The next two months in Lake Macquarie are bursting with cultural delights, live music, classical concerts, and vibrant exhibitions.
Whether you’re a lover of the arts, classical music, or looking for engaging events for the whole family, there’s something to discover across the city this month. From internationally celebrated musicians to local artists, here’s your guide to what’s on in Lake Macquarie in April and May.
Check it out below…
Katie Noonan & Karin Schaupp – Songs of the Southern Skies Vol 2
📅 Saturday 12 April 2025
📍 Multi-Arts Pavilion (MAP mima)
Prepare to be spellbound as two of Australia’s most celebrated musicians return to Lake Macquarie. Beloved vocalist Katie Noonan and internationally acclaimed guitarist Karin Schaupp bring their long-standing creative partnership to the stage once more with Songs of the Southern Skies Volume 2.
This ARIA Award-winning duo will reinterpret iconic works by some of Australia and New Zealand’s most beloved female artists, including Aunty Ruby Hunter, Missy Higgins, Sia, Kate Ceberano, and Sarah Blasko. With Noonan’s soaring vocals and Schaupp’s masterful guitar work, this concert promises a genre-defying evening of evocative, lyrical brilliance.
New Exuberance & Trevor Weekes: Opus – Exhibition Opening
📅 Friday 11 April, 5–8pm
📍 Museum of Art and Culture, yapang (MAC yapang)
Celebrate the launch of MAC yapang’s Autumn exhibitions with a free night of art and entertainment. Explore New Exuberance and Opus by Trevor Weekes while enjoying live music from talented guitarist Adam Miller. With complimentary refreshments and drinks available, this is the perfect evening for art lovers to immerse themselves in the creative energy of the season.
Bookings are essential for this free event.
Communia Omnia – That which belongs to all: Exhibition Opening
📅 Saturday 26 April, 12–2pm
📍 Multi-Arts Pavilion (MAP mima)
Step into a world of unseen forces at the opening of Sandy Sanderson’s new exhibition, Communia Omnia – That which belongs to all. This multi-sensory showcase explores the invisible patterns and phenomena that shape our universe, from magnetic fields to mathematical structures.
Guests can meet the artist and gain insight into her inspiration, all while enjoying light refreshments in the unique surrounds of MAP mima.
Autumn Serenades: with Mozart, Haydn & Friends
📅 Sunday 27 April 2025, 4pm
📍 Multi-Arts Pavilion (MAP mima)
Enjoy a sublime afternoon of classical music performed by four of the Hunter region’s finest musicians. Autumn Serenades offers a carefully curated program that will transport you from the salons of the 18th century to the grandeur of the Romantic era.
Highlights include Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, Handel’s Arrival of the Queen of Sheba, Schumann’s Träumerei, and Strauss II’s Annen Polka. The second half features Haydn, Bach, Massenet, Boccherini, and concludes with the exhilarating Rondo alla Turca by Mozart. A must-attend for classical music enthusiasts.
Press Play – Family Weekend
📅 Friday 2 – Sunday 4 May 2025
📍 Multi-Arts Pavilion (MAP mima)
Wrap up April and roll into May with Press Play, a fun-filled weekend for the whole family at MAP mima. Inspired by Sandy Sanderson’s Communia Omnia exhibition, this event features interactive art workshops, creative play, and live performances.
🎉 Featured Events:
- Friday night kids’ disco
- Whale Chorus workshop: Dreaming Alice
- Sculpting avatars
- Collage and photogrammetry activities
Perfect for curious minds and budding creatives, Press Play is a hands-on celebration of imagination and discovery.
Write Here Festival – A Celebration of Words
📅 16–18 May 2025
📍 Various Venues Across Lake Macquarie
Book lovers and aspiring writers, mark your calendars! The Write Here Festival is back for three incredible days of literary inspiration, bringing together some of Australia’s finest authors and emerging voices. Whether you’re an avid reader, a budding writer, or simply passionate about storytelling, this festival is packed with workshops, author talks, and special events designed to ignite your creativity.
📚 Festival Highlights:
- Tom Keneally in Conversation with Scott Bevan – A must-see discussion with one of Australia’s most celebrated authors.
- Graeme Simsion – Hear from the bestselling author of The Rosie Project and more.
- Relax and Write Cruise with Magdalena Ball – Set sail for a unique writing workshop on the water.
- Food Passions with Reece Hignell & Jennifer Wong – A delicious exploration of food, culture, and storytelling.
- Crime Writing with Michael Robotham, Darcy Tindale & Jaye Ford – Uncover the secrets behind crafting gripping crime fiction.
Don’t miss out—immerse yourself in words, creativity, and inspiration. Be a part of the story at Write Here Festival 2025!
COMING UP IN LAKE MAC
Float Your Boat – Light Up the Lake!
📅 20 – 21 June 2025
📍 Lake Macquarie
Ever dreamed of turning the lake into a glowing spectacle? Float Your Boat 2025 is your chance to be part of something truly magical! This much-loved event invites boat owners and creatives to transform their vessels into floating light sculptures, creating a breathtaking illuminated flotilla on the waters of Lake Macquarie.
💡 Get Involved & Win!
- Participation is FREE, and the first 20 registered boats receive $400 to bring their creative vision to life.
- Compete for a cash prize pool of $2800, with the best displays winning up to $1000.
Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a creative dreamer, this is your moment to shine! Don’t miss your chance to light up the lake—register now and be part of an unforgettable night.
