What’s On In Newcastle? Australia Day, X Factor & The Big Draw

by Leah Henkel on January 24, 2013

Here is your jam-packed What’s On guide for Newcastle this week. The National Maritime Festival kicks off the Australia Day festivities, X Factor auditions come to town, the Big Draw spreads its artistic flair across Newcastle + stacks more on offer.

Friday 25th January

“Stepping Out” Art Exhibition @ Back to Back Galleries

Newcastle Studio Potters is yet again celebrating the work of current students at the University of Newcastle and Hunter TAFE with the “Stepping Out” art exhibition. Showcasing the ceramic work of some very talented students, show your support and celebrate their success by coming to opening night tonight at 6pm at Back to Back Galleries, 57 Bull Street, Cooks Hill. If you can’t make it, don’t worry, this FREE exhibition will be running until February 10. Opening hours are Friday, Saturday, Sunday 11-5.

The Big Draw @ Various Locations

The Big Draw is the world’s biggest celebration of drawing, and has reached Newcastle this year to attempt the first large-scale collaboration of a Big Draw event in Australia. Beginning in the UK in 2000, all are invited to take part with no pre-requisites for drawing and an aim to eradicate the phrase ‘I can’t draw’ from your vocabulary! A mass of free public drawing activities will stretch from Honeysuckle Harbour all the way to Newcastle Art Galley and everywhere in between including: The Maritime Centre, Newcastle Museum, Wheeler Place, Civic Park, Newcastle Region Library, and Newcastle Art Gallery. The event will start at 10am and go until 4pm. If you’re up for a little artistic fun, visit the Newcastle City Council website for more information and a list of drawing activities.

Funny Bunny’s Nursery Rhyme Adventure @ Newcastle Panthers

Newcastle Panthers will certainly light up with this Nursery Rhyme show that will bring some added value to your child’s holidays. Funny Bunny’s Nursery Rhyme Adventure invites children to put on their bunny ears and sing and dance with Humpty Dumpty, Old Macdonald, Miss Muffet and friends. Help Funny Bunny defeat Wonky Wizard in this interactive show from Youngstars2.com. Don’t forget to bring a toy for their Children’s Hospital Toy Appeal.

Show starts at 10.30am, with tickets costing $13 available at the venue. More details can be found at the Funny Bunny website.

Three Day Australia Day Event @ Wickham Park Hotel

Wickham Park Hotel isn’t just putting a gig on tomorrow for Australia Day, they are celebrating the whole weekend. The fun kicks off tonight with The Years. Tomorrow Ana Binji will start the festivities at 2pm in the hotel beer garden before Wicko faves Dave & the Demons kick on from 5pm. The fun moves inside to the front bar where Half Nelson jump start the beats before Freebird headline. Freebird is the latest incarnation from Screaming Jet founder Grant Walmsley and will combine some rocking blues with soul. Daniel Champagne kicks off the Sunday session in the beer garden from 1.30 and the legendary The Heroes are joined by Punkfish for another night of classic music! Got all that? It’s going to be one big weekend, and the best thing of all - it’s free!

Kid Mac @ Cambridge Hotel

With a debut album now under his belt, Kid Mac is hitting the road to showcase his tunes. His first single ‘She Goes Off’ featuring Mickey Avalon became a YouTube hit with over 170,000 views. Winning Artist of the Year and Best Video at the Music Oz Awards, this artist is one to see with his dance floor beats and catchy melodies. 18+ event. Tickets cost $12.80. Available to purchase here.

Saturday 26th January

Australia Day National Maritime Festival @ Newcastle Harbour

Australia Day @ Miss Porter’s House

Feel like having a more relaxed Australia Day looking at our history? Why not visit Miss Porter’s House between 1pm-4pm, and for a gold coin donation, you can look at some amazing century’s worth Aussie household objects. These include kitchenware, dining ware, clothes, furniture and the free-standing Georgian terrace house itself. Located at 434 King Street, Newcastle West (between Steel and Union Streets), contact Roland Bannister on (02) 4927 0202 for more information.

Harbour Swim @ Stockton Ferry Wharf

The 19th Annual Harbour swim is back for some good ‘ol Australia Day competitiveness. The social swim will start at Stockton Ferry Wharf at 8am and end at the Newcastle Wharf. The open swim will start at 8.30am from the Newcastle side, swimming over to Stockton, around the buoy and then finishing at the Newcastle Wharf. Each year the times get faster and swimmers come from far and wide including Queensland and Victoria, so come along, take up the challenge and have some fun. For entry forms, visit the Stockton Surf Club website.

