Things to do in Newcastle: Our DIG gig Guide
Newcastle’s digital presence is booming with it securing DIG or Design, Interactive Green-Tech festival for 2013, held October 2nd through 5th at Newcastle’s City Hall. The festival is set to boost the local economy, and is aimed at becoming something that “becomes part of the city, and spills into local communities” describes Craig Wilson, digital entrepreneur. Craig is working alongside fellow digital entrepreneur Steph Hinds and event manager Tracey McKelligott, the trio, as festival organizers aim to bring DIG to Newcastle and spread digital innovation. Showcasing the region to a new younger tech-savvy audience.
The DIG festival promises to attract a lot of attention from not only NSW, but the rest of Australasia and the world! All of this up coming interest in Newcastle is sure to bring in people from all walks of life, so we’ve compiled a ‘DIG gig Guide’ for your visit. Everything you could possibly want to do can be found in Newcastle, from learning how to hang ten in the surf to discovering new and exciting restaurants and foods. Our guide will make sure you see and do it all.
Arts & Culture:
1. Newcastle Art Gallery
With an ever-changing showcase of fine works, the Newcastle Art Gallery ensures a display of the latest and greatest pieces from a large range of local artists. Displays range from photographic works to breath taking paintings. A must see on your travels trough Newcastle.
Where: 1 Laman Street, Cooks Hill, Newcastle, NSW 2300
Phone: (+61)2 49745100
Info: Newcastle Art
2. Cooks Hill Galleries
Cooks Hill Galleries of the inner city Newcastle, has been representing artists and selling collectable artworks since 1975. It is regarded as the Hunter Valley’s and Newcastle’s premier commercial art gallery. The CHG is an active gallery with monthly exhibitions by represented contemporary artists.
Where: 67 Bull Street, Cooks Hill, Newcastle, NSW 2300
Phone: (+61)2 49263899
Info: Cooks Hill Galleries
3. Newcastle Studio Potters
Established in 1968, Newcastle Studio Potters Inc is a not-for-profit incorporated association, currently with around 85 members. Newcastle Studio Potters Inc & Back to Back Galleries is for ceramic artists, potters, clay workers, sculptors, art lovers and collectors. With its picture perfect display of ceramic art this comes as a highly recommended destination.
Where: 57 Bull Street, Cooks Hill, Newcastle, NSW 2300
Phone: (+61)2 49293677
Info: Newcastle Studio Potters
4. Watt Space
Watt Space is a contemporary art space in the CBD area of Newcastle that exhibits the work of current students of the University of Newcastle. The role of the gallery is to provide students with diverse opportunities in exhibiting while giving the public an opportunity to experience what the next generation of local artists are working on.
Where: Cnr of Auckland and King Street, Newcastle, NSW 2300
Phone: (+61)2 49218733
Info: Watt Space
5. This is Not Art
This is Not Art is a national festival of new media and art which is organized every year in Newcastle. Now one of the leading art festivals in Australia, ‘This is Not Art’ is dedicated to the work and ideas of communities not included in other major Australian arts festivals. This yearly festival is simply spectacular and a guaranteed fantastic day out, operating between the 3rd and 6th of October, it’s a perfect addition to your DIG gig guide.
Where: 401 Hunter Street, Newcastle, NSW 2300
Phone: (+61)2 49270675
Info: This Is Not Art
6. Newcastle Museum
Newcastle’s multi-award winning museum is a fantastic place to feed your curiosity about the towns history and have fun at the same time. Opened in 2011 the museum is a perfect representation of how much Newcastle has advanced over the years and an insight to what it is becoming.
Where: Workshop Way, Newcastle, NSW 2300
Phone: (+61)2 49741400
Email: enquiries@newcastlemuseum.com.au
Info: Newcastle Museum
Entertainment & Activities:
1. Newcastle Panthers ultimate music jam
Introducing the NMA Ultimate Jam Night. Hosted by Newcastle Music Academy’s house band, all musicians of every skill level are welcome to try. Weather you just want to swing by and have a sing along with an amazing live band or fancy yourself a rock star, everyone is invited to jump in and have fun.
Where: Cnr King and Union Street, Newcastle west, NSW 2302
Phone: (+61)2 49293695
Email: newcastlefunctions@panthers.com.au
Info: Newcastle Panthers
2. NEWi Awards
Friday the 4th of October 2013 is the date of the 3rd Annual NEWi Award ceremony! The NEWi Awards celebrate the very best digital talent of Australia, with over a 100% increase in nominations from last year, this years Awards are not to missed.
