This Week in Newcastle: Great Arts, Music, Balloons & More…

by Helen Henry on September 30, 2011

There’s certainly a lot going on in Newcastle over this October long weekend! You’d be mad not to get amongst it! Here’s a list to get you started…

Friday, 30 September

TINA has arrived for 2011! Haven’t checked out the festival before and wondering where to start? Start here, and then check out any of the 250 free events taking place that tickle your fancy… there’s something for every kind of creative…

Music lovers, don’t miss Sound Summit this weekend for a plethora of interesting bands & panels. More info.

Don’t forget about tonight’s Spring City Walk! Discover Newcastle’s nooks & crannies and the great projects running as part of the Renew Newcastle initiative. More info.

If world class jazz is your thing, don’t miss The Legends of New Orleans at Lizottes Newcastle. Direct from N’awlins itself, itt’s the first time that 17-strong touring party is traveling to Australia and will feature performances from legendary keys player Jon Cleary with The Philthy Phew & The Dirty Dozen Brass Band. Tickets are $78. More info.

There’s more music at the CBD Hotel, with Richard In Your Mind to support their 2011 release SUN. Free entry.

Saturday, 1 October

The Olive Tree Markets are on today! Check them out from 9am. Can’t get enough market-y goodness? Here’s a map guide to Newcastle’s market options.

Fans of famed Newcastle nightclub The Jolly Roger, might like to head along to Newcastle Panthers tonight to catch up with fellow regulars and ex-staff, as well as being entertained by JR favourites DV8. Sounds like a blast from the past for many, minus the sticky carpet. Tickets are $50 and it runs from 7pm - midnight. More info.

This one is a must for local & visiting foodies! Head up to Esca at Bimbadgen Estate in the Hunter Valley and get a dose of local produce at the Hunter Gatherer 100 Mile Meal. There’s a set six course menu, with all food made with local ingredients, and you have the option of matching Bimbadgen wines. Tickets are $120 per person, or $155 with wines. Bookings essential, runs until 31 October, call (02) 4998 4666.

Twisted, an all ages music carnival, will hit Level One, Newcastle Leagues Club today, and will feature seven emerging bands including Triple J Unearthed High finalists The Guppies & The Dynamics. There’s no pass outs & it’s an alcohol-free events, and parents are invited to enjoy a meal & drink at the club downstairs while the kids party upstairs. Tickets are available from the venue or here.

Sunday, 2 October

Why not spend your Sunday afternoon up at the gorgeous Bar Petite in Newcastle East. There’s a selection of music being performed from 1 - 9pm, which should give you adequate time to sample their extensive wine & cocktail lists.

Monday, 3 October

Want to keep the kids entertained, or soak up some local history yourself? Check out the Fort Scratchley Community Day. Kick off is 10am & there’s guided tunnel tours ($5, until 2:30pm), firing of coastal guns (11am, 1pm, 3pm), military vehicle displays & a photo exhibition over the day.

Do you like balloons? Who doesn’t?! Well, for all you hardcore fans, you best get along to the inaugural Balloon Aloft Hunter Valley Balloon Fiesta taking place today. For $299, you can get aboard one of 30 hot air balloons that will take to the sky at sunrise (and you get a champagne breakfast - always good!). More info.

Wednesday, 5 October

If the phrases “12 bar” and “1, 4, 5” mean anything to you, head on down to the Great Northern Hotel tonight for the Merewether Fats Blues Jam. Led by blues harp player Merewether Fats himself, the jam attracts a diverse group of locals & tourists keen to jump up on stage and share their take on the blues, as well as support other performers. Kick off is around 7:30pm, players just need to talk to Merewether Fats upon arrival to organise a playing slot.

Thursday, 6 October

The first heat of the Bacardi Band Search is on tonight at The Cambridge. For those familiar with the comp, this year you’ll notice that the live aspect of the competition has been scaled down. This year, entrants will have to pass a preliminary selection round whereby their recordings will be judged before being given the chance to perform in one of the heats. This year, prizes include cash, an amp & effect package, electronic drum kit, advertising in Reverb and rehearsal time at The Studio. The Search is open to any unsigned band from the Newcastle, Hunter Valley and Central Coast region & entry forms can be picked up from The Cambridge Hotel & Allans Music + Billy Hyde or downloaded from here.

Also kicking off tonight is a 3 day stint at Civic Theatre for Circus Oz. Their 2011 show, Steampowered, enters the fantastical and unconventional world of Steampunk & has been described as “rollicking daredevilry the Oz way”. Here romance meets technology and everything is hand-made and steam-powered. Tickets range from $30 - $50, and performances are tonight at 7:30pm, Friday at 7:30pm & Saturday at 1:30pm and 8:30pm. More info.