Well, here we are. The pointy end of 2022.
And with huge events such as New Annual and West Best Bloc Fest showcasing our city and the creative talent that lies within, what a year it was!
As we move headlong into the new year, 2023 is shaping up to be another bumper year of events and activities for all ages and tastes.
Here are just a few events happening across Newcastle (and a little further afield) in the first half of 2023 that are definitely worth adding to the calendar.
And remember to keep an eye on What’s On to stay in the loop about all the events 2023 has in store.
Elton John – Farewell Yellow Brick Road
McDonald Jones Stadium
Sun Jan 8 & Tue Jan 10 2023
With an unparalleled career that has seen more than 300 million albums sold, Elton John is, after two years of COVID interruptions, back on stage. Elton embarked on his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour in September 2018 – its milestone, multi-year itinerary comprising over 300 shows across five continents. Hailed by fans and critics worldwide, these performances have left audiences spellbound, a truly daring and intimate celebration of an incredible 50-year career.
Come From Away
Civic Theatre
18 Feb – 5 March 2023
The Tony and Olivier Award-winning musical Come From Away tells the remarkable true story of thousands of stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland, Canada that welcomed them all.
Cultures clash, nerves run high, but uneasiness turns to trust, music soars into the night, and gratitude grows into enduring friendships.
Newcastle 500
Newcastle East and Harbour Foreshore
10-12 March 2023
The 2023 Supercars Championship hits the streets of Newcastle in March, launching the season with the next generation of Supercars making their much-anticipated debut! It’s Camaro vs Mustang on track for the first time, marking the start of a new era for the sport.
Nestled between the city and the surf, the Newcastle 500 event promises to be a sporting spectacle like no other!
Tickets
Newcastle Fringe Festival
Various Venues
9 – 19 March 2023
With more than 50 artist groups performing over 120 shows, the 2023 Newcastle Fringe Festival is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever.
A bumper program that, for the first time includes a Fringe Festival Hub in Hamilton, boasts an eclectic bill of fare including stand-up music, theatre, cabaret and more.
Red Hot Summer
Roche Estate
Sat 25 March 2023
The Red Hot Summer Tour is returning to Roche Estate with an iconic all-Australian line-up. Tickets have already been selling fast for the 2023 tour which features legends Paul Kelly, Bernard Fanning, Missy Higgins, Mark Seymour, Vika & Linda, and Ian Moss & Troy Cassar-Daley. The Red Hot Summer Tour 2023 is shaping up to be one of the most popular in the touring festival’s history.
Tommy Emmanuel
Civic Theatre
Mon 8 May 2023
Guitar virtuoso Tommy Emmanuel will return to Australia for the first time in four years, including an anticipated Newcastle visit.
Tommy’s message is pure love for the guitar and the music and his delight in sharing it with the world, one audience at a time.
Michael Buble
Newcastle Entertainment Centre
Thur 1 June 2023
The King of modern croon, Michael Bublé will make you swoon when he hits Newcastle Entertainment Centre in June.
The renowned Canadian entertainer will perform tracks from his stunning 11th studio album Higher as well as a hefty selection of his original smash-hits and trademark innovative takes on the classics.