What's On Around the Hunter This Weekend: 23–25 October 2026

Planning the weekend of 23–25 October 2026? From a colourful Pride parade and a free neighbourhood festival to art at Nobbys and a fire-cooked vineyard feast, there's a lot happening across Newcastle and the Hunter.

We've picked six events worth a closer look, with the times, locations and booking details you need to make a plan. Most of our picks land on Saturday, with a creative Friday-night option to start things off. Whether you're keeping things free and easy or making an occasion of it, here's where to begin.

The weekend at a glance

• Friday 23 October: Art After Dark — drawing and a social evening in Singleton, 6–8 pm.
• Saturday 24 October: Newcastle Pride Parade — Honeysuckle, from 9 am (parade 9:30 am).
• Saturday 24 October: Mayfield Day — Dangar Park, 10 am–3 pm.
• Saturday 24 October: Lighthouse Arts Open Day — Nobbys Headland, 10 am–3 pm.
• Saturday 24 October: Oktoberfest in the Gardens — The Station, 1–9 pm.
• Saturday 24 October: Atticus Asado at Dark Horse — Lovedale, from 5:30 pm.

Friday: Art After Dark — Draw, Sip & Socialise, Singleton

If your idea of a good Friday night involves a little creativity and a chance to catch up, Singleton Arts + Cultural Centre has an alternative to the usual dinner-and-drinks routine. Art After Dark is a guided still-life drawing session designed for beginners as well as anyone who wants to spend an evening making something.

The evening takes inspiration from the exhibition I Have More To Say by Jasmine Poole and Christopher Sewell. Materials are supplied, along with a drink on arrival and light refreshments, and participants can see the exhibition after hours. You don't need drawing experience; the idea is to enjoy the process.

When: Friday 23 October, 6–8 pm
Where: Singleton Arts + Cultural Centre, 23 Maitland Road, Singleton
Cost: $35 per person, or $60 for two
Good to know: Adults 18+; bookings essential
View the N&H event details → · Official event information

Saturday morning: Newcastle Pride Parade — Pride in Every Step

Saturday starts with colour and community at the Newcastle Pride Parade. Hosted by Newcastle Pride Inc, Pride in Every Step invites LGBTQIA+ people, friends, families, community groups and supporters to come together and be seen, heard and celebrated.

The parade gathers at Honeysuckle Carpark before setting off along the Honeysuckle Promenade towards Nobbys Beach. There's no dress code: rainbow colours, something flamboyant or simply whatever feels comfortable. The event continues with a community gathering at the finish. For anyone wanting to be part of a welcoming local celebration, this is one of the weekend's standout experiences.

When: Saturday 24 October; assemble from 9 am, parade starts 9:30 am; event programme until 1 pm
Where: Honeysuckle Carpark, Newcastle, to Nobbys Beach
Cost: Free
Good to know: Registration required; check the organiser's instructions before attending
View the N&H event details → · Official event information

Saturday: Mayfield Day — a local favourite at Dangar Park

Mayfield Day puts the spotlight on the local businesses, makers and community groups that give the suburb its character. Back for its fifth year, the free celebration takes over Dangar Park with market stalls, food trucks, live entertainment and activities for children.

It's a good option if you're planning a relaxed Saturday with family or friends. Wander between stalls, grab something to eat and enjoy the music without needing a tightly organised itinerary. Mayfield Business Improvement Association presents the day in partnership with City of Newcastle, so supporting local is very much part of the occasion.

When: Saturday 24 October, 10 am–3 pm
Where: Dangar Park, Maitland Road, Mayfield
Cost: Free entry
Good to know: Family-friendly; food and purchases from stalls cost extra
View the N&H event details → · Official event information

Saturday: Lighthouse Arts Open Day — create something at Nobbys

There's something lovely about a creative day out with Nobbys Headland as the backdrop. Lighthouse Arts is marking five years with an open day featuring local musicians, live art, practical workshops and a classic sausage sizzle.

Anniversary speeches begin at 10 am, with performances and creative activities from 11 am. The programme includes a lantern workshop, paint-chip collage, live portraiture and painting demonstrations. The event is also a fundraiser supporting Lighthouse Arts, with raffles and optional activities by donation. It's a particularly appealing stop for anyone who enjoys seeing local artists at work.

