We’re halfway through the July school holidays and the rain is finally easing in the Hunter region, albeit temporarily.
If you’re tired of being cooped up indoors, grab a hoodie and head out to one or more of our top seven suggestions of things to do around the region this weekend.
You’re welcome.
- Star Gazing
Newcastle Astronomical Society will be stationed on the Riverside Walk in Maitland from 6pm to 9pm on Friday 8 July for an evening of gazing up at the stars for eager astronomers of all ages.
- Exhibitions
The Newcastle Library will be home to two very special family-friendly exhibitions this Saturday. Between 9.30am and 2pm, visitors can catch an immersive felt installation called The Soft Library by Cat Rabbit, as well as a collection of captivating illustrations by Shaun Tan in Never be Late for a Parade.
The Newcastle Museum is hosting the final week of Alice’s Wonderland – a hands-on science exhibition based on Lewis Carroll’s well-known Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
- Live shows
Tickets are still available for Saturday’s afternoon or evening performance of The Spongebob Musical performed by the Young People’s Theatre. Join the adventures of SpongeBob, Patrick, Sandy and Squidward on their mission to save the town of Bikini Bottom and have the Best Day Ever!
- Markets
The Homegrown Markets is back at The Station in Newcastle on Saturday from 10am to 2pm. Hundreds of local stallholders will be selling their wares to a backdrop of live music and an array of street food options, while kids can enjoy a jumping castle and tie-dye workshop.
- Culture
For a touch of culture, join Aboriginal Elder Uncle Amos from Muurung Marai in a special NAIDOC Week event ‘Sharing culture: NAIDOC Week Storytime’. From 10.30am to 11.15am kids aged 4 to 10 can learn Awabakal language through song, dance and puppets at the Belmont Library.
- Build
Newcastle Brickfest is returning to the Newcastle Jockey Club, Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 July. LEGO fans can enjoy original creations and displays by LEGO Master builders, as well as lots of activities for all ages. All proceeds set to support The John Hunter Hospital’s Kids Club.
- Out and About
For those keen to get out in nature again now that the rain has stopped, The Hunter Wetlands Centre in Shortland is hosting Who Ate the Dinosaur this weekend. Between 10am and noon, visitors can ask local dinosaur expert Mike Dawson all their pressing questions about his favourite extinct animals, create fossils and follow mysterious footprints into the surrounding wetlands.
