as well as regular exhibitions and events at Newcastle Museum are other great reasons and events to line up your visit with!
