New Annual is a win for teens (and parents!)

New Annual is a win for teens (and parents!)

From 26 Sep – 5 Oct 2025, Newcastle’s New Annual festival transforms the city into a buzzing playground of music, art, ideas and performance. With many events free or low-cost, and a welcoming, creative vibe, it’s perfect for teens wanting fun and independence – and for parents seeking shared experiences, connection, and minimal eye-rolling!

In this guide you’ll find our recommended activities for teens, including age suggestions, hangout tips and route ideas, and suggestions for days out in a teen-friendly day planner.

FREE SUNSET GIGS - SOAK: Live at the Baths
Live music meets golden-hour magic with SOAK: Live at the Baths at Newcastle Ocean Baths. Different acts each evening mean teens can choose their vibe, and the 5.30–6.30pm slot works well for “home for dinner” curfews. Older teens can pack a picnic rugs, meet friends at the skatepark or along the Promenade, then walk to the Baths for the show.

DUST – Sat 27 Sep (post-punk / indie rock)

Tom Thum / DOBBY / Freyja Garbett – Sun 28 Sep (beat boxing, hip hop and jazz)

Joel Sunny –Thu 2 Oct (Pop Violin artist with 2m+ followers on TikTok @joelsvnny)

A.Girl / Dean Brady / Boy Soda– Fri 3 Oct (Urban, Hip-hop)

DJ Jayteehazard / DJ GNGR– Sat 4 Oct (Remixes & Pool Party!)

Free, no tickets needed. Find out more

FREE STREET PARTIES
Outdoor celebrations with music, art and food make easy, low-cost nights out – perfect for older teens to roam with friends. Older teens can grab a bite to eat on Darby or Beaumont Street, then drift through music and street acts with mates.

First Night Art Party – Fri 26 Sep, Laman Street
Ages: All (music, lights, safe outdoor crowds)
Neon projections, performances by Haiku Hands, Kira Puru, DEVAURA and roving performances by Erth's underwater divers —vibrant and Instagram-worthy. 

Global Gathering – Sat 4 Oct, Beaumont Street
Ages: All (older teens seeking culture, food, music)
Multicultural street party with live music, drumming, cooking demos, First Nations workshops and more.

Older teens (18+) can also check out the ticketed parties Surge and Bad Art Party.

FUN, AFFORDABLE THEATRE
Bold, inventive performances make a great afternoon or night out for drama fans from only $18. 

POV : re:group collective, 26–30 Sep
Ages: 13+ (mature themes, clever & experimental)
Standard $25
Concession $23
Children $18

Alvin Sputnik: The Last Great Hunt, 1–2 Oct
Ages: 10+ (family-friendly, emotionally rich)
Standard $25
Concession $23
Children $18

Night Night : The Last Great Hunt, 3–4 Oct
Ages: 12+ (DIY animation meets gentle sci-fi)
Standard $25
Concession $23
Children $18

Chicken : Sunday’s Child, 1–4 Oct
Ages: 14+ (LGBTQIA+ themes, comedy & resilience)
Standard $25
Concession $23
Children $18 (ages 14+)

PUBLIC ART TRAIL
A collection of playful and thought-provoking works on the Newcastle foreshore (27 Sep–5 Oct) – teens can explore solo or in groups at their own pace. The Art Trail is perfect for social videos and photography.

Mini Putt Putt
The Station
Ages: All ages (visual, interactive, fun)

Argo Escargot, Listen to a Starfish, ANCHOR
Camp Shortland
Ages: All ages (visual, interactive, immersive)

The Bathers, Photography Exhibition
Newcastle Ocean Baths
All ages 

Bio Assembly, Watt Space Gallery
Ages: 14+ (conceptual, older teen appeal)

Locked On, The Lock-Up
Ages: 14+ (conceptual, older teen appeal)

Read more about the Public Art Trail. 

Plan your visit to New Annual here, and download the handy schedule to help you choose your favourite shows in advance. We'll see you and your teen at New Annual soon!