Your ultimate guide to what’s on in Lake Macquarie: live music, opera, theatre, festivals and more!
2025 EVENTS, LIVE MUSIC AND THEATRE PROGRAM
Lake Macquarie is a vibrant city known for its growing arts, culture, live music and performing arts scenes. Discover a program jam-packed with music, theatre, opera, dance and immersive video.
Dhumaan ngayin ngarrakalu kirraanan barayidin
We remember and respect the Ancestors who cared for and nurtured this Country.
Ngarrakalumba yuludaka bibayilin barayida baaduka
It is in their footsteps that we travel these lands and waters.
Lake Macquarie City Council dhumaan Awabakala ngarrakal yalawaa, yalawan, yalawanan.
Lake Macquarie City Council acknowledges the Awabakal people and Elders past, present and future.
* Information is correct at the time of printing. Dates and prices are subject to change
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Julia Flanagan and Miguel Felipe Valenzuela Endless Sunbeams in Another Time 2024.
TWILIGHT FRIDAYS AT MAP mima
Come to MAP mima for a fun evening as the sun goes down, with a rotating calendar of events including Beats and Eats, Cinema in the Cube, Art After Hours, performances, workshops and activities.
5-8pm Friday nights: 18 October 2024 – 11 April 2025
Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima
MUSIC IN THE PODIUM
The perfect setting to unwind on a Friday evening as you watch the sun set across the lake, catch up with friends and family, and listen to a fantastic mix of popular covers, rock, jazz and blues.
6-9pm Friday nights: 24 November 2024 – 28 March 2025
Warners Bay Foreshore
SHAKESPEARE - ROMEO & JULIET
Spoil yourself this Valentine’s Day with the acclaimed production of Romeo & Juliet by professional touring theatre troupe Come you Spirits. This production has been touring Australia for the past two years in an offering of unconditional love. Passion and hope propel us towards a vision of a brave new world of forgiveness and connectedness where love thrives. Romeo & Juliet invites an opening of the heart to receive a light so bright that we recognise our own capacity for growth – in all its tenderness and glory.
7.30pm Friday 14 February : $40, Arts Members $36 Rathmines Theatre, nawayiba
CATAPULT: DUEL
Be inspired and entertained as dance and theatre challenge preconceived notions and expectations related to masculinity and femininity through abstract movement and contrasting forms. This thought-provoking performance explores gender, identity and societal norms through the medium of contemporary dance and dance theatre. Duel seeks to deconstruct societal conventions of gender.
6pm Friday 14 – Saturday 15 March : $25, Arts Members $22.50
Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima
EISHAN ENSEMBLE
From Womad, Auckland Arts Festival, Rome Jazz Festival to Sydney Opera House and Melbourne Recital Hall, Eishan Ensemble comes to Lake Macquarie. Led by acclaimed Persian-Australian tar virtuoso and composer, Hamed Sadeghi, the ARIA-nominated Eishan Ensemble draws on contemporary and classical music traditions of both East and West. Eishan’s repertoire consists predominantly of Sadeghi’s original compositions with diverse improvisatory idioms featured powerfully. Variously described as 'Persian chamber jazz' and 'Eastern jazz fusion', Eishan defies neat labels.
3pm Sunday 23 March : $40, Arts Members $36 Rathmines Theatre, nawayiba
LAKE MACQUARIE PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA: GREAT ROMANTICS
Lake Macquarie Philharmonic Orchestra players are excited to showcase the big orchestral colours and tones of these great examples of Romanticism. International cellist Anthea Scott-Mitchell will play the beloved Cello Concerto by Edward Elgar, the Opera Hunter Chorus will join the orchestra in The Triumphal March from Aida by Verdi and the delightful Easter Hymn from Cavalleria Rusticana by Mascagni. To complete the program, Conductor Christopher Bearman OAM has chosen the exciting Cappriccio Espagnol by RimskyKorsakov.
2pm Sunday 23 March : $45, Concession $35
Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba
UNFURL
A vibrant celebration of LGBTQIA+ art, culture and community, UNFURL will be a lively, inclusive and fun event for all. Dance, sing and experience DJs, music and stalls showcasing a variety of artwork, crafts and creations from queer artists.
