Public Events (lifelong learning)

The University of Newcastle regularly hosts a wide range of events that are open to the general public, including public lectures and community educational activities.

Throughout the year, the University presents an engaging calendar of community events spanning Music, Art, Literature, Education, STEM, Entrepreneurship, and much more. These events are designed to foster connection, spark curiosity, and promote lifelong learning.

Signature public events include the annual Book Fair, a popular community event supporting literacy and access to books (as well as recycling pre-loved items to divert from landfill), Ngarrama, an annual reconciliation event that celebrates the traditional custodians of the land and supports community through educational storytelling and cultural immersion, and Gifting Day, a University-wide celebration that brings together staff, students, alumni, and the broader community in support of impactful causes.

Many of these events are free of charge and are open to all, reflecting the University's ongoing commitment to community engagement and accessible education.

Standout events in 2024 are as listed:

Friends of the University of Newcastle Book Fair

  • Dates: September 2024
  • Location: Great Hall, Callaghan Campus
  • Details: This beloved event featured over 50,000 second-hand books, CDs, DVDs, and vinyl records, attracting a diverse crowd of book enthusiasts. The fair not only offered a vast array of literary treasures but also served as a community gathering point, fostering connections among attendees.

Ngarrama – Reconciliation Day Event

  • Date: Thursday, 25 January 2024
  • Location: King Edward Park, Newcastle
  • Details: Ngarrama, meaning "to sit, listen, and know," is a significant reconciliation event organised by the University in partnership with Awabakal Ltd, the City of Newcastle, and NGM Group. The event features traditional dance, music, storytelling, and knowledge sharing, aiming to foster meaningful reconciliation through truth-telling and cultural acceptance. Thousands of people attended the event and enjoyed a warm night under the stars, hearing stories of the traditional custodians of the land.

Open Day

  • Date: Saturday, 31 August 2024
  • Location: All campuses
  • Details: The University opened our doors to the public, offering interactive demonstrations, talks, and campus tours. The event provided an opportunity for prospective students and the general public to explore University life and learn about study and entry options.

Built Environment Showcase 2024

  • Date: Thursday, 14 November 2024
  • Theme: Construction Innovations: Housing Availability and Affordability in Regional NSW
  • Details: This showcase brought together industry professionals, local businesses, community groups, academics, and research centers to discuss and collaborate on issues related to housing availability and affordability in regional New South Wales.

Looking Ahead Speaker Series

  • Details: The University's Looking Ahead Speaker Series featured free keynote lectures and panel discussions on topics such as empowering Australia's First Peoples, providing equal opportunities for education, and safeguarding the environment. These events aimed to engage the community in discussions about the University's future directions and societal impact.

Browse What's On

June 2026

Exhibition

Agape in the Hunter

Explore the Hunter Region’s spirit through powerful stories of crisis and courage. From floods to earthquakes, this display reveals "Agape" - love in action, where communities unite above all differences. See ordinary gestures of extraordinary people.

Find out more

When Wednesday 10 June 2026 - Monday 30 November 2026
Location  Library (Auchmuty)

Explore the display

July 2026

September 2026

When Tuesday 1 September 2026 - Wednesday 30 September 2026

Live performance

Newcastle University Choir - Dvořák

Newcastle University Choir presents Czech composer Antonin Dvořák’s Mass in D Major for the first time in Newcastle.

Find out more

When Sunday 13 September 2026 from 2:30pm - 5:00pm
Location  The Conservatorium

Get your tickets now

Webinar

Job Application Bootcamp

Are your job application documents working for you? Writing an effective resume, cover letter or statement addressing the selection criteria can be a tricky process! Come along to this bootcamp and we will set you in the right direction to

Find out more

When Wednesday 16 September 2026
Location  Online through Zoom

Register now

Workshop

Leveraging GenAI for Assessment Design

How can AI help us design better assessment tasks? In this session, we'll explore key considerations when using AI to generate ideas for assessments, focusing on how to craft effective and meaningful tasks, and other important factors to ensure a

Find out more

When Wednesday 16 September 2026
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Duration 60mins
Location  Online

Register now

Event

Newcastle Youth Studies Centre Seminar Series: Lived Experiences of LGBTQ+ Religious Youth in a hostile policy landscape - Digital Media, Wellbeing, and Visual Methods

Join this international seminar series featuring speakers from the University of Newcastle alongside some of the biggest international scholars in sociology, digital humanities, communications, media studies, and education, responding to key social issues of our time.

