Things To Do in Newcastle This Long Weekend

by Sophie Nixon on June 10, 2011

If you’re looking for things to do  in Newcastle this long weekend, here is our gigs and event guide to keep you entertained.

Friday, 10th June

Happily Ever After is a touring art exhibition that focuses on the works of Helen Hopcroft and Caelli Jo Brooker starting today and running through til the 26th June. The exhibition explores female narratives within the fairy tale genre and celebrates diversity within destiny. It evokes the idea of capturing the contemporary woman. It is located at The Lock-Up Cultural Centre, 90 Hunter Street, opening from 10-4pm.

Saturday, 11th June

Fort Scratchley will be holding a Queen’s Birthday Celebration at their historic site overlooking Nobby’s beach over the weekend. The event is perfect for the entire family and will feature firing guns, military re-enactments, military vehicle displays and the raising and lowering of the flag ceremony. Take a picnic and enjoy the views. There is an on site cafe and gates open at 9:30am and close at 4:00pm. More info.

If you have been consumed by the Masterchef craze be sure to attend the Flavour Festival at Hunter Valley Gardens from the 11th-13th June. The flavour fest highlights the amazing food and wine the Hunter Region has to offer. This is blended with celebrity guests such as Peter Everett, Janelle Bloom and stars from previous Masterchef series’. On offer are demonstrations, entertainment, taste testing and kid friendly cooking classes. More Info

If you’re feeling the winter chill the Winter Heat Festival 2011 begins this Saturday night at the Pacific Park, Newcastle. The event will continue every Saturday until the 25th June and provides live music, theatre, art and art workshops. Tonight the Scallywags will perform for the kids and artist Ken O’Regan will be holding workshops and displaying a light installation. The event is free. Food and drink stalls will be provided.

The CBD Hotel will be hosting a great line up of The Mountains, Las Banditas and Tommy Nine Fingers starting at 8:30pm tonight. Both The Banditas and Tommy Nine Fingers are from Newcastle and The Mountains will be roadtripping it up from Sydney for the gig. No matter what music you’re into the show will cover a range of genres including blues, folk, surf and grunge.

The Grigoryan Brothers will be performing at Lizottes Newcastle. They are known as the finest classical guitar duo in Australia and have been nominated for ARIA’s best classical album in 2009. Two types of tickets are available, the Dinner and Show package for $78.00 or just the show for $38.00. More info.

Sunday, 12th June

Start your morning with a 9am four course Wine Lovers Breakfast in the Private Tasting room at the Hunter Valley. The breakfast runs every Sunday from today through til the 26th June. Tickets are selling fast so booking is essential. The price starts at $35 for the breakfast or $50 with matching wines. For a sample menu and tickets click here.

If you want to celebrate the Queens Birthday with some beats, a bevvy and sunshine you better head to The Queen’s Wharf Brewery this Saturday for the Massive All Day Party. The DJs kick off at 1pm featuring RPM, DJ Trav K, AGT, DJ Ules at the Wharf, and move to the Waterfront Bar to finish the day with DJ Jaytee and DJ Skoob. Entry is free and there will be specials on drinks!

If country music is more to your liking then make the short trip to Murray’s Brewery for their Queen & Country event to see Mark Wells and his four piece band rock out Marks top singles and more. You wont be disappointed with the beers on offer at Murray’s Brewery that promise to warm you up, such as the ‘Murray’s Heart of Darkness’. The band will be playing from 12:30pm into the afternoon.

Friday, 17th June

At Supperclub in King St Hotel the Design Club from the University of Newcastle is hosting its annual Winter Design Ball. So grab your finest clothes and head down to King St before 9pm. Everyone is welcome and tickets can be purchased at the Newcastle University. More Info.

Saturday, 18th June

From 10am-2pm Newcastle City Hall Banquet Room will be opening it’s doors for the Pre-Loved Clothes Fair. You can pre-register on their website for $8 or pay on the day for$10. The fair is supporting ‘Change for Change’ an organisation that helps thousands of enslaved children. You will be able to change your wardrobe whilst helping a cause and enjoying live music and guest speakers. More info.