2-7pm Saturday 29 March
Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima
SPICY BRAIN
Don't miss this heartwarming, fun, creative event that will have you feeling joyful about the diverse world we live in. Enjoy an afternoon of music, dance, artworks and a variety of performances celebrating neurodiversity.
4-8pm Friday 4 April
Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima
ONE ACT PLAY FESTIVAL
Be inspired by up-and-coming and experienced actors taking to the stage to showcase original works. The Lake Macquarie One Act Play Festival is a standout theatre competition, showcasing short, sharp and exhilarating one-act plays from Lake Macquarie and beyond.
1pm and 4:30pm Saturday 5 April
: Single session $28, Arts Members $25
Double session $50, Arts Members $45
Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba
KATIE NOONAN & KARIN SCHAUPP –SONGS OF THE SOUTHERN SKIES
VOL 2
Katie Noonan and Karin Schaupp return to their acclaimed Southern Skies catalogue reinterpreting some of their favourite songs by antipodean artists - this time focusing on some of our finest female artists. Performing a varied program with reimagined arrangements of songs by artists such as Aunty Ruby Hunter, Missy Higgins, Sia, Kate Ceberano, Sarah Blasko and more as well as revisiting some favourites from the first Southern Skies instalment.
Renowned for breaking down genre boundaries, Katie Noonan’s technical mastery and pure voice make her one of Australia’s most versatile and beloved vocalists. Guitarist Karin Schaupp is an internationally sought-after recitalist and soloist. These two virtuosi combine forces to create a unique sound and a spellbinding performance.
6pm Saturday 12 April : $60, Arts Members $54
Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima
AUTUMN SERENADES: WITH MOZART, HAYDN & FRIENDS
Join us for an enchanting evening as we present Autumn Serenades: with Mozart, Haydn & Friends. This special chamber music concert features four of the Hunter region's most acclaimed musicians, promising a day of exquisite classical music that will transport you to the refined courts and salons of the 18th century. Immerse yourself in the brilliance of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's compositions, known for their clarity, balance, and effortless beauty. The afternoon will feature some of his most beloved chamber works, showcasing the lyrical elegance and intricate interplay that define his music.
4pm Sunday 27 April
Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima
: $30, Arts Members $25, Children $20
PRESS PLAY 2025
Enjoy a weekend of family-friendly fun at Press Play. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Sandy Sanderson's exhibition Communia Omnia – That which belongs to all, that explores the hidden forces that shape our world. Unleash your creativity in engaging artmaking workshops, performance and plenty of family fun.
Kick off the weekend with a Friday night disco. A lively and colorful event where kids can let loose and enjoy the magic of music and dance. See MAP mima transformed into a vibrant dance floor with colourful projections and a DJ playing a mix of tunes, from classic dance hits to popular tracks that kids will love.
9am–2pm Friday 2 - Sunday 4 May
Friday Night Disco: 5-8pm Friday 2 May
Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima
WHALE CHORUS KIDS WORKSHOP: DREAMING ALICE
Step into a whimsical world at MAP mima with Dreaming Alice, a captivating workshop designed especially for young adventurers. Inspired by the timeless tale of Alice in Wonderland, this immersive experience invites children to embark on a journey through a series of playful mysteries, where their curiosity and imagination lead the way.
11am Saturday 3 May : Children under 12yrs old $10
Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima
WRITE HERE FESTIVAL
Immerse yourself in a world of words and be inspired! Write Here is Lake Macquarie's annual literary festival and invites avid writers and readers to hear tips, tricks and tales from local and visiting authors across a range of genres and media. The festival celebrates and supports local authors and provides networking opportunities for emerging writers and avid readers.
16-18 May
Various locations
CRIPS AND CREEPS: ARE YOU PULLING MY LEG?
Showcasing some of Australia’s funniest comedians with disability or chronic illness, this raucous accessible comedy event boasts a line-up of award-winning performers with entertaining and uncensored insights into disability and oh-so-much more!
7.30pm Friday 16 May
: $40, Arts Members $36
Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba
EUROVISION POST-MIX PARTY
Listen, dance and sing along at this Eurovision DJ mix-tape session with songs from the 2025 competition.