Find out more

When Wednesday 16 September 2026
3:00pm - 4:30pm

Register now

Expo

Public Health Career Expo

Discover your future in Public Health. Curious about where a career in public health could take you? Join the University of Newcastle's inaugural Public Health Careers Expo for a dynamic day of networking, inspiration, and hands-on career development.

Find out more

When Friday 18 September 2026
9:30am - 4:00pm
Location  Shortland Union

Complete the form here to register

Campus tour

Ourimbah Campus Tour | September

Come and explore the vibrant atmosphere of The University of Newcastle's Ourimbah Campus in Australia. This in-person event is a fantastic opportunity to get a firsthand experience of our beautiful campus.

Find out more

When Friday 18 September 2026
Duration 60mins
Location  Library (Ourimbah)

Reserve a spot

Campus tour

Callaghan Campus Tour | September

Experience our beautiful campuses and discover what it’s like to study at the University of Newcastle. Join us for the Callaghan Campus Tour!

Find out more

When Friday 18 September 2026
Duration 2 hours
Location  Wabi Sabi Cafe (opposite V Building)

Reserve a spot

Webinar

Teaching in Action: Mid-Semester Student Feedback

The LDTI Teaching in Action sessions are an opportunity for staff to discuss a teaching tool, concept, or pedagogy to prompt reflection on their practice and uplift the educational experience for UON students. Each 30-minute session will be delivered via

Find out more

When Friday 18 September 2026
Duration 30mins
Location  Online

Register now

Campus tour

Central Coast Clinical School Campus Tour | September

Join us for an exciting in-person tour of the Central Coast Clinical School! This event is a fantastic opportunity to explore our state-of-the-art facilities and learn more about the cutting-edge medical education and research happening on campus.

Find out more

When Friday 18 September 2026
Duration 60mins
Location  Central Coast Clinical School

Reserve a spot

Campus tour

Gosford Campus Tour | September

Join us for an exciting in-person tour of the Central Coast Campus - Gosford Central! This event is a fantastic opportunity to explore our state-of-the-art facilities and learn more about the cutting-edge education facilities happening on campus.

Find out more

When Friday 18 September 2026
Duration 60mins
Location  Gosford Central

Reserve a spot

Campus tour

NUSpace Campus Tour | September

Located on Auckland Street, NUSpace is easily accessible and offers a vibrant and inclusive community. Whether you're a prospective student, parent, or simply curious about the future of education, this tour is perfect for you.

Find out more

When Friday 18 September 2026
Duration 60mins
Location  NUSpace

Reserve a spot

Campus tour

Q Building Campus Tour | September

Join us for a fun and interactive Q Building Campus Tour where you'll explore our amazing facilities firsthand!

Find out more

When Friday 18 September 2026
Duration 60mins
Location  Q Building

Reserve a spot

Live performance

Newcastle Young Suzuki Musicians Celebration Concert

An unforgettable evening celebrating the achievements of the Newcastle Young Suzuki Musicians through the beauty and joy of classical music.

Find out more

When Saturday 19 September 2026 from 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Location  The Conservatorium

Workshop

Discussing GenAI in the Classroom

Participants will explore key considerations and policies for using GenAI, examine different use cases in the classroom, and discuss how to have conversations about GenAI with their students.

Find out more

When Wednesday 23 September 2026
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Duration 60mins
Location  Online

Register now

Public Lecture

I&E Academy: FinTech: AI, Tokenisation & the Future of Digital Currency Symposium

Join the I&E Academy for the latest Impact by Design Symposium, exploring how AI, blockchain and tokenisation are reshaping digital finance. This symposium brings industry and research perspectives together through Design Science Research.

