What’s On in May in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter

What’s on in May? Here’s the month’s top events in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & The Hunter specially selected for families. There is a mix of ticketed and free events for parents, grandparents and carers to enjoy some family fun. For Mother’s Day events see What’s On for Mother’s Day 2023.

Look for this icon showing our Featured Events this month!

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Archibald Prize 2022 Regional Tour

Head to Museum of Art and Culture (MAC) yapang in Lake Macquarie to see all 52 finalists works from the Archibald Prize 2022.

Date: Until 21 May
Location: Museum of Art and Culture (MAC) Yapang
Cost: Kids 5 – 12 $5, Student $8, Adults $12
Website

The Birds of Australia Exhibition

A new exhibition from the Australian Museum showcases the incredible world of Australia’s birdlife. Presented on STORYBOX, an interactive storytelling cube, The Birds of Australia, brings to life the iconic bird illustrations of John and Elizabeth Gould together with First Nations storytelling and knowledge.

Date: Until 25 June
Location: Newcastle Museum
Website

Tocal Field Days

This three-day agricultural event has lots of fun things to do for the family including animal nursery, piglet races, live entertainment and food and drinks.

Date: 5, 6 & 7 May 2023
Location: Tocal Agricultural College
Cost: Adult from $16, Kids $5. Under 5 free
Website

Lake Mac Autumn Fair

Hosted by the Combined Rotary Clubs of Lake Macquarie and in association with Lake Macquarie City Council, this free family fun day will feature a bouncing castle, giant slide, train & pony rides, a petting zoo and a classic car display.

Date: Saturday 6 May 2023
Time: 9am to 4pm
Location: Speers Point Park
Cost: Free
Website

Mayfield Day

The Mayfield Business Improvement Association Inc. is excited to present a brand new family fun day celebrating all things Mayfield! There’ll be local musicians, market stalls (last minute Mother’s Day shopping – sorted!), food trucks, community groups and kids activities.

Date: Saturday 13 May 2023
Time: 10am – 3pm
Location: Webb Park, Mayfield
Cost: Free
Website

NSW Fire & Rescue – Station Open Day

Open Day includes safety demonstrations and the chance to inspect equipment and trucks used by firefighters when responding to fire and rescue emergencies. 

Date: Saturday 13 May 2023
Time: 10am – 2pm
Location: Participating Fire & Rescue NSW fire stations. Here’s a list of local stations participating in Open Day.
Cost: Free
Website

Sculptures at Scratchley

Sculptures at Scratchley is an International Sculpture Exhibition annually around May in Newcastle. See 60+ sculptures on display. Held from the 13 May to 28 May. Fort Days and hours – 10am to 4pm. Open 7 days except closed on Tuesday.

Date: Saturday 13 May – Sunday 28 May 2023
Time: 10am – 4pm
Location: Fort Scratchley
Cost: Free
Website

Singleton Firelight Festival

Singleton’s town centre comes to life with fire, music, food and fun. It features a packed program of vibrant fire performers, music and magic, interactive art, roving acts, delicious food and local beer, wines and spirits. 

Date: 13 May 2023
Time: 6pm – 9pm
Location: Town Centre
Cost: Free
Website

You’re Kidding Me Expo

You’re Kidding Me Expo brings together children and family services from all across the City and the Hunter Region. Attendees can discover a variety of programs, resources and services that Lake Macquarie parents and families can access.

Date: Held daily from Monday 15 May – Friday 19 May 2023
Time: 9am – 2pm
Location: Charlestown Square
Cost: Free
Website

Maitland Taste

Maitland Taste is a celebration of great food, wine and produce from the Hunter Region and surrounds. The program will include gourmet food and artisan markets, food trucks, cooking demonstrations, live music, kids activities and more.

Date: Friday 19 May to Sunday 21 May 2023
Location: The Levee Shared Zone, Central Maitland
Cost: Free
Website

ALIA National Simultaneous Storytime

Participate in this national storytime that encourages young Australians to read and enjoy books. Join storytime at your local library or read along at home. This year’s book is The Speedy Sloth by Rebecca Young and Heath McKenzie.

Date: Wednesday 24 May 2023
Time: 11am
Location: Various libraries
Cost: Free
Website

Variety Family Fun Day

Join us for some outrageous fun at the Variety Family Fun Day. Check out the free live entertainment, roving characters, food stalls and fun activities. Purchase a wristband for just $5 which includes unlimited amusement rides, face painting, petting zoo, fairy floss, balloon sculptures for the kids and plenty more.

Date: Saturday 27 May 2023
Time: 11am – 3pm
Location: Foreshore Park, Newcastle
Cost: Free
Website

Edgeworth Trains

Ride on a miniature train. Lake Macquarie Live Steam Locomotive Society hosts monthly public ride days. There’s a variety of miniature trains such as steam and diesel and different rail routes (both elevated and ground-level) so you can easily spend a couple of hours watching and riding trains. Their public ride days run on the last Sunday of each month excluding December.

Date: Sunday 28 May 2023
Time: Trains running from 12:30pm till 3:30pm (weather permitting). The park is open from around 9:30am.
Location: Velinda Street, Edgeworth
Age Group: All ages
Cost: It costs $2.50 per train ride. Children under 2 years old are free.
Website

Botanic Gardens Day

The Hunter Region Botanic Gardens are opening their gates for a completely free event, including free entry and free parking, to educate and information the public about the vital role of Botanic Gardens. Find out about all of the amazing conservation, education, research and environmental work they do in this 100% free family event.

Date: Sunday 28 May 2023
Time: 9am – 4pm
Location: Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, Heatherbrae
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free
Website

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What’s On Next Month?

Looking for more events in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter? Check out our What’s On Guide with information about events all year long. The guide provides a list of local family-friendly events organised by month.