Hunter Hunter

If Paper Boy Espresso in Dudley was part of your daily coffee routine, you’ll no doubt have panicked when the doors closed on Sunday, September 27. Owner Mitch Samways decided it was time to call time on the cafe as he knew it – but only for a few days. On Wednesday September 30, the Dudley favourite reopened with a new name, new look, and a much broader offering that brings together two of Mitch’s passions – hospitality and retail.

What started as a temporary collaboration between RIVVIA PROJECTS and pastry favourite CRUMB is about to become a permanent fixture in The Junction. Professional surfers Julian Wilson and Ryan Callinan are teaming up with Ben Richardson to open RIVVIA PROJECTS’ first flagship store on October 3 – and if you dropped into the RIVVIA - CRUMB pop-up earlier this year, expect things to look a little different. Image credit: Lincoln Jubb The collaboration has plenty of Newcastle ties.

The Hunter Valley isn’t short on dining options, but there’s a new arrival in the heart of Pokolbin that might not be on your radar just yet – meet Lucia. Built from the ground up by the experienced team behind Roche Estate, Lucia brings together stone-fired cooking, Italian-inspired share plates, Hunter Valley wines, and handcrafted cocktails within a glamorous new dining space.

Newcastle is gearing up for one huge Sunday, with the Knights heading to their first NRL Grand Final in 25 years. After defeating Penrith 22–14 in the preliminary final, Newcastle will take on the Sydney Roosters at Accor Stadium on Sunday, 4 October, with kick-off at 7:30pm. For fans staying closer to home, a Newcastle Grand Final live site is set to be announced, giving the city somewhere to come together and watch the Knights chase their third premiership.

Newcastle’s comedy calendar is usually busiest on the weekends, but this October, five local comedians are shaking things up with a one-off Wednesday night show in Islington. On Wednesday, October 21, Wednesday Comedy Lineup will bring five comedians from Newcastle and the Central Coast to Newcastle Comedy Club, each with extra stage time to showcase more of their favourite material.

Get ready to belt out Simply the Best – the music of Tina Turner is taking over Warners Bay Theatre this Saturday, led by internationally acclaimed tribute performer Rebecca O’Connor. On Saturday, October 3, Tina Turner’s Simply the Best will bring Turner’s biggest hits to Warners Bay Theatre, complete with a full live band and dancers.

Lake Macquarie’s arts calendar is filling up fast for 2026 with must-see live music, theatre, comedy, and immersive performances. From headline touring acts to intimate local productions, this feature highlights the ultimate events to catch across the Lake Mac Arts Precinct – including exhibitions at MAC yapang, shows at MAP mima, performances at Warners Bay Theatre and Rathmines Theatre, interactive workshops, and the revitalised Sculpture Park.

If you’ve ever tried to properly explore the Hunter Valley’s smaller wine producers, you’ll know it can become something of a logistical exercise. One cellar door here, another 20 minutes down the road, and another winery that doesn’t have a cellar door at all. By the time you’ve tasted your way through a handful, half the day has disappeared. Now, there’s a new reason to make Wine House Hunter Valley your first stop.

If you needed another reason to make your way through The Falcon’s burger menu, the Newcastle East favourite has just served up a big one.

Pull on your favourite pyjamas and get ready to hit the coast – Sleapy’s Foundation is bringing Sleap Walk back for its third year this November, with a new route and another important cause to get behind. On Saturday, November 7, Sleap Walk will bring the community together for a 2.5km walk from Bar Beach to Merewether, raising funds to support the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit Courtyard at John Hunter Hospital.