Aussie Rock Revival Show @ Cardiff Panthers

The late 70s and 80s brought about the heavy guitar sounds, big hair, the tats and bandanas. Tonight the memories will come flooding back with this Aussie Rock Revival which is all about hard rock with passion. Re-live some of the greatest rock songs of all time such as hits from AC/DC and INXS. Doors open 7.30pm, starts 8pm. Members $5, Guests $10.

For some other Australia Day ideas, check out our Guide here.

Sunday 27th January

Sarah McLeod @ Lizotte’s Restaurant

As lead singer of one of this country’s most iconic rock bands - The Superjesus - Sarah McLeod has become one of Australia’s most diverse and powerhouse songwriters and performers. She has spent most of the last 12 months touring around Australia with her acoustic show and has launched another project, “Screaming Bikini”, being invited to perform at the Playboy Mansion in Hollywood where she performed a few Screaming Bikini tracks. There is nothing this girl can’t do, so get in quick to see this dynamo performer do her thing. Support act - Peta Evans-Taylor.

Show only with a-la-carte menu available $25.00

Show only with bar menu available $25.00

For more details and to book your tickets, visit Lizotte’s here.

You Am I @ Cambridge Hotel

Returning to The Cambridge for the first time since their 2008 sell out show, this band that has been circulating since 1989 will surely put on a show any fans of the band will not want to miss. Since 2008, You Am I have performed at the Sydney Cricket Ground for Sound Relief, came in at #52 in 2009 with “Berlin Chair” in Triple J Hottest 100 of all time, changed record labels in 2010 from EMI to Sydney label Other Tongues, released their ninth studio album, performed at the 2010 NRL Grand Final and kicked off a nation-wide tour. These boys have certainly been busy! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to hear new tracks that will certainly become some of the band’s classics. 18+ event. Doors Open 8.00pm. Tickets cost $38.60. Grab them here.

Long Weekend Laneway Party @ King Street Hotel

Get your festival attire on and bring your friends to King Street Hotel for a night of partying. Opening at 5pm, all three levels plus the laneway will be open for party guests. What really sets this event apart from other Australia Day festivities are the activities on the night. Complete with dunking machine, lamington beating (you heard right) and fairy bread for you to snack on, this party is not one to miss for those who want to let their hair down, and of course don’t have to work tomorrow.

Monday 28th January

Due to Australia Day falling on the weekend, today is the National Public Holiday. Take advantage, soak up some sun, and prepare for Hangover Tuesday!

Tuesday 29th January

“Play for a Pint, Sing for your Supper” Open Mic Night @ Great Northern Hotel

Are you, or do you know someone who is trying to get noticed. All emerging artists take note, because you get to play a half hour set AND get rewarded with a free meal and drink. If you are not musically inclined, come along and support talented up-and-coming local musicians. With $8 jugs and $10 steaks, you will be hard pressed to find a better Tuesday night out in Newcastle. FREE entry, 7pm til Late. All interested musicians can contact their MC Thomas Lawson for a slot on 0434 031 668 or you can show up on the night if you don’t mind waiting.

Wednesday 30th January

X Factor Auditions @ Hunter Stadium

Have you got what it takes to get to the top? Join the show that has catapulted the careers of musicians and groups around the world, including Leona Lewis, One Direction, and our very own Reece Mastin. Registration is from 11am-5pm so get in quick because the line will definitely be long! For all information on requirements and to download an application form, visit the X Factor website here.

Mundine VS Geale 2 @ Hotel Delany

Who do you reckon will take home the Middleweight Title? Mundine and Geale will battle it out again for you to see on Hotel Delany’s big screens, featuring “KO King” Kimbo Slice. Broadcast starts at 7pm. This match can also be watched at other Fox Sports venues around town, so check in with your local pub or club to see if they will be airing this epic match.

Thursday 31st January

Strangers + The Dead Love + Born Lion @ Great Northern Hotel

Are you up for a bit of rock? Sydney band Strangers will deliver their take on Aussie rock which has given them a very busy 2012. With serious Triple J support, a sellout Lansdowne headlining show, showcases at the 2012 Big Sound music conference and a just-announced spot on the illustrious SXSW conference in Austin, Texas, these guys are gaining a totally rad reputation. They were schooled in rock by masters of the art, The Darkness, Calling All Cars and Good Charlotte when they opened huge venues on several Australian tour dates. Other Sydney bands The Dead Love and Born Lion will also be showcasing their own mix of rock. Doors open 8.00pm, 18+ event. Tickets cost $15.30, get your tickets through Oztix.