Youth Week 2026 is kicking off in Newcastle, with a page-turning celebration set to open a packed program of workshops, performances and youth-led creativity across the city.
The festivities have kicked off as City of Newcastle marks the fifth anniversary of its Young Adult Book Club, using the milestone as the launchpad for this year’s statewide Youth Week theme: Dream, Dare, Do.
The long-running club has become a welcoming space for young readers to connect, build friendships and share their love of fiction, a fitting curtain-raiser for a program designed to celebrate youth culture in all its forms.
Youth Week highlights City of Newcastle’s year-round support of young people, from leadership opportunities to creative programs and community-driven initiatives.
That commitment shines through the 2026 program, which has been shaped in collaboration with local youth to ensure it reflects their interests, ideas and lived experiences.
The result is an inclusive calendar designed to help young Novocastrians feel safe, supported and inspired.
On Thursday 17 April, the action shifts to Newcastle Museum for Future Makers, a free showcase of youth-led live music, hands-on workshops and creative activities.
Emerging artists Rose White, Evan Worgan and Filthy E and the Clean Teens will perform, while young people can dive into badge-making, origami, upcycled fashion, blackout poetry and a collaborative installation led by local artist Ken O’Regan, set to go on display at Wallsend Library.
The program also features a dystopian-themed creative writing workshop inspired by the Model Newcastle exhibition, as well as a switch gaming workshop for players keen to test their skills.
The celebrations continue through to Saturday 25 April, when Youth Week wraps up with a free skate competition at Wallsend Park.
Multiple divisions will be on offer, ensuring space for girls, young entrants and non-binary skaters, with Grundy’s Skate Store and Globe teaming up to deliver workshops and more than $2000 in prizes.
Alongside the official events, school-aged youth can also boost their cycling skills next week through bike maintenance, road-riding confidence sessions and creative movement workshops delivered by local artists.
Youth Week events are supported by the NSW Office of Youth, with cycling workshops delivered through the NSW Holiday Break Program. All activities are free, with registrations required for cycling sessions. Full details about City of Newcastle’s Youth Week 2026 program and the Young Adult Book Club are available via the City of Newcastle website.
