New Annual is back | 25 Sep – 4 Oct 2026

New Annual is back!
The wait is over. New Annual returns to Newcastle this spring for its sixth year with ten days of art, music and ideas across the city's most iconic spaces. We're kicking things off with a sneak peek of three events worth saving the date for!

Night Flowers: Damien Frost
Free | Watt Space Gallery | Friday 25 September — Sunday 4 October

Damien Frost is coming home. The University of Newcastle alumnus has spent the past 14 years photographing London's alternative queer nightlife — a project that has grown into thousands of portraits and an international following. His acclaimed Night Flowers series documents the performers, dreamers and shape-shifters who transform themselves after dark, and it's arriving in Newcastle in a big way.
The exhibition opens at Watt Space Gallery on 25 September, presenting more than 100 works from the series — raw, vivid portraits that sit somewhere between documentary photography and fine art. Alongside the London work, Frost will spend time shooting newly commissioned portraits of Newcastle’s own queer and creative communities, highlighting their own radical transformations and self-expression.
It's free and it's not to be missed.

TWISTED: Night Flowers Party
Ticketed (from $40) | Bartholomew's, King St | Saturday 26 September

One night only. Inspired by the Night Flowers exhibition, TWISTED takes over Bartholomew's on King Street for an immersive art party that's all about dressing up, dancing and celebrating who you are — or who you might become for the night.
Hosted by Fox and Sticky from Weird The Party, and featuring shapeshifting performance artist Justin Talplacido Shoulder (aka Phasmahammer), who is joined by DJs Annabelle Gasper and Harry Court to set the vibe. Expect elaborate costumes, music, performance and a room full of people ready for a good old-fashioned party!
Tickets are on sale now from $40 + booking fee.
Book now at newannual.com/twisted-party

SOAK: Live at the Baths
Free | Newcastle Ocean Baths | 26-27 Sept & 2-3 Oct

In 2025, SOAK turned the Newcastle Ocean Baths into the city's most unexpected live music venue — and over 9,000 people showed up to see it. This year it's back with four sunset sessions featuring local and globally renowned artists.
Each night brings a different performer and a different approach to the stage. Bring a picnic, bring the family, and settle in from 5:30pm as the city's most spectacular natural backdrop does the rest.
Artists to be announced. Stay tuned.

The full 2026 program will be announced in August. In the meantime, snap up your TWISTED tickets — they won’t last!