What’s On In Newcastle? Bodhi Festival, Easter & Alex Lloyd

by Leah Henkel on March 28, 2013

Here is your jam-packed What’s On Guide for Newcastle this week! The Bodhi Festival meditates into the Town Hall from Saturday, Easter celebrations are everywhere over the long weekend, Alex Lloyd performs at Lizotte’s for one of his first shows in Australia in five years + stacks more on offer.

Friday 29th March

Newcastle Jets vs. Western Sydney @ Hunter Stadium

See the Newcastle Jets take on Western Sydney for the ultimate clash at Hunter Stadium. Gates open 4.30pm for a 5.30pm start. Adults from $22, Concession from $16, Children from $8 and Family passes (2 Adults + 2 Children) from $55. Book your tickets at PROTickets.

Brewery Easter Weekend @ The Brewery

Have you got time off over the Easter Long Weekend? Why not party it up at The Brewery which is open from 12 noon til 10pm. Easter Saturday has live music from 2pm with Pistol Pete, followed by Twinsanity and DJ Gillies and DJ Jay-L. Easter Sunday sees Gen-R-8 starting all the action from 2pm and are even open on Easter Monday for some groovin’ with Zane Penn Duo 2pm-5pm.

Saturday 30th March

Bodhi Festival @ Town Hall

Featuring 35 artists and 5 spaces, this year’s Bodhi Festival has an impressive line-up of Australian and international kirtan musicians. With spiritual leaders, yoga teachers, meditation masters and inspirational speakers, Bodhi 2013 will include satsangs, healings, blessings, workshops, forums, a sacred tirtha ceremony, and fine food. Starting today at 9am and going until 5pm Monday, 1st April, be inspired this Easter. With Jai Uttal and Donna De Lory appearing exclusively at this event, this is a must-see event for any spiritual person. For more information, visit the Bodhi Festival website.

Easter Bunny Adventures @ Hunter Wetlands

Get the kids involved for some fun and games and an Easter hunt like no other! Activities will run from 9.30am - 12.30pm with a BBQ from 11am. The centre is open 9am - 4pm. Adults $10, Children under 12 FREE with paying adult.

Orwell + Hot Cop + Model Youth + Jimi Carmash @ Camrbidge Hotel

Support some original local live music that will rock your socks off at The Cambo. Doors open at 8pm and show goes until late. 18+ event. $8 on the door for a cheap Saturday night option with a lot of loud music.

Sunday 31st March

Dropkick Murphys + Frank Turner and The Sleeping Souls + Swingin’ Utters @ Newcastle Panthers

Their band names might be weird, but don’t let that turn you off this show presented by Blue Murder, Destroy All Lines and Bombshellzine. Dropkick Murphys and Frank Turner and The Sleeping Souls are representing the folk punk genre at the Byron Bay Bluesfest, so you know these guys are good. Add Californian punk rockers Swingin’ Utters to the mix and you have one entertaining show. All Ages. Doors open 7pm for 7.30pm start. Tickets are $60.00+bf pre-sale or $70.00 on the door. Purchase tickets through MoshTix.

God’s House @ Hunter Theatre

Celebrate what Easter is all about with God’s House with a Free pancake breakfast at 9am followed by a fun family Easter service at 10am. With a Giant Easter egg hunt and a jumping castle, kids will certainly have some fun this Easter Sunday.

Nobbys Lighthouse Open (Last Chance!)

Today is your last chance to see this Newcastle treasure up close and experience breathtaking views of Newcastle from the Nobby’s Headland before the grounds close again to visitors. Open 10am to 4pm, a kiosk will serve tea, coffee, cake and other light refreshments, or why not have a picnic with your loved ones? FREE Entry for some free Easter fun.

Monday 1st April

Music and Movie Trivia @ Cambridge Hotel

With questions written and asked by music journo Nick Milligan, who has worked for YEN Magazine as their Music and Film Editor and editor of Reverb Magazine for the past four years, test yourself at The Cambo for a special Easter Monday treat! Questions cover every genre and era of music and film, so you are bound to know some answers. Free entry with lots of prizes to be won. Register your team by 6.30pm for a 7pm start in the Front Bar.

Tuesday 2nd April

“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.

Choose Days @ Hotel Delany

Tuesday’s are Choose Days at Hotel Delany, giving you the choice of any back bar spirit for $6 from 6pm. Taste the hotel’s finest tonight with a chilled session with workmates and friends. Why not have dinner there while you’re at it? Tuesday night sorted.

Wednesday 3rd April

Bluesfest Sideshow: Jon Anderson @ Lizotte’s Restaurant

As one of the most influential voices in progressive rock as the lead singer for the band Yes, he has co-authored some of their biggest hits such as “I’ve Seen All Good People”, “Roundabout” and “Owner of a Lonely Heart”. Whether he is performing with Toto, Glass Hammer, Dream Theater or making 13 highly acclaimed solo albums, Jon always puts his heart and soul into every  note. Get in on this rare chance to see a legend up close and personal.

Main meal and show - $156.00

Show only with bar menu available - $114.00

Book your tickets through Lizotte’s.

Thursday 4th April

Alex Lloyd @ Lizotte’s Restaurant

After living and working in the UK for the past 5 years, one of Australia’s most successful singers/songwriters is returning home and playing at Lizotte’s. As one of his first shows since the release of his ‘Good In The Face Of A Stranger’ album five years ago, Alex Lloyd is certainly going to make his home country proud with his classic songs. Quite a different change of pace from performing for Crown Princess Mary’s 40th Birthday in Copenhagen last year, Alex will not disappoint. Support - Chris Taylor.

Main meal and show - $83.00

Show only with bar menu available - $48.00

Book your tickets through Lizotte’s.