This weekend is a great one to be a Novocastrian sports fan with the city playing host to two major national events.
Newcastle Harbour will become a hive of activity from Saturday when the Sailing Champions League Asia Pacific brings its qualifying regatta to the city for the first time, with some of the country’s best sailors battling out across two days of fast-paced action.
If you don’t have your sea legs, never fear because McDonald Jones Stadium will also be hosting a historic A-League double-header on Sunday with Wellington Phoenix taking on Brisbane Roar before the hometown heroes take to the pitch to face off against heavyweights Adelaide United.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the bumper weekend is just a taste of what is to come over the next month.
“Newcastle has well and truly become your events city with an action-packed schedule, supported by the City of Newcastle, set to create a buzz across the region throughout the next month,” Cr Nelmes said.
“From all the action of the historic A-League double-header, to the excitement of welcoming the world’s best surfers back to Newcastle for the Rip Curl Newcastle Cup, there will be plenty to keep sports fans entertained, while a host of food festivals are sure to entice and provide a range of diverse culinary options.”
Culture vultures are well catered for this weekend, too with the ever-popular Newcastle Fringe Festival hosting events across the city. And you can also head here for a comprehensive guide to everything happening around you.
There’s definitely no shortage of stuff happening in April, too with the city hosting everything from food fests to surfing championships.
Here’s a little rundown on some of the events you can expect to see popping up in Newcastle over the next few weeks.
March 20-21: Sailing Champions League Asia Pacific Qualifying Regatta – Newcastle Harbour
March 21: A-League double-header feat Wellington Phoenix v Brisbane Roar (4pm) and Newcastle Jets v Adelaide United (6.50pm) – McDonald Jones Stadium.
March 26: Tour De Cure charity ride – setting off from Newcastle to Coffs Harbour
April 1-11: Rip Curl Newcastle Cup, World Surf League Championship Tour event – Merewether Beach
April 1-30: Newcastle Food Month – more than 30 events at various locations
April 10-11: SailFest Newcastle Regatta and Sailing Champions League finals series – Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club, Newcastle Harbour.
April 10-11: Newcastle Seafood Festival – Throsby Creek Precincts and surrounds
April 10-11: AON Woman’s University Rugby 7s – No.2 Sportsground, Newcastle
April 11: NewRun Newcastle Festival of Running – Newcastle Foreshore.
April 16-18: Hunter Academy of Sport – Regional Academy Games – various locations.
