Get ready for a huge weekend in Newcastle! The massive Coates Newcastle Show is on, the newly renovated Newcastle Art Gallery reopens, and there’s outdoor movie magic at Speers Point. Here are the best family events for Saturday, February 28 and Sunday, March 1, 2026.
See our top picks
Clean Up Australia Day Newcastle
Various locations across Newcastle
A rewarding way to spend Sunday morning outdoors helping the community.
Newcastle Art Gallery: Opening Weekend
Newcastle Art Gallery
Explore the grand reopening of the city's main art gallery for free on Saturday or Sunday.
Rainbow Storytime - Newcastle City Library
Newcastle City Library
A glitter-filled reading session with Timberlina on Saturday morning.
· February 28
9: This is one of Newcastle’s biggest family traditions, running across the weekend! Expect three days packed with carnival rides, farm animals, competitions, and live entertainment. Saturday runs late, so it’s perfect for a big family day out.It’s the biggest family event spanning both days of the target weekend, offering maximum entertainment options.
FREE : The landmark extension to the NAG officially opens this weekend! Head in on Saturday to check out the massive inaugural exhibition, 'Iconic Loved Unexpected,' plus enjoy live performances and community artmaking.This is the grand reopening celebration of the city's major art institution, and entry is free all weekend.
CINEMA UNDER THE STARS: THE WILD ROBOTFREE : A fantastic free evening at Speers Point featuring the Oscar-nominated film *The Wild Robot*. Get there early for free activities like circus workshops, face painting, and lawn games before the film starts at sundown.It combines an outdoor family movie experience with free entertainment and workshops beforehand.
POP-UP REPAIR CAFE – HUNTER MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITIESFREE : This is a great way to teach kids about sustainability! Bring along broken clothing, small household items, or bikes, and the team will help you fix them for free.It’s a unique, free community event focused on practical, sustainable skills.
GLENDALE CITY CENTRE 30TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONFREE : Glendale is kicking off a month of birthday celebrations this weekend! Expect free, family-friendly activities, giveaways, and plenty of celebratory buzz throughout the centre on Saturday.It’s a large, free, family-oriented celebration happening right at the start of the weekend.
FREE : Bring your little ones for a special Storytime session featuring Timberlina, promising a glitter-filled extravaganza. A fun, free event for younger kids on Saturday morning.A specific, fun-sounding library event confirmed for Saturday morning, perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.
COFFEE AND CLAYTIME WORKSHOP : Parents might need a break! This workshop lets you slow down, enjoy a coffee, and create hand-built pottery. All materials are included, so you can get messy and leave the cleanup to them.It offers a specific, structured creative activity for parents/older kids on Saturday morning.
ART FOR ALL 2026: FREE INCLUSIVE YOUTH ART PROGRAM (INFO SESSION)FREE : This is specifically aimed at teens and young adults (12-24) interested in a visual arts program. Head along to the info session on Saturday to learn more and meet the educators.It targets the older end of the family spectrum (teens) who often need specific programming.
FREE : Drive just outside Newcastle for a free evening of fun! Roll around to live DJ music at this free community roller disco event in Maitland on Saturday evening.It's a free, scheduled evening activity for Saturday that is perfect for active kids.
· March 1
3FREE : If you need a quiet, free activity for Sunday afternoon, check out this solo exhibition by Louise Carter, blending ceramic sculpture and oil painting. It’s a great way to expose older kids to contemporary art.It’s a free, indoor option for Sunday that is part of a limited run ending this weekend.
FREE : Get out on Sunday morning to help clean up local parks, beaches, or streets! It’s a rewarding way to spend time outdoors as a family while supporting the community.It is a dedicated national day of environmental action occurring on Sunday.
: If you have older kids interested in classical music, this concert at Christ Church Cathedral covers three centuries of chamber music. Children get in free, making it an accessible cultural outing.The only music event listed for Sunday, and it's very affordable for families due to the free child tickets.
Also On· anytime this weekend
3: If your older kids or teens love to draw, this weekly session lets them develop sketching and watercolour techniques while capturing the local scenery. It’s a great chance to be creative outside the home.It’s a recurring structured art activity that occurs on Saturday that isn't a one-off workshop.
FREE : Start your Saturday morning early and grab fresh produce, gourmet snacks, and artisan treats. Markets are always great for getting kids involved in food shopping.This market is explicitly dated for Saturday, Feb 28, unlike the Newcastle Farmers Markets listing.
FREE : Head to Caves Beach on Saturday morning for coastal market vibes, fresh produce, and artisan goods. A perfect morning stop before hitting the sand.It’s a one-off Saturday market in the beachside suburb that offers a relaxed atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Newcastle this weekend?
This weekend (Feb 28-01) there are several free events, including the Newcastle Art Gallery Opening Weekend (Sat & Sun), the community clean-up for Clean Up Australia Day Newcastle (Sun morning), and the Pop-Up Repair Cafe (Sat morning).
What is happening on Saturday night?
Saturday night features the late closing of the Coates Newcastle Show (until 10 pm) or the free Maitland Roller Disco in the early evening (5-8 pm).
Is there anything happening outdoors on Sunday?
Yes, you can participate in Clean Up Australia Day Newcastle in the morning, or check out the House (Exhibition) at Back to Back Galleries if you prefer something quieter.
