A Gen Z Art Student's Guide to New Annual 2026

By New Annual's University of Newcastle (UoN) career-ready placement student, Nevena.

As a Bachelor of Art student at UoN who loves exploring Newcastle, from dropping by the occasional op shop, and enjoying a night of jazz at the Underground, to sunset swims at Bar Beach, I'm always looking for a fun getaway on the weekends with my friends or a way to wind down after my classes during the week.

As the holidays come to an end and semester 2 looms around the corner, all of us university students will need a pick-me-up in the middle of semester.

What better way to upgrade your hobby game, have fun, and engage with the local art scene here in Newcastle than New Annual, running for ten days from 25th Sep to 4th Oct and showcasing art of all mediums from unique voices and local creatives.

Here are my top picks for New Annual 2026, with a mix of free and ticketed events, curated with students and young creatives in mind. Whether you bring your friends or family or go solo, New Annual, supported by the University of Newcastle, is a great way to let loose and feel inspired. If you're a creative at heart like me, these might pique your interest.

Group Workshop: Writing For Live Performance
🗓️ Sat 3rd Oct; 10am - 2pm
📍 Promenade Room, Civic Theatre
🎟️ $55 Standard; $40 Concession

As an aspiring writer who's always looking for ways to improve and experiment, this masterclass hosted by award-winning playwright Mark Rogers is a great way to connect with other writers and kickstart your own creative practice. If you're looking for wisdom and inspiration, be sure to check it out - and sign up quick, as the workshop is limited to 10 places only. Learn more. 

Night Flowers: Damien Frost
🗓️ Fri 25 Sep - Sun 4 Oct, 10:00am - 9:00pm
📍 Watt Space Gallery
🎟️ FREE

A sure way to get your mind off your assignments is this free exhibition from UoN alumni Damien Frost, showcasing his alluring Night Flowers photographic series, which explores theatrical and evocative expressions of queer identity through striking portraits. With a free drink on arrival, head over to Watt Space Gallery and come face to face with reinvention. Learn more. 

TWISTED: Night Flowers Party
🗓️ Sat 26th Sept; 7pm - 12am
📍 Bartholomew's Bar, King St
🎟️ $40 - $50

Start your weekend right by joining us at this wild and experimental costume party at Newcastle's iconic Bartholomew's Bar, a fun night of self-expression and personality, inspired by artist Damien Frost's compelling Night Flower series. If, like me, you need to shake off those mid-semester blues, then get a taste of Newcastle's diverse art scene where food and drinks and plentiful and dancing is encouraged. Learn more. 

SOAK: Live at the Baths
🗓️ Sat 26th & Sun 27th Sept, Fri 2nd & Sat 3rd Oct; 5:30pm - 6:30pm
📍 Newcastle Ocean Baths
🎟️ FREE

If you are a live music fanatic, I think you'll love SOAK at Newcastle Ocean Baths, a free live music experience across two weekends, featuring unique local artists across multiple genres. For the beginning of spring, pack a picnic, bring your friends, and wind down while watching the sunset and possibly discover some new favourite songs. Choose between four sets where you get a taste of a range of genres from electronic, techno, and hip-hop to R&B, blues and soul. Take your pick and let the harmonies (and waves) wash over you. Learn more. 

Framed in Sound: Selected Works of Tony Mott
🗓️ Sat 26th Sept - Sun 4th Oct; 10am - 5pm
📍 Newcastle Museum
🎟️ FREE

Calling all pop culture nerds! I've always been interested in concert photography and have my fair share of inspirations but Australian music photographer Tony Mott, known for his rock'n'roll photographs of legends such as The Rolling Stones and Madonna, takes the cake. At this exhibition, indulge in the opportunity to see Mott's photographs up close. If you find his incredible catalogue and legacy inspiring like I do, you have two other impressive events to choose from: A Workshop and Talk with Mott where you'll get some incredibly valuable and unforgettable tips and tricks if you're an aspiring photographer like me as well as some intimate behind-the scenes specials and an opportunity to chat with Mott afterwards. Learn more.

Stories of Water & Earth Workshop: Nardi Simpson
🗓️ Sun 27 Sep; 12:30pm - 1:30pm
📍 Harold Lobb Concert Hall, University of Newcastle Conservatorium of Music
🎟️ Standard $15

Lastly, for all the music students with a passion for sound and storytelling, head over to the Conservatorium and join in on this interactive workshop and immersive experience of connection to place. First Nations singer Nardi Simpson will guide a session of singing and creative and cultural practice. Later in the afternoon, catch the performance by Simpson and Ensemble Offspring where you'll get to join in on a ceremonious appreciation of Country, featuring a musical Acknowledgement of Country by UoN's own Adam Manning. Learn more. 

Be sure to check out our social media at @newannual for more information.

Tickets on sale now, catch you at New Annual at opening on 25th Sept.