A teenager's guide to New Annual

With four days left of New Annual 2026, there's still so much to see!
No need to scramble and find your next must-see event, we've pinned down our top picks just for you. From free exhibitions and live music to affordable dance performances and theatre. Let's make this last week of NA one that you won't forget!

All In: Dance Makers Collective
🗓️ Thu 1 Oct - Fri 2 Oct; 7:00pm
📍 City Hall
$30 Standard; $18 Concession Under 18
Dance Makers Collective brings three confident and creative dance performances, starring three local dance groups with different styles, including contemporary and traditional dance. With stunning high-energy choreography, you'll be out of your seat in no time, and after the show, you can join in on the all-in social dance with the audience. So bring your friends and experience the joy and connection of losing yourself in dance. Learn more.

Bloom: MelissaLikeSushi
🗓️ Thurs 1 Oct - Sun 4 Oct
📍 Charlestown Square
FREE
Head over to Charlestown Square to catch this bright and playful installation by artist Melissa Mathieson without interrupting your shopping. Amidst the hustle and bustle, it's the perfect time to pause and engage with art that's colourful and immersive. And the best part - it's free! Learn more.

SOAK: Live at the Baths
🗓️ Fri 2nd & Sat 3rd Oct; 5:30pm - 6:30pm
📍 Newcastle Ocean Baths
FREE
Coming to you from Newcastle Ocean Baths - what's better than a night of music and incredible sunset views over the ocean? Exactly. Well, you'll get just that at SOAK, a four-night live music experience packed with an array of genres and personalities. So, bring your friends, grab a spot with a stunning view, and catch a vibe (or the occasional wave). Take your pick from these unique sets:

FRI 2 OCT – KOBIE DEE & 92WRLD
Kobie Dee, a Gomeroi artist whose lyrics intertwine rich and unique cultural voice and storytelling joins 92WRLD, an 11 member creative collective a group who honours culture, creativity, and community through music. A sure way to enlighten your music taste and end the work week on a upbeat note. Learn more. 

SAT OCT 3 – KAREN LEE ANDREWS
Last but not least, through her deeply introspective lyrics, singer-songwriter Karen Lee Andrews explores themes of identity and Polynesian heritage. Join Andrews and her killer band in an emotional atmosphere of blues, gospel, and soul, and let the harmonies (and waves) wash over you. Learn more. 

Night Flowers: Damien Frost
🗓️ Fri 25 Sep - Sun 4 Oct, 10:00am - 9:00pm
📍 Watt Space Gallery
FREE
Riding this wave of powerful photography, grab a complementary drink at Watt Space Gallery and explore this exhibition from artist Damien Frost, where you'll come face to face with inventive and transformative expressions of queer identity. Lose yourself in Frost's Night Flower photographic series and let your imagination be sparked! Learn more. 

Global Table
🗓️ Fri 2 Oct; Sat 3 Oct; 5pm - 9pm
📍 Wheeler Place
FREE
Head over to Wheeler place for some delicious food and an unforgettable experience of culture and connection. Join host Jennifer Wong and guests Benjamin Law and Reece Hignell over two nights - on night one expect Asian cuisine, live chef demonstrations, and traditional and contemporary dance, then South American food and live performance on night two. Prepare to be stuffed. Learn more. 

Curtain Call: Strut Your Stuff
🗓️ Sat 26th Sept & Sun 27th Sept, Sat 3rd Oct & Sun 4th Oct; 10am - 2pm
📍 Newcastle Museum Park
Have you ever wanted to model on a runway? Do you have dreams of being a fashion designer? Well, you can do both with art collective Fast Fashun where you can take your pick from scraps of clothes to create the outfit of your dreams then wear it on the runway. So skip the op shops this weekend and head over to Newcastle Museum Park to take your creativity to new heights. Learn more. 

See you there, Newcastle!