News
Affordable New Annual - Epic Entertainment on a budget
We want everyone to be able to come along and experience the art, creativity and culture that is New Annual. With this year's fantastic line up of free events that deliver top quality entertainment at low to no cost, it's open for all to explore.
There's photography, film, live music, theatre, acrobatics, street dance, food exploration, cultural workshops and more. Choose a genre you love or try something new, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Want to check out the headline acts? Our multi buy offer will save you 15% on full price tickets when you book three or more headline shows.
Check out the festival schedule and plan your New Annual visit today!
Dance, Music, Family Friendly, Free
What: NOISE is a gathering, a united force of percussive energy and powerful dance. Dancenorth joins forces with 100 local volunteer drummers who thump out a scintillating live score in this dynamic community driven performance.
When: Friday 29 Sept 6:00pm, Saturday 30 Sept 6:30pm + 8:30pm
Where: Newcastle Museum Park
_1.jpg)
Exhibition, Family Friendly, Free
What: Internationally renowned photographer Atong Atem presents striking video and photographic portraiture in her first exhibition in Newcastle. Exploring the lesser-known history of Australia’s first African settlers, Banksia presents migrant stories and obscured layers of history on a cinematic scale.
When: 22-30 Sept, 12:00pm – 8:00pm
Where: TBC
Shaun Parker & Company: Found Objects | AXLE, HOVER & SPIN
Dance, Family Friendly, Free
What: Found Objects is an epic outdoor dance theatre work utilising everyday objects and five exceptional dance and physical theatre artists. Choreographed by Shaun Parker and set to a stunning orchestral score by composer Nick Wales, (Sydney Symphony, Sydney Dance Company, Sarah Blasko, SBS, ABC), the work creates a highly physical, extraordinary urban world incorporating high-octane contemporary dance, acrobatics, street dance, parkour and seemingly ordinary objects.
When: Friday 29 Sept 11:00am + 1:00pm, Saturday 30 Sept 11:00am + 1:00pm, Sunday 01 Oct 11:00am + 1:00pm
Where: Wheeler Place
This Land First Nations, Music, Free
What: Unite with friends and family for This Land; a First Nations celebration of the sound, soul, and spirit of the many nations in this country.
When: Friday 29 Sept 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Where: Newcastle Museum Park
Visual Art, Family and Pet Friendly, Free
What: Chalk the Walk is a celebration of colour and energy that will transform the streets of Newcastle into an interactive 3D street art gallery. The theme for this year's event is 'All Creatures Great and Small' and visitors are encouraged to explore the art trail taking in the different 3D artworks from our talented artists, while having a bit of fun and becoming part of the art.
When: Monday 18 - Saturday 23 Sept 8:00am - 5:00pm
Where: Wheeler Place
Just not Australian: Artspace Sydney
Exhibition, Free
What: Just Not Australian brings together 19 artists across generations and diverse cultural backgrounds to deal broadly with the origins and implications of contemporary Australian nationhood. The exhibition takes Australia’s ‘official’ history to task, making space for people and events that have, often willfully, been sidelined or omitted.
When: 23 - 24 Sept 11:00am - 5:00pm, 27 Sept - 01 Oct 11:00am - 5:00pm
Where: Watt Space Gallery
Food, Music, Performance, Workshops, Family Friendly, Free
What: Experience the colour, sound, taste and diversity of our city as we celebrate the many diaspora that call Newcastle home. Connect with community as we take over Museum Park with a vibrant celebration of diverse traditions, food, art forms, and cultural expressions.
When: Saturday 30 Sept 1:00 - 9:00pm
Where: Newcastle Museum Park
First Nations, Dance, Workshops, Visual Art, Family Friendly, Free
What: Ngiarrenumba Burrai (Our Country) will be home to a program of dance, native food workshops, language workshops and performance throughout the festival. A space that centers Awabakal cultural practice, people and stories. Book in to secure your spot to daily workshops being held in art, language, clap sticks, dance, bush tucker, tools and spears, and canoeing. Drop-ins also welcome! Recommended for all ages.
When: Various workshops will operate from 23 Sept to 01 Oct
Where: Newcastle Museum Park
What: EASEL’D is a month-long celebration of Newcastle’s legendary visual artists and our local businesses who support them. Over four weekends in September our artists will undertake mini artist-in-residencies at shops, bars and cafes in the CBD. Follow the Artist in Residence walking trail, Watch 20 Artists at Wheeler Place for the Live Paint Jam, or check out the Artist talk by KEOB
When: Numerous dates and times – Check out the full schedule
Where: Numerous locations – Check out the full schedule
Music, Free
What: The University of Newcastle Student Showcase is a free live music event hosted by Civic Theatre Bar. Featuring a mix of originals and unique covers, this is a great opportunity to uncover Newcastle's best young talent.
When: Thursday 28 Sept 4pm - 7:45pm
Where: Civic Theatre Bar
Voices of Joan: Inner Power Workshop
Panel Discussion, Free
What: A workshop designed to celebrate the voices of women and gender-diverse thought leaders in our community
When: Sunday 01 Oct 3:00-5:00pm
Where: New Lambton Community Centre
EASEL'D Live @ West Block Fest
Music, Visual Art, Free
What: Inari’s mesmerising aerosol skills will be on display alongside free music performances by a host of Newcastle’s favourite musicians with more still to be announced!
When: Sunday 01 Oct 10:30am - 7:30pm
Where: Devonshire Street
Save 15% on full-price tickets when you book three or more headline shows. Here's our top picks.
The Parallel Effect : Message From Another You
Catapult Dance Choreographic Hub : Rhapsody
Strut & Fret : Blanc De Blanc Encore