Lake Macquarie has an absolutely stacked calendar of diverse live music, theatre, comedy, film and family-friendly events rolling out across 2026.
From free lakeside sessions and major touring acts to bold local productions and new festivals, the year ahead offers plenty of reasons to get out and experience the area’s cultural heartbeat.
Twilight Fridays
The year begins on an easy, social note with Twilight Fridays, running until April at MAP mima. The free Friday night series pairs live music with pop-up food, creative activities and themed evenings, including Beats and Eats, Kids Cube Disco, Art After Hours and the nostalgic fun of 80s Skaties. It’s a relaxed way to ease into the weekend and connect with the local arts community.
Akmal live
January also brings a major comedy drawcard, with Akmal taking the stage at Warners Bay Theatre on 23 January. Known for his sharp improvisation and fearless crowd work, the comedy icon is set to deliver one of the summer’s standout nights.
Press Play weekend
Families and curious minds can dive into Press Play Weekend from 13–15 February, when MAP mima transforms into a creative playground filled with art, music and interactive experiences designed for all ages.
Unlock culture around the lake
March shifts the focus to rich musical and theatrical offerings. Highlights include Lake Mac Philharmonic Orchestra: Myths and Legends, the ARIA-nominated Eishan Ensemble blending Persian and Western traditions, and a collaborative performance by Tom Avgenicos and Jordan East, combining jazz, strings and multimedia projection. Theatre fans are also catered for with the One Act Play Festival on 28 March and Catapult: Uncoiling Veils of Illusion, a striking fusion of dance and digital visuals.
Live music, theatre and ideas
April and May continue the momentum with intimate and inventive programming. Audiences can look forward to a Chamber Quartet Concert in the Cube, alongside the rock-and-roll theatre favourite Sons of Sun. June brings sharp storytelling and big ideas to the fore, from the witty comedy Are You Pulling My Leg? to Meet the Makers, celebrating local artisans and creativity. Theatre lovers can also catch Come You Spirits, a bold reimagining of Macbeth that adds a fresh edge to a classic text.
Vince Jones live in concert
Jazz royalty returns to Warners Bay Theatre! Join Vince Jones live in concert for A Maverick’s Tale: 50 Years of Music, an intimate evening celebrating one of Australia’s most beloved voices in jazz. After a sell-out 2024 performance, Vince Jones is back with his world-class band, revisiting much-loved classics and premiering tracks from his forthcoming new album. Expect effortless vocals, sublime trumpet and the unmistakable style that has made him an Australian music icon.
Winter and spring standouts
Mid-year sees a return of large-scale favourites and energetic festivals. Opera Hunter brings The Magic Flute to audiences from 22 July to 2 August, followed by the lively Pop BAM Festival on 25 July. August continues with Shoptalk: A New Musical on 28 August and plenty of laughs via the Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase. September turns the spotlight on local talent with Strings N Things, Festival of the Choirs, and MAP mima Rocks at Speers Point Park, celebrating community music-making in the open air.
A packed spring finale
October is one of the busiest months on the calendar, offering something for every taste. Film lovers can enjoy the Manhattan Short Film Festival and the inaugural Pavilion Film Festival, a new competitive cinema experience staged inside MAP mima’s 360-degree Cube. Music fans are spoiled with Jazz at MAP mima, SONIDO, a vibrant celebration of Latin American roots music, and the enduring charm of Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Mikado.
The year rounds out with NEWK: The John Newcombe Story, performances by the Australian Haydn Ensemble, and the family favourite Peter and the Wolf & Other Tails. Festival regulars are also encouraged to lock in favourites such as Write Here Festival in May, the Dobell Festival in June, and History Illuminated in November.
Get the program!
With such a wide-ranging program on offer, 2026 shapes up as a banger year for arts and live performance in Lake Macquarie. The full performing arts guide is available as an interactive flipbook, with tickets and details at arts.lakemac.com.au. Updates and behind-the-scenes stories can also be found via Lake Mac Arts on social media.
Make the most of 2026 with a Lake Mac Arts membership
Regular arts-goers can stretch their entertainment dollar with a Lake Mac Arts membership, which includes two free tickets to any arts event in 2026 and 10 per cent off tickets throughout the year. Members also receive exclusive invitations, complimentary drinks at select events, and discounts at Harry and Lola’s Café, Ernest Hill Wines and shop MAC at MAC yapang, all while supporting the region’s growing cultural program.