3-6pm Sunday 18 May
Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima
: $15, Arts Members $10, Children $7
DOBELL FESTIVAL
The renowned Lake Macquarie Dobell Festival is an annual month-long arts festival inspired by the life and work of esteemed artist Sir William Dobell, a former resident of Wangi Wangi. Be inspired and excited, and learn about Sir William Dobell and his passion, innovation, experimentation and creative excellence. Be involved in workshops, presentations and exhibitions that are inspired by and celebrate one of Australia's greatest artists.
Featured events include Wangi Lions Dobell Festival of Arts and Crafts, Young Dobell at MAC yapang, Float Your Boat and Meet the Makers.
1-30 June
Various locations
MEET THE MAKERS – ARTISAN FAIR
Meet artists and makers from across Lake Macquarie as they showcase and demonstrate their practice. From painting, drawing and textile art to glass-making, ceramics and more, this is a chance to learn more about these creative processes and purchase unique artworks to take home.
10am–4pm Saturday 14 June
Museum of Art and Culture, yapang
HIVE CREATIVE KIDS: MOANA JR THE MUSICAL
Make way... Hive Creative Studios and a cast of talented performers will bring to the stage Moana Jr. The Musical, a 60-minute musical adaptation of the 2016 Disney animated film, bringing the adventures of Moana and her village of Motunui to life.
26–29 June : $45
Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba
PACO LARA DUENDE FLAMENCO SHOW
Passionate Spanish flamenco guitarist, Paco Lara, with a distinguished international career of more than 30 years touring the world alongside Spain’s greatest flamenco maestros, presents a magical performance of authentic flamenco guitar, dance and song.
7pm Saturday 5 July : $44, Arts Members $40
Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba
OPERA HUNTER: SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET
The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is sharpening his razors and his appetite. Join us for a spine-tingling journey into the heart of London, where vengeance is served piping hot. Sweeney Todd, an unjustly exiled barber, returns with a dark secret, and Mrs. Lovett has a deliciously wicked plan that will have you on the edge of your seat—if you dare to take one. With chilling music and a plot as sharp as Todd's blade, this Tony Award-winning masterpiece will slice through your expectations and leave you craving more. Come for the thrill, stay for the terror, but watch your neck!
Multiple sessions 11-20 July
: $55 adult, $50 concession
Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba
POP BAM!
Don't miss the ultimate pop culture extravaganza and one of Lake Macquarie’s most anticipated events of the year, Pop Bam! Dive into a world where your favourite movies, television shows, comics and music come alive in a vibrant celebration of creativity and fandom.
10am–3pm Saturday 26 July
: Adults $20, Arts Members $18, Youth (5-17 years) $10 Children under 5 free Rathmines Theatre, nawayiba
SYDNEY COMEDY FESTIVAL SHOWCASE
One of the hottest events on the calendar, The Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase will feature some of the festival’s best acts live on stage for an incredible two hours of hardhitting laughter.
7pm Friday 8 August : $50, Arts Members $45
JAZZ @ MAP MIMA
Experience the soulful sounds of jazz in an intimate and immersive setting in MAP mima’s Cube. This special evening features a live performance by a talented local jazz band, bringing the timeless allure of jazz music to life in the unique 360-degree projection space.
6pm Friday 8 August : $20, Arts Members $18, Children, $15 Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima
VINCE JONES IN CONCERT
Celebrating a most significant anniversary of a long-applauded career of songwriting, music and storytelling! Please join us for an intimate afternoon of music with Australia's national treasure... Vince Jones and his world class band.
Saturday 6 September
: General admission $55, Arts Members $50 Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba
FILM SCREENING – ART CINEMA
Step into the world of art cinema at MAP mima, where film meets visual artistry in a screening that promises to captivate and inspire. The projection Cube is transformed into a state-of-the-art cinema, providing an immersive experience unlike any other. Here, audiences are invited to explore thought-provoking and visually stunning films that push the boundaries of traditional cinema.
6-8pm Friday 12 September : $15
Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima
LAKE MACQUARIE MUSIC SOCIETY PRESENTS FESTIVAL OF STRINGS N THINGS
A celebration of fine string playing and more. Join us for a charming afternoon at the Festival of Strings N Things, celebrating exceptional performances on the violin, viola and cello.