Find out more

When Thursday 24 September 2026
9:45am - 11:45am
Location  NUSpace

Register now

Webinar

Teaching in Action: Improving Inclusivity in Your Course

The LDTI Teaching in Action sessions are an opportunity for staff to discuss a teaching tool, concept, or pedagogy to prompt reflection on their practice and uplift the educational experience for UON students. Each 30-minute session will be delivered via

Find out more

When Friday 25 September 2026
Duration 30mins
Location  Online

Register now

Live performance

Stories of Water & Earth: Ensemble Offspring and Nardi Simpson

First Nations storyteller and singer Nardi Simpson joins leading chamber orchestra Ensemble Offspring in this evocative and beautiful afternoon of song, ceremony and country. Nardi (one half of the Stiff Gins) draws on her Yuwaalaraay freshwater stories and brings her

Find out more

When Sunday 27 September 2026 from 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Location  The Conservatorium

Get your tickets now

In person

HSC Study Hub Maths Exam Readiness Session

Ready to crush your math and computing goals? Join us for an intense study sesh that’ll boost your HSC prep!

Find out more

When Tuesday 29 September 2026
10:00am - 2:30pm

Register Now

In person

HSC Study Hub Computing Exam Readiness Session

Ready to crush your math and computing goals? Join us for an intense study sesh that’ll boost your HSC prep!

Find out more

When Wednesday 30 September 2026
10:00am - 2:30pm

Register Now

Webinar

HSC Study Hub Maths Exam Readiness Webinar

Ready to crush your math and computing goals? Join us for an intense study sesh that’ll boost your HSC prep!

Find out more

When Wednesday 30 September 2026
Location  Online

Register Now

October 2026

When Thursday 1 October 2026
9:30am - 5:00pm
Location  Library (Auchmuty)

Register now

In person

HSC Study Hub Maths Exam Readiness Session

Ready to crush your math and computing goals? Join us for an intense study sesh that’ll boost your HSC prep!

Find out more

When Thursday 1 October 2026
10:00am - 2:30pm

Register Now

Campus tour

Ourimbah Campus Tour | October

Come and explore the vibrant atmosphere of The University of Newcastle's Ourimbah Campus in Australia. This in-person event is a fantastic opportunity to get a firsthand experience of our beautiful campus.

Find out more

When Friday 2 October 2026
Duration 60mins
Location  Library (Ourimbah)

Reserve a spot

Campus tour

Callaghan Campus Tour | October

Experience our beautiful campuses and discover what it’s like to study at the University of Newcastle. Join us for the Callaghan Campus Tour!

Find out more

When Friday 2 October 2026
Duration 2 hours
Location  Wabi Sabi Cafe (opposite V Building)

Reserve a spot

In person

HSC Study Hub Maths Exam Readiness Session

Ready to crush your math and computing goals? Join us for an intense study sesh that’ll boost your HSC prep!

Find out more

When Friday 2 October 2026
10:00am - 2:30pm

Register Now

Campus tour

Central Coast Clinical School Campus Tour | October

Join us for an exciting in-person tour of the Central Coast Clinical School! This event is a fantastic opportunity to explore our state-of-the-art facilities and learn more about the cutting-edge medical education and research happening on campus.

Find out more

When Friday 2 October 2026
Duration 60mins
Location  Central Coast Clinical School

Reserve a spot

Webinar

HSC Study Hub Computing Exam Readiness Webinar

Ready to crush your math and computing goals? Join us for an intense study sesh that’ll boost your HSC prep!

Find out more

When Friday 2 October 2026
Location  Online

Register Now

Campus tour

Gosford Campus Tour | October

Join us for an exciting in-person tour of the Central Coast Campus - Gosford Central! This event is a fantastic opportunity to explore our state-of-the-art facilities and learn more about the cutting-edge education facilities happening on campus.

Find out more

When Friday 2 October 2026
Duration 60mins
Location  Gosford Central

Reserve a spot

Campus tour

NUSpace Campus Tour | October

Located on Auckland Street, NUSpace is easily accessible and offers a vibrant and inclusive community. Whether you're a prospective student, parent, or simply curious about the future of education, this tour is perfect for you.