When: Saturday 24 October, 10 am–3 pm
Where: Lighthouse Arts, 41 Nobbys Road, Newcastle
Cost: Free entry
Good to know: Some optional activities are by donation; check access information with the organiser
View the N&H event details → · Official event information

Saturday afternoon: Oktoberfest in the Gardens, Newcastle

Looking for something a little louder? Oktoberfest in the Gardens brings its Bavarian-inspired festival atmosphere to The Station in Newcastle. Expect German-style food, drinks and music across an afternoon and evening in the city.

This one suits friends who want to make a proper outing of Saturday, rather than simply drop by for an hour. It's ticketed, so check availability and the event entry conditions before heading in. With The Station near the Newcastle light rail, public transport is worth considering if you're planning to enjoy the festivities.

When: Saturday 24 October, 1–9 pm
Where: The Station, corner Scott and Watt Streets, Newcastle
Cost: Ticketed; check current ticket tiers
Good to know: The organiser recommends public transport; check entry conditions
View the N&H event details → · Official event information

Saturday evening: Atticus Asado at Dark Horse, Lovedale

For a special night in the Hunter Valley, Atticus Asado is building its evening around open-fire cooking at Dark Horse Vineyard in Lovedale. This is more of a planned occasion than a casual walk-in: canapés lead into a generous asado-style feast, followed by live music and a late-night DJ set.

Nick and his Hipshots provide the live soundtrack, with On Decks DJs taking over later. The ticket includes the food, entertainment and return bus transfers from three nominated Hunter Valley accommodation locations. Local wines and cocktails are available to purchase separately. If your ideal weekend involves good food and an evening among the vines, this is the premium pick of the six.

When: Saturday 24 October, arrivals from 5:30 pm
Where: Dark Horse Vineyard, 386 Wilderness Road, Lovedale
Cost: $260 per person
Good to know: Advance booking required; ticket includes return transfers from selected accommodation partners
View the N&H event details → · Official event information

Not sure which one to choose?

For a free family-friendly afternoon: Mayfield Day is an easy place to start, with entertainment, stalls and plenty to browse. For artists and makers: Lighthouse Arts Open Day offers the chance to watch artists at work and try a workshop.

For community spirit: Newcastle Pride Parade is a colourful, inclusive Saturday-morning celebration; remember to register. For a creative adults' night: Art After Dark offers a guided activity with a friendly, social feel.

For a big afternoon with mates: head to Oktoberfest in the Gardens. For a special Hunter Valley evening: Atticus Asado brings food, entertainment and a vineyard setting together in one ticketed experience.

Before you head out

Check the organiser's event page before travelling, especially for ticketed events and outdoor activities. Newcastle Pride requires registration even though it is free; Art After Dark requires bookings; and Oktoberfest and Atticus Asado are ticketed experiences. For the free outdoor events, keep an eye on the forecast and allow extra travel time for busy city locations.

This is a curated selection rather than every event taking place across the region. For more ideas, explore the Newy & the Hunter events directory and see what else is coming up.

Frequently asked questions

What's on in Newcastle this Saturday, 24 October 2026?

Newcastle Pride Parade, Mayfield Day, Lighthouse Arts Open Day and Oktoberfest in the Gardens are all scheduled for Saturday 24 October. They range from free community events to a ticketed afternoon and evening festival.

Which featured events are free?

Mayfield Day, Lighthouse Arts Open Day and Newcastle Pride Parade are free to attend. Newcastle Pride requires registration, and some optional activities at Lighthouse Arts request donations.

What is happening in the Hunter Valley this weekend?

Atticus Asado at Dark Horse Vineyard in Lovedale is on Saturday evening. In Singleton, Art After Dark runs on Friday evening at Singleton Arts + Cultural Centre.

Do I need to book ahead?

Yes for Newcastle Pride Parade registration and Art After Dark bookings. Oktoberfest in the Gardens and Atticus Asado are ticketed events. Always check official event pages for availability and conditions.

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