Looking for something to do this week? You’ve come to the right place.
From big sing-along shows and immersive exhibitions to school-holiday activities and a distillery-side day party worth the short drive, the city and surrounds are delivering something for every mood.
Check out 5 things to do in Newcastle, with a bonus side quest, below.
Taylor: A Tribute to the Eras of Taylor Swift at NEX
A dash of pop spectacle lands at the Newcastle Exhibition & Convention Centre this week with Taylor: A Tribute to the Eras of Taylor Swift on January 7. Whether you’re a die-hard Swiftie or just keen for a high-energy night out, this show captures the spirit of the chart-topping icon’s music across her many stylistic shifts — and it’s a great excuse for a vibrant night with friends.
School Holiday Workshops & Science Shows
Across the week the Newcastle Museum is running school-holiday programming like Model Newcastle science shows on Wednesday 7 and Thursday 8 January, plus Make-It-Move creative workshops Friday 9 January. These free or low-cost activities are ideal if you’ve got young explorers in the crew.
A soft space to stand
For those days when you want something a bit slower but still stimulating, head to the A Soft Space to Stand exhibition, running now through the coming months. The show invites reflection and conversation, a reminder that Newcastle’s creative scene isn’t just about concerts, but also visual art and ideas that linger. Art lovers and curious minds alike will find plenty to ponder here.
SIX The Musical on the big screen at Tower Cinemas
For theatre lovers and pop-culture fans alike, SIX The Musical Live screens at Tower Cinemas Newcastle. This cinematic presentation of the smash-hit West End and Broadway musical brings the fierce, funny and feminist retelling of Henry VIII’s six wives to the big screen, complete with sparkling costumes and powerhouse vocals. Whether you’ve caught the stage show before or are discovering it for the first time, these screenings are not to be missed.
Flower Tote Painting Workshop
For something a little different this weekend, Newcastle creatives and novices alike can grab a brush at the Flower Tote Painting Workshop hosted at Alejandro’s Gallery. This relaxed, beginner-friendly session invites participants to slow down and hand-paint their own floral canvas tote bag under guided instruction, all materials are included, and there’s plenty of room to make the design your own. It’s the kind of social, expressive afternoon that pairs beautifully with a late lunch or pre-evening wander through Hunter Street, offering a creative reset and a unique wearable memento of your weekend.
BONUS: Mid-Summer Festival at The Farmer’s Wife Distillery
One of the must-visit events this weekend outside the city is the Mid-Summer Festival at The Farmer’s Wife Distillery in Allworth on Saturday, 10 January. Set on the sprawling, tree-lined lawns of the distillery, the festival runs from 2pm until 10pm and combines live music with a laid-back summer atmosphere, perfect for afternoon picnics and sunset drinks.