Find out more

When Friday 2 October 2026
Duration 60mins
Location  NUSpace

Reserve a spot

Campus tour

Q Building Campus Tour | October

Join us for a fun and interactive Q Building Campus Tour where you'll explore our amazing facilities firsthand!

Find out more

When Friday 2 October 2026
Duration 60mins
Location  Q Building

Reserve a spot

Live performance

GILES HENDERSON WANNAN, Chamber Music for Flute Viola & Harp

Harpist Alice Giles, flautist Jonathan Henderson and violist James Wannan join forces to present a programme centred around French music and contemporary living composers.

Find out more

When Friday 2 October 2026 from 7:30pm - 8:40pm
Location  The Conservatorium

Book Now

Workshop

Adobe Student Academy - Free Online Workshop

Looking to level up your creative and career-ready skills? Join the Adobe Student Academy, a free online workshop where you will learn how to create stand-out content & portfolio design with Adobe tools.

Find out more

When Monday 5 October 2026 - Wednesday 7 October 2026
Location  Online

Register now

Workshop

Neurodivergent Peer2Peer Program - Workshop 2

From Delay to Done: Overcoming Procrastination and Mastering Time ManagementAlways finding ways to put things off? From Delay to Done will help you break free from procrastination with practical strategies to manage your time and make real progress.

Find out more

When Wednesday 7 October 2026
12:00pm - 1:30pm
Location  Shortland Union

Register now

Webinar

Writing Questions for Secure Online Assessment

This workshop is delivered by the Education Development team and will focus on writing high‑quality exam questions for online secure assessments.

Find out more

When Wednesday 7 October 2026
Duration 60mins
Location  Online

Register now

Webinar

Job Application Bootcamp

Are your job application documents working for you? Writing an effective resume, cover letter or statement addressing the selection criteria can be a tricky process! Come along to this bootcamp and we will set you in the right direction to

Find out more

When Thursday 8 October 2026
Location  Online through Zoom

Register now

Webinar

Surveying Webinar

Interested in joining one of Australia’s most in-demand professions? Learn about the University of Newcastle’s surveying programs, flexible hybrid study options and where a career in surveying could take you.

Find out more

When Thursday 8 October 2026
Duration 60mins
Location  Online

Register now

In person

What is the Future of the Humanities? Panel presentation and networking

Join us for a chaired panel discussion exploring the current state, and possible futures, of the humanities in universities.

Find out more

When Thursday 8 October 2026
6:00pm - 7:00pm
Location  NUSpace

Register your interest now

Public Lecture

Public talk: Anticipation, Hesitation and Disastrous Futures

In this talk, the HESTIA Lab engages with different, often contrasting, ways of how people prepare for and respond to looming disastrous futures.

Find out more

When Monday 12 October 2026
12:30pm - 1:30pm
Location  NUSpace

Register now

In person

Finding Work in Australia

Finding Work in Australia is designed to support international students in developing self-awareness, identifying opportunities, and improving their employability in the Australian market.

Find out more

When Monday 12 October 2026
3:00pm - 5:00pm
Location  NUSpace

Register now

In person

Finding Work in Australia

Finding Work in Australia is designed to support international students in developing self-awareness, identifying opportunities, and improving their employability in the Australian market.

Find out more

When Tuesday 13 October 2026
12:00pm - 2:00pm

Register now

Event

Newcastle Youth Studies Centre Seminar Series: Youth Side-Hustles - Entrepreneurship and Employment in Enterprise Culture

Join this international seminar series featuring speakers from the University of Newcastle alongside some of the biggest international scholars in sociology, digital humanities, communications, media studies, and education, responding to key social issues of our time.

Find out more

When Wednesday 14 October 2026
3:00pm - 4:30pm

Register now

Webinar

Finding Work in Australia

Finding Work in Australia is designed to support international students in developing self-awareness, identifying opportunities, and improving their employability in the Australian market.

