Rain all week and turn up the humidity, we don’t care, just leave the weekends full of sunshine and perfect temperatures!

With clear skies expected for both Saturday and Sunday, there really is no excuse not to get out and about our beautiful region this weekend.

If it’s art you crave, or you need to get the family together for some wholesome fun – we’ve got you covered.

Or maybe you want to escape the house for some cool vibes and tasty treats. It’s all on offer in the Hunter.

FILM 

The 2022 Newcastle International Short Film Festival is this Saturday 19 November from 8pm to 11pm. The annual event will include the screening of films from across the globe including Ukraine, New Zealand, Italy, Russia, and Iran, as well as some homegrown talents. The event will take place at the Royal Exchange Hybrid Arts Centre on Bolton Street in Newcastle.  

If it is more family-friendly you are after, then head to Speers Point Park on Saturday for Allambi Care’s Cinema in the Park. The free event begins at 4pm with free rides, free face-painting, free music, and prizes for the best dressed, before the screening of Minions 2 at sunset. 

GIN 

Newcastle’s inaugural Port to Paradise Rum & Gin Festival is on at The Station on Saturday from 12.30pm to 7.30pm. Food trucks, live music, tastings, masterclasses, and Graffiti & Martini art sessions are set to impress crowds at this unique ticketed event. 

FOOD 

Lake Macquarie’s Friday Night Foodies is on again this Friday at the Multi Arts Pavilion, (MAP mima) in Speers Point from 5pm to 8pm. Enjoy dinner by the lake with family and friends and this week’s hosts Southern Smoke, serving up the region’s favourite tasty ribs, burgers, and Southern American treats. 

HISTORY 

Morpeth will celebrate its bicentennial with a series of activities planned for both Saturday and Sunday 19 and 20 November. Classic car displays, penny-farthing races, horse and carriage rides, an Arnott’s Biscuit trail and much more are sure to keep everyone entertained along Swan Street. The Slow Food Earth Market will also take place from 10am until 4pm on Green Street. Walking tours will help get visitors up to date on the past 200 years, with treks beginning at 10am on Saturday and Sunday, departing from Queens Wharf. 

 
SPIRITUAL 

Live Your Light – Body, Mind & Soul Expo is on this Sunday at Wallsend Diggers from 9.30am. The expo will include more than 50 exhibitors from the health, holistic and wellbeing industry sharing motivation and tips for better living. The event will also double as a fundraiser for Jenny’s Place – Newcastle’s Domestic Violence and Homeless Services.  

ART 

Sunday Sessions are back at the MAC from 1pm to 3pm. The grounds of the Museum of Arts and Culture in Booragul will be open for visitors wanting to try art tutorials, cheese platters, live music and an onsite bar. Tickets are $20, and include a cheese platter, all art materials and music. This week’s musician is Chin-Hwi Ang and art tutorials will be presented by a guest artist from the Lake Art Prize. 

MUSIC 

Cafe Sessions is bringing music to cafes across Newcastle this summer, supported by the City of Newcastle. This Saturday sessions will include Big Jarda at Momo Wholefoods on Hunter Street, and Flamenco guitarist Damien Wright at Bank Corner Espresso Newcastle West. Both sessions start at 10am.

*Don’t forget our extensive guide to markets across our region this summer.

For more entertainment inspo:

• Cheers to Boydell’s opening Morpeth’s first cocktail bar
• Talented musos return to The Levee
• On the right path – new cycling map

Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.