What’s on in October? 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.
Look for this icon showing our Featured Events this month!
Chalk the Walk
Chalk the Walk is an award-winning street art event produced by Zest Events International. Come and see the footpaths of Newcastle turn into concrete canvases with a collection of mind-bending artworks during Chalk the Walk. This year’s theme is ‘All Creatures Great and Small’ in which this team of internationally acclaimed street artists bring animals onto the street with a fun interactive twist. There will be six locations to visit in Newcastle.
Date: Saturday 23 September – Monday 2 October.
Location: Different locations around Newcastle CBD
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free
Website
Tom Shark Storytime
Author Teighan Laino will engage children through her recently released book Tom Shark: Oceans of Emotions. Teighan will be at Newcastle Library on Tuesday 3rd October and Wallsend Library on Thursday 5th October.
Date: Tuesday 3 & Thursday 5 October 2023
Location: Newcastle & Wallsend Libraries
Age Group: Recommended for ages 4-10
Cost: Free
Website
Billy Elliot
Set in a northern town during the miners’ strike of 1984/5, the show follows Billy’s journey from boxing ring to ballet class where he discovers a passion for dance. Featuring music by the legendary Elton John, with book and lyrics by Lee Hall, Billy Elliot the Musical has been seen by over 12 million people worldwide.
Date: Saturday 7 – Saturday 21 October 2023
Location: Newcastle Civic Theatre
Age Group: Recommended for ages 12+
Cost: Tickets from $69.
Website
Riverlights Multicultural Festival
Riverlights Multicultural Festival celebrates diversity through food, music, dance and interactive experiences. Visitors can see, taste, feel and experience the different cultures being demonstrated and activities such as live music, dancing, language classes, lantern making and cooking demonstrations.
Date: Saturday 7 October 2023
Location: The Levee Central, Maitland
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free
Website
Fast & Loud Festival
Experience this incredible line up of action on and off the water including exclusive live performances, exhilarating boat races, gravity defying air shows and more.
Date: Saturday 14 October 2023
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free
Website
Aussie Backyard Bird Count
Participate in the Aussie Backyard Bird Count. It’s easy! Just spend 20 minutes in your favourite outdoor space and count the birds you see during that period. You can submit your results using the app or the web form on the Aussie Backyard Bird Count website. Every count helps!
Date: Monday 16 – Sunday 22 October 2023
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free
Website
Crusty Demons Motorsports Tour
The Crusty Demons are coming back to Australia! See motorbikes, quad bikes and other motorsports and action. Gates open at 2.30pm. Pit party from 3pm to 5pm. Main show from 5.30pm.
Date: Saturday 21 October 2023
Time: From 2.30pm
Location: Maitland Showground
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Child (3-15yrs) $50.00, Adult $60.00, Family tickets available
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 29 October 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
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.
Started in late 2012 by a local mum, Newy with Kids has grown into a thriving go-to family guide for the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter region. Parents visit the Newy with Kids website to find things to do with babies, kids and teens. Whether it’s local attractions, upcoming events, kids eat free, school holiday activities or birthday party ideas, Newy with Kids is the best website for local parents to find local kid-friendly activities and information 24/7.