Find out more

When Thursday 15 October 2026

Register now

Workshop

Creating Presentations with Gamma

The LDTI GenAI Tinker workshops have been developed for staff who see value in hands on experiences using a variety of GenAI tools to tackle common problems.

Find out more

When Friday 16 October 2026
2:00pm - 3:00pm

Register now

Webinar

Job Application Bootcamp

Are your job application documents working for you? Writing an effective resume, cover letter or statement addressing the selection criteria can be a tricky process! Come along to this bootcamp and we will set you in the right direction to

Find out more

When Wednesday 21 October 2026
Location  Online through Zoom

Register now

In person

GFF26: Acropolis Cats and Other Wondrous Animals

Exploring the lives of stray cats in Athens and beyond.

Find out more

When Tuesday 27 October 2026
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Location  Tower Cinemas Newcastle | 183 King St, Newcastle NSW 2300

Register your interest now

In person

Acropolis Cats & Other Wondrous Animals: Film Screening

Join us for a special screening of Acropolis Cats & Other Wondrous Animals, followed by a live Q&A with filmmaker and University of Newcastle academic, Mary Zournazi. Exploring the lives of stray cats in Athens, the documentary reflects on compassion,

Find out more

When Tuesday 27 October 2026
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Location  Tower Cinemas, 183 King St, Newcastle.

Get Tickets Here

Webinar

TAFE to Uni Webinar - Semester 2

You will learn about what it’s like studying at our University, TAFE and other vocational, qualifications entry pathways, how to apply, scholarships, jobs on campus, support services and more!

Find out more

When Wednesday 28 October 2026
Location  Online

Register now

Live performance

Fernleigh Orchestral and Arts Network: Pink Meets Purple

Bridge the worlds of rock and classical with the iconic music of Pink Floyd and Deep Purple.

Find out more

When Saturday 31 October 2026 from 7:30pm - 9:30pm
Location  The Conservatorium

Get your tickets now

November 2026

Workshop

Neurodivergent Peer2Peer Program - Workshop 3

Workshop 3: Staying Grounded – Managing Overwhelm Your Way In Staying Grounded you will explore practical, flexible strategies to manage stress, regulate your energy, and stay connected to what matters most—without pressure to “do it the right way.”

Find out more

When Tuesday 3 November 2026
12:00pm - 1:30pm
Location  Shortland Union

Register now

Webinar

Job Application Bootcamp

Are your job application documents working for you? Writing an effective resume, cover letter or statement addressing the selection criteria can be a tricky process! Come along to this bootcamp and we will set you in the right direction to

Find out more

When Tuesday 3 November 2026
Location  Online through Zoom

Register now

Live performance

Christ Church Camerata's All that jazz!

Raise the roof in a joyous interweaving of jazz, pop and classical.

Find out more

When Sunday 8 November 2026 from 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Location  The Conservatorium

Get your tickets now

Campus tour

Ourimbah Campus Tour | November

Come and explore the vibrant atmosphere of The University of Newcastle's Ourimbah Campus in Australia. This in-person event is a fantastic opportunity to get a firsthand experience of our beautiful campus.

Find out more

When Friday 13 November 2026
Duration 60mins
Location  Library (Ourimbah)

Reserve a spot

Campus tour

Callaghan Campus Tour | November

Experience our beautiful campuses and discover what it’s like to study at the University of Newcastle. Join us for the Callaghan Campus Tour!

Find out more

When Friday 13 November 2026
Duration 2 hours
Location  Wabi Sabi Cafe (opposite V Building)

Reserve a spot

Campus tour

Central Coast Clinical School Campus Tour | November

Join us for an exciting in-person tour of the Central Coast Clinical School! This event is a fantastic opportunity to explore our state-of-the-art facilities and learn more about the cutting-edge medical education and research happening on campus.

