The countdown is on.

It’s a month until Christmas.

In less than three weeks the kids will be on school holidays.

And then there’s the chaos of the Black Friday Sales.

If you just want to slow down for the weekend, and enjoy the weather we’ve been waiting for, then hopefully we have the event you need.

Check out our list of activities designed to boost your mood this weekend.

Escape to the Valley

Leave the city behind and head out to the Hunter Valley where there is as much, or as little, to do as you feel. From a Sunset Session at Bimbadgen Pizzeria on Friday night, to a Low and Slow Smoking Masterclass at Majors Lane Cooking School on Sunday. Maybe its Lobster Rolls & Semillon in the Laneway at Mount Pleasant Wines on Saturdays and Sundays, or a casual wander through the Handmade in the Hunter markets on Saturday. When the sun goes down there’s always the Christmas Lights Spectacular at Hunter Valley Gardens from 5.30pm.

Homegrown Christmas Markets

This Saturday 26 November, Homegrown Markets at the Station is back once again, but this time some festive spirit has been added. A variety of Christmas workshops and activities, perfect for the kids, will bring plenty of opportunity to get into the spirit of Christmas. Browse more than 120 stalls from 10am to 2pm, selling handmade goodies for the perfect festive gift, as well as coffee and a bite to eat, not forgetting to listen out for some incredible live music. Don’t miss out on a special arrival from Santa between 10am and noon. There’s even parking at Foreshore car park for $10 all day.

Movember Comedy Showcase

The annual event of the Movember Comedy Showcase has arrived, hosted at the Stag and Hunter Hotel, Mayfield this Sunday from 6pm to 8pm. This hilarious night filled with some talented local comedians will give everyone a good laugh all while raising funds and awareness for men’s health. Come and show off your mo to support one of Australia’s biggest charities.

Marvellous Minibeasts Insect Walk

Find out more about the critters living around us on Sunday by joining a discovery of insects and their habitats. Bring the whole family and trek through Wallsend’s Brickworks Park from 9am to 11am while being led by Educator Jeannie Lawson who will tell you all you need to know. Make sure to bring a hat, water bottle and closed-in shoes while we take on a mission to learn all about our environment and everything that lives within it.

Feast Fest Twilight Food Market

Head down to Speers Point Park on Saturday to enjoy the Feast Fest Twilight Food Market. From 4pm to 8pm, a $2 entry fee (kids are free) can get you into a glorious twilight market experience filled with plenty of food trucks and vendors, local musicians, local retail stalls, kids rides (jumping castles etc, kiddie kartz, laughing clowns), fairy floss, popcorn and snow cones. Bring along the picnic blanket, picnic chairs and even your dog (on a leash) to this jam-packed event.

Lawn Liaison Summer Party

Have a go at lawn bowls this Sunday at Bar Beach Bowling and Sports Club. Join other locals on the green and compete for a winning prize – even if you are a complete beginner. Listen out for your favourite tunes by the DJ, sip cocktails and enjoy the sun while having a laugh. Bring a few friends or come by yourself and meet new people to form a team of three or four. The winning team will get a prize, but also for the team that is best dressed in their bowling whites or summer-inspired fashion.

Row, row, row your boat

Newcastle Rowing Club is hosting the Central Districts Rowing Sprint Championship Regatta on Sunday. Rowers from Newcastle and the Hunter Valley will compete against athletes travelling from the Mid-North Coast, Central Coast and Sydney on Throsby Creek from 8am to 4pm. With $1,000 prizemoney at stake as well as an historic trophy, this event is battled out fiercely by top athletes selected from each of the participating clubs.

• Elise Collins

MARKETS: Don’t forget our comprehensive markets guide can be found at: www.newcastleweekly.com.au/newcastle-markets

For more events inspiration:

• Christmas Under the Stars is back
• City’s night time economy gets $800k boost
• Headline acts bound for the Hunter in 2023

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