2pm Sunday 14 September : $25 , Children free
Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba
LAKE MACQUARIE MUSIC SOCIETY
PRESENTS FESTIVAL OF THE CHOIRS
Join us for our annual celebration of the Hunter Region’s rich choral tradition, Festival of the Choirs. Featuring a diverse mix of choirs from Maitland, Port Stephens, Newcastle and Lake Macquarie regions performing songs from the classics through to popular and jazz, ending with a massed choir performance.
2pm Sunday 21 September : $30 , Children free
Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba
MANHATTAN SHORT FILM FESTIVAL
Be part of the crowd and join over 100,000 film lovers in over 500 cities across six continents as they gather for one reason, to view and vote on the finalists' films in the annual MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival.
7pm Friday 3 October
: $15 general admission, $13.50 Arts Members
Rathmines Theatre, nawayiba
MOB STARS
Be inspired at this vibrant event that shines a spotlight on the rich cultural heritage and extraordinary talents of the Aboriginal community in the Lake Macquarie region. This event is a celebration of dance, music and performance, bringing together local artists to share their stories and creativity with the wider community. The evening features a dynamic lineup including contemporary Aboriginal dance, powerful singing and captivating performance pieces. Each act is a testament to the deep cultural connections and artistic expression within the community, offering audiences a chance to experience the beauty and strength of Aboriginal culture.
5-8pm Saturday 4 October
Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima
For one weekend only, get a chance to see inside the studios of some of Lake Macquarie's talented artists during the popular Lake Mac Open Studios. Meet local artists and makers as they open their studio doors to the public, giving art lovers the opportunity to meet artists, learn about the creative process and experience a unique behind-the-scenes look. Open Studios is the perfect opportunity to also purchase unique works straight form the artist.
10am–4pm 1-2 November
Various locations
HISTORY ILLUMINATED
Celebrating all things history as Lake Macquarie comes alive in this annual week-long festival. Uncover captivating stories which share the histories of the people, place and environment. A jam-packed program of workshops, tours, walks, presentations and exhibitions that highlight local, national and international historical facts and fiction, research, art and writing, there is something to excite everyone.
1-9 November
Various locations
AUSTRALIAN HAYDN ENSEMBLE:
BEETHOVEN’S EIGHTH + TALK
While Beethoven was writing his famous letter to his 'Immortal Beloved', he also penned his Eighth Symphony. For its fourth tour in 2025, the Australian Haydn Ensemble presents the Eighth Symphony in a stunning historical chamber version for septet, alongside a newly commissioned chamber work for string sextet entitled 'Letters to my Immortal Beloved' by Australian composer Ella Macens, inspired by Beethoven's passionate letters.
1.30pm Saturday 8 November : $60, Arts Members $54
Rathmines Theatre, nawayiba
OPERA HUNTER: GILBERT & SULLIVAN’S HMS PINAFORE
Don't miss the music that never fails to delight audiences! HMS Pinafore or The Lass That Loved a Sailor is a two-act operetta and the fourth comic opera by the incomparable team of W.S.Gilbert, librettist, and Arthur Sullivan, composer. Originally staged in 1878, it lampoon’s British society of the 19th century, especially the British class system.
Multiple sessions 21-23 November
: $55, Concession $50
Rathmines Theatre, nawayiba
Courtesy Opera Hunter. Photographer John Cliff.
OUR PARTNERS
Lake Mac Arts and its programs are delivered by Lake Macquarie City Council and key funding partners.
Supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW Regional
LAKE MACQUARIE CITY COUNCIL
PROUDLY SUPPORTS LOCAL WINERIES AND BREWERIES, PROVIDING A FINE SELECTION OF WINES, BEERS AND CIDERS
OUR PARTNERS ARE ALL CERTIFIED SUSTAINABLE AND 100% LOCAL, SOURCED FROM WITHIN 50KM OF LAKE MACQUARIE.
96 Creek Reserve Rd, Speers Point
9am–2pm Friday – Sunday School Holidays: 9am-2pm Wednesday and Thursday 0448 409 604
MAPmima@lakemac.nsw.gov.au
Corner Lake and Johns Street, Warners Bay 02 4921 0534
theatres@lakemac.nsw.gov.au
1A First Street Booragul
9am–3pm Tuesday – Sunday 02 4921 0382
MAC@lakemac.nsw.gov.au
25 Stilling Street, Rathmines 02 4921 0534
theatres@lakemac.nsw.gov.au