Find out more

When Friday 13 November 2026
Duration 60mins
Location  Central Coast Clinical School

Reserve a spot

Webinar

Ed Tech in Action: Final Assessments, Exams & Preparing for Fully Graded Date

The LDTI Ed Tech in Action sessions are targeted sessions focussed on supported educational technology tools and their use in teaching, learning and assessment. Each 30-minute session will be delivered via Zoom and will feature a short presentation or demonstration

Find out more

When Friday 13 November 2026
Duration 30mins
Location  Online

Register now

Campus tour

Gosford Campus Tour | November

Join us for an exciting in-person tour of the Central Coast Campus - Gosford Central! This event is a fantastic opportunity to explore our state-of-the-art facilities and learn more about the cutting-edge education facilities happening on campus.

Find out more

When Friday 13 November 2026
Duration 60mins
Location  Gosford Central

Reserve a spot

Campus tour

NUSpace Campus Tour | November

Located on Auckland Street, NUSpace is easily accessible and offers a vibrant and inclusive community. Whether you're a prospective student, parent, or simply curious about the future of education, this tour is perfect for you.

Find out more

When Friday 13 November 2026
Duration 60mins
Location  NUSpace

Reserve a spot

In person

Works In Practice Muster 4

A new research collective at the University of Newcastle that aims to foster a supportive and collaborative community of practice.

Find out more

When Friday 13 November 2026
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Location  NUSpace

Register your interest now

Campus tour

Q Building Campus Tour | November

Join us for a fun and interactive Q Building Campus Tour where you'll explore our amazing facilities firsthand!

Find out more

When Friday 13 November 2026
Duration 60mins
Location  Q Building

Reserve a spot

Webinar

Newcastle Youth Studies Centre Seminar Series: Intergenerational Dialogues and Activism

Join this international seminar series featuring speakers from the University of Newcastle alongside some of the biggest international scholars in sociology, digital humanities, communications, media studies, and education, responding to key social issues of our time.

Find out more

When Wednesday 18 November 2026

Register now

December 2026

Campus tour

Ourimbah Campus Tour | December

Come and explore the vibrant atmosphere of The University of Newcastle's Ourimbah Campus in Australia. This in-person event is a fantastic opportunity to get a firsthand experience of our beautiful campus.

Find out more

When Friday 11 December 2026
Duration 60mins
Location  Library (Ourimbah)

Reserve a spot

Campus tour

Callaghan Campus Tour | December

Experience our beautiful campuses and discover what it’s like to study at the University of Newcastle. Join us for the Callaghan Campus Tour!

Find out more

When Friday 11 December 2026
Duration 2 hours
Location  Wabi Sabi Cafe (opposite V Building)

Reserve a spot

Campus tour

Central Coast Clinical School Campus Tour | December

Join us for an exciting in-person tour of the Central Coast Clinical School! This event is a fantastic opportunity to explore our state-of-the-art facilities and learn more about the cutting-edge medical education and research happening on campus.

Find out more

When Friday 11 December 2026
Duration 60mins
Location  Central Coast Clinical School

Reserve a spot

Campus tour

Gosford Campus Tour | December

Join us for an exciting in-person tour of the Central Coast Campus - Gosford Central! This event is a fantastic opportunity to explore our state-of-the-art facilities and learn more about the cutting-edge education facilities happening on campus.

Find out more

When Friday 11 December 2026
Duration 60mins
Location  Gosford Central

Reserve a spot

Campus tour

NUSpace Campus Tour | December

Located on Auckland Street, NUSpace is easily accessible and offers a vibrant and inclusive community. Whether you're a prospective student, parent, or simply curious about the future of education, this tour is perfect for you.

Find out more

When Friday 11 December 2026
Duration 60mins
Location  NUSpace

Reserve a spot

Campus tour

Q Building Campus Tour | December

Join us for a fun and interactive Q Building Campus Tour where you'll explore our amazing facilities firsthand!

Find out more

When Friday 11 December 2026
Duration 60mins
Location  Q Building

Reserve a spot

Event

Graduation - Newcastle Callaghan

December Graduation Ceremonies – Congratulations on completing your studies! This incredible milestone deserves to be celebrated with your family, friends, and fellow graduates.

Find out more

When Tuesday 15 December 2026 - Saturday 19 December 2026