Phone: (+61)410 596698
Email: gordon@digitalnewcastle.com.au
Info: NEWi Awards
3. Civic Theatre
Newcastle is Australia’s seventh largest city and the 1520 seat Civic Theatre is one of Newcastle’s most popular and prestigious venues, which holds a proud place in the hearts of all Novocastrians. A visit to the Newcastle Civic Theatre is a perfect way to unwind after a day at DIG, and with such prestigious shows such as Swan Lake and The Nutcracker in production, even the most sophisticated of people will enjoy it.
Swan Lake – Tuesday 1st of October at 7:30pm
Ticket cost - $87.90
Student ticket - $77.90
The Nutcracker – Wednesday 2nd of October at 7:30pm
Ticket cost - $97.90
Student ticket - $87.90
(Playing at Newcastle conservatorium of music)
Musicaviva 2013 season (Angela Hewitt performing) – Friday 4th of October at 7:30pm
Ticket cost - $85
Student cost - $54
Contact Details:
Where: 375 Hunter Street, Newcastle, NSW 2300
Phone: (+61)2 49291977
Info: Civic Theatre
4. Fishers @ Honeysuckle
Fishers @ Honeysuckle hires bikes and buggies and is also a booking agent for several cruise companies in the area which specialise in drifting around the harbour, sauntering over to Stockton or floating as far afield as Morpeth. If you want to see more of Newcastle without having to drive everywhere, this your way to do it.
Where: Honeysuckly Drive, Cooks Hill, Newcastle, NSW 2300
Phone: (+61)2 49262722
Info: Fishers @ Honeysuckle
Check out a live band and Blow off Some Steam
1. The Glass House (Cambridge Hotel)
The Glass House is Cambridge Hotel’s main live entertainment room and one of the most popular rooms to watch live music in the country! Over the years the glass house has played host to such bands as Silverchair, Birds of Tokyo, The Presets and the Black Keys as well as a bunch of local bands. Currently the Glasshouse has bands such as Evermore and The Beards lined up for near future, so keep an eye and an ear out for the big bands scheduled for DIG in October!
Where: 789 Hunter Street, Newcastle west, NSW 2302
Phone: (+61)2 49622459
Email: info@yourcambridge.com
Info: Your Cambridge
2. Finnegans Hotel
A genuine warm pub atmosphere with amazing live bands and sports playing on TVs in the background, when the festivities have you longing for down time Finnegans Hotel is the place to find it.
Where: 21 – 23 Darby Street, Newcastle, NSW 2300
Phone: (+61)2 49264777
Email: mail@finneganshotel.com.au
Info: Finnegans Hotel
3. King Street Hotel
King Street Hotel is one of the largest live band venues and nightclubs in Newcastle. With three different themed levels and four bars your bound to find an area that suits you. The fist layer to the King Street cake is devoted to local DJs who are up and coming, and also where you’ll find the live bands. The second layer is where you’ll find the international and better-known DJs spinning their stuff. As with every good cake, the icing is on the top. On the top layer you’ll discover a chilled-out lounge bar with sofas and soft tunes where you can catch up with friends and have a chat about how awesome the DIG festival has been. Kingers’ is the place to go for an awesome night out.
Where: Cnr King Street and Steel Street, Newcastle, NSW 2300
Phone: (+61)2 49278855
Email: info@kingstreethotel.com
Info: King Street Hotel
4. The Queens Wharf Brewery
It’s no surprise the Queens Wharf Brewery is one of Newcastle’s favourite destinations. With fabulous views across the Newcastle harbour, a dynamic vibe and a legendary calendar of live bands, parties, promotions and special events, you’re always guaranteed a great time.
Where: 150 Wharf Road, Newcastle, NSW 2300
Phone: (+61)2 4929 6333
Info: Queens Wharf Brewery
5. The Argyle House
The Argyle House the newest of Newcastle’s nightlife venues. Recently renovated and rebranded the Argyle offers a lively set of dance floors and bars combined with a strict neat-and-tidy dress code. If you’re looking for a big night out in Newcastle, then Argyle is the place to go.
Where: Argyle Street and Steel Street, Newcastle, NSW 2300
Phone: (+61)2 49295333
Email: info@theargylehouse.com.au
Info: The Argyle House
Newcastle offers full 4G reception phone coverage with both the Telsta and Optus network, and also offers free high-speed WIFI within the CBD! So there’s no excuse for not checking in, Instagramming and Tweeting all bout your shenanigans while checking out some of the massive events and locations in our DIG gig guide.
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