From poolside film screenings to free art workshops and more, Maitland City Council’s program of summer events offers family entertainment aplenty during the school holidays.
Back for a second year is LIVE at The Levee presents Changing Tides on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 January.
A rework of the popular pop-up format, local music lovers will be treated to two nights of free tunes from talented musicians, performing on a floating stage on the Hunter River.
Headlining the Changing Tides line-up are six-time ARIA Award winning alt rock artist Dan Sultan and soulful singer songwriter Alex Lloyd on the Saturday night, with CJ Stranger, Ben Leece and The Left of the Dial, and Johnston City completing the roster on the Friday evening.
Council’s events team leader Kara Stonestreet is excited to build upon the success of the inaugural concept, which is funded by the NSW Government.
“What better way to spend two sunny summer’s nights than seated on the riverbank enjoying some great music from local and national acts?” she said.
“Better still, there are no tickets required.
“Just grab a rug, pick a spot on the riverside and enjoy the relaxing vibes.”
The year-round Street Eats program will visit Queens Wharf Park from noon on Sunday 15 January and Woodberry Playground from 5pm on Friday 10 February.
And, if you’re looking to engage your little one’s grey matter, Maitland Regional Art Gallery, Maitland Gaol and local libraries are staging a suite of art workshops, interactive tours and author talks starting from Tuesday 3 January.
Meanwhile, Australia Day will see the return of the Maitland River Regatta, where punters can hire an inflatable raft and paddle on down the Hunter River.
Starting at Lorn’s RH Taylor Reserve and ending at Lorn Beach, the route will be bolstered by beach games, as well as food and drink options, at either end.
“The Maitland River Regatta is coming back after being trialled in 2022,” Ms Stonestreet said.
“It’s a throwback to ‘The Great Maitland Raft Race’ that ran back in the 70s and 80s.
“Tickets for the regatta will be made available in the coming weeks.”
Also on Australia Day, Maitland Aquatic Centre will offer free entry from 10am.
The ever-popular Dive-In Cinema is also set to appear in council’s summer program, with two family films screening at Maitland Aquatic Centre – Around the World in 80 Days (G) at 5.30pm and The Life of Pi (PG) from 8pm – on Saturday 28 January.
The night will be complete with entertainment, food, laser tag and lawn games, as well as free swim time.
It’ll be ticketed and admission is $5 for an out of pool ticket and $10 per person for an in pool ticket.
“There are so many ways to make it Maitland this summer,” Ms Stonestreet said.
“Our suite of free and paid events and activities will continue into February.”
To check out the full program of confirmed dates and times, visit www.mymaitland.com.au/summer.
For more entertainment stories:
- Shakespeare Under the Stars to light up Newcastle
- Sink your teeth into 2023 Newcastle Food Month
- Aussie music pioneer still Chugging along after five decades
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