From flamenco fire to pop culture fandom, Lake Macquarie is serving up a feast of entertainment, art, and community events this July.
Whether you’re diving into your favourite film universe, enjoying world-class live performances, or preparing to enter a national art competition, this month offers something for everyone.
Here’s your guide to what’s happening in Lake Macquarie this July.
Lake Mac POP BAM! Pop Culture Festival
WHEN: Saturday 26 July 2025 | 10am–3pm
WHERE: Rathmines Theatre, nawayiba & Rathmines Park
Suit up, Lake Mac – POP BAM! is back! Hosted by Lake Mac Libraries and MC’d by The Pretty Amazing Jono, this family-friendly celebration of all things pop culture is a must-attend for fans of Star Wars, Marvel, Doctor Who, comics, TV, and more. Highlights include: Cosplay parade & panel, Meet actor Matt Doran, Star Wars & Ghostbusters appearances, Sabre Academy & swordplay demos, Movie props, pop culture vehicles, LEGO, games truck, Workshops in anime, manga, drawing, and more!
Paco Lara – Duende Flamenco Show
WHEN: Saturday 5 July 2025 | 7:30–9:30pm
WHERE: Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba
Experience the magic and spirit of Spain with flamenco virtuoso Paco Lara. With over 30 years touring internationally alongside the greats of flamenco, Lara brings his new show DUENDE to Lake Macquarie. Expect an unforgettable evening of intricate guitar work, passionate dance, and soulful song — all with a touch of contemporary flair and subtle jazz influences.
Call for Entries: MAC yapang Art Prize 2025
Entries close 30 July 2025
Online | Exhibition to be held at MAC yapang 18 October – 7 December 2025
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this major new national award. Artists across Australia are invited to submit works for the inaugural MAC yapang Art Prize, with a total prize pool of $40,000. Open to all media, the prize includes:
- $30,000 acquisitive award (winning work enters the MAC yapang collection)
- $5,000 yapang award (for an Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander artist)
- $5,000 Lake Art Award (for a Lake Macquarie-based artist)
Coming Up in August
Jazz @ MAP mima
WHEN: Friday 8 August 2025 | 6pm–8pm
WHERE: Multi-Arts Pavilion (MAP mima), Speers Point
Let the timeless magic of jazz wash over you in the immersive 360-degree Cube at MAP mima. Local band Round Midnight will deliver a soulful evening filled with classic and contemporary jazz favourites. It’s intimate, it’s imaginative, and it’s not to be missed.
Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase
WHEN: Friday 8 August 2025 | 7:30pm–9:30pm
WHERE: Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba
Get ready to laugh until it hurts! The Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase brings the best of the 2025 festival to Lake Macquarie, featuring a lineup of top-tier comedians delivering two hours of side-splitting fun. Please note that the show may contain strong language and adult themes.
John Waters: Radio Luxembourg
WHEN: Friday 15 August 2025 | 8pm–10:10pm
WHERE: Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba
Icon of stage and screen, John Waters, brings the spirit of the British Pop Invasion to life with Radio Luxembourg. In the 1960s, when commercial radio licenses weren’t granted in the UK, pop and rock music found a lifeline through Radio Luxembourg – and the world was never the same. With his dynamic six-piece band and soaring vocals, Waters revisits the era that birthed The Beatles, The Moody Blues, The Kinks, The Who, and more. Through heartfelt anecdotes and powerful performances, he reimagines the classic hits that defined a generation. It’s a night of nostalgia, rhythm, and rock that’ll have you dancing in your seat.
WHAT’S ON LAKE MAC
To keep up to date with everything happening around Lake Mac visit lakemac.com.au.
