Quality Education
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
July 2025
Exhibition
Say Aahhhh: Health, Medicine and Everyday Care in Newcastle from 1945 to 2000
Come and explore Say Aahhhh: Health, Medicine and Everyday Care in Newcastle from 1945 to 2000, an exhibition exploring the unique and surprising history of health care in Newcastle.
May 2026
Exhibition
Michael Cusack – FIELD NOTES: The Ruins of Ideas
An exhibition by Micael Cusack bringing together painting and found objects as parallel modes of creative inquiry.
June 2026
Exhibition
Agape in the Hunter Region
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.
Webinar
NSW FLIP Information Session
Join us for an overview of NSW FLIP, a cohort-based program designed to empower women entrepreneurs and leaders across New South Wales.
Webinar
Jobs on Campus Info Session: Career Peers
The University is looking for current students to join the The Careers Service as Career Peers. In this online information session, we will provide details about the position and tips on how to submit a high-quality application.
In person
NUmates Hunter Valley Segway Tour
Glide through the Hunter Valley on a guided Segway tour, taking in stunning vineyard views before relaxing with a winery picnic—no experience needed, just come for the fun, scenery, and great company.
Graduation
Graduation - Newcastle Callaghan
June Graduation Ceremonies – Congratulations on completing your studies! This incredible milestone deserves to be celebrated with your family, friends, and fellow graduates.
Event
Jimpa Community Screening
ACON Hunter, Newcastle Pride and University of Newcastle are proud to co-host a free community screening of the film Jimpa.
In person
THRIVE for Wellbeing
THRIVE for Wellbeing is a free weekly group for students wanting to improve their wellbeing and learn new ways to navigate challenges, whilst connecting with fellow students.
Workshop
Avatars in Education
The LDTI AI in Action sessions are an opportunity for staff to come together and discuss how they are using GenAI in their teaching, learning, and research. Each 30-minute session includes a brief demonstration and time for Q&A.
Live performance
Make your own Music! NYO Term 2 Concert
A choral collaboration with the BrainWaves Stroke Survivors Choir, Callaghan Singers, Supertonics, Unforgettables and Vocal Company.
Webinar
Master of Special and Inclusive Education
Join Dr Carl Leonard to learn more about how studying the Master of Special and Inclusive Education at the University of Newcastle can help you achieve your career goals.
July 2026
Webinar
Career-ready Placements Community of Practice
The Career-ready Placements Community of Practice (CoP) is designed to bring staff together to enhance the quality and impact of work integrated learning across the University.
Webinar
Cogniti Users Drop-In Sessions
The LDTI Cogniti Users Drop-In Sessions are intended as an opportunity for staff to come together to discuss their use of the platform, and share what is working and what is not. We will also discuss any upcoming enhancements, new
Webinar
Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
Join Dr Meaghan Katrak Harris to learn more about how studying the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) at the University of Newcastle can help you achieve your career goals, hear about the program and engage in Q&A.
Webinar
Enrolment and Class Preferencing Express Q&A
Join us for an enrolment webinar for new students. This will be an opportunity to ask questions, get clear answers, and feel confident about enrolment and class preferencing.
In person
THRIVE for Wellbeing
THRIVE for Wellbeing is a free weekly group for students wanting to improve their wellbeing and learn new ways to navigate challenges, whilst connecting with fellow students.
Webinar
Jobs on Campus Info Session - Student Communications Officer
The University is looking for 2 current students to join the University of Newcastle library as Student Communications Officer. In this online information session, we will provide details about the position and tips on how to submit a high-quality application.
In person
Book Launch: The Good Sea by Vannessa Hearman
The Journey of the Tasi Diak and the Politics of Refugee Protection in Australia.
In person
HSC Maths Study Hub Intensive
Get ready to boost your HSC maths skills with some intense, focused and free exam preparation sessions!
Webinar
Master of Public Health Webinar
Join Associate Professor Tazeen Majeed to learn more about the Master of Public Health at the University of Newcastle. Gain an understanding of the program and engage in a Q&A.
Live Stream
Virtual International Open Day
Join our International Open Day online and experience what makes the University of Newcastle a standout choice for ambitious students from around the world.
In person
HSC Maths Study Hub Intensive
Get ready to boost your HSC maths skills with some intense, focused and free exam preparation sessions!
Webinar
Master of Midwifery Studies Webinar
Join Program Convenor Virginia Stulz to learn more about the Master of Midwifery Studies at the University of Newcastle. Gain an understanding of the program and engage in a Q&A.
Webinar
Master of Business Psychology Webinar
Join Program Convenor Associate Professor Emina Subasic to learn all about the Master of Business Psychology program at the University of Newcastle. Gain an understanding of the program and engage in a Q&A.
Campus tour
Callaghan Campus Tour | July
Experience our beautiful campuses and discover what it’s like to study at the University of Newcastle. Join us for the Callaghan Campus Tour!
Campus tour
Ourimbah Campus Tour | July
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.
Campus tour
Central Coast Clinical School Campus Tour | July
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.
Webinar
HSC Maths Study Hub Intensive
Get ready to boost your HSC maths skills with some intense, focused and free exam preparation sessions!
Campus tour
NUSpace Campus Tour | July
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.
Campus tour
Q Building Campus Tour | July
Join us for a fun and interactive Q Building Campus Tour where you'll explore our amazing facilities firsthand!
Live performance
Northern Lights: Journey to the World Choir Games
Newcastle Chamber Choir showcases their competition repertoire before they represent Australia at the 2026 World Choir Games in Sweden.
Live performance
SEUSSICAL JR.!
A Dr Seuss-inspired stage spectacular is coming to Newcastle this July school holidays!
Workshop
Cinematic Sounds - School Holiday Workshop
A two day school holiday workshop that provides students with the opportunity to put sound to a short, animated film.
In person
Mental Health First Aid Training for Students
Empower yourself to make a meaningful difference when it matters most.
In person
HSC Computing Study Hub Intensive
Get ready to boost your HSC computing skills with some intense, focused and free exam preparation sessions!
In person
HSC Computing Study Hub Intensive
Get ready to boost your HSC computing skills with some intense, focused and free exam preparation sessions!
Workshop
Percussion - School Holiday Workshop
A one-day fun and informative ground-up, immersive percussion workshop in a relaxed group setting.
Workshop
Jazz and Groove Improv - Two Day Workshop
Two day workshop designed to unlock creativity and build confidence in jazz and groove improvisation.
Webinar
HSC Computing Study Hub Intensive
Get ready to boost your HSC computing skills with some intense, focused and free exam preparation sessions!
In person
Newcastle Comedy Festival: Tom Cashman
Tom Cashman is back in town with a new hour of stand-up that promises to creep ever so close to proficiency as part of Newcastle Comedy Festival.
In person
Newcastle Comedy Festival: Mid Flight Brawl
Nick Cody and Luke Heggie are back in town for another hour of crook plane mishaps.
In person
Newcastle Comedy Festival: Nick Cody
Nick Cody is back where he belongs, saying hilarious/distasteful things on stage.
In person
Newcastle Comedy Festival: Luke Heggie
Luke Heggie takes the stage as part of Newcastle Comedy Festival.
Event
Newcastle Youth Studies Centre Seminar Series: Scholarship Disabled: Crip research, crip scholars
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.
Webinar
Cogniti Users Drop-In Sessions
The LDTI Cogniti Users Drop-In Sessions are intended as an opportunity for staff to come together to discuss their use of the platform, and share what is working and what is not. We will also discuss any upcoming enhancements, new
In person
Newcastle Comedy Festival: Daniel Muggleton
Come see the man in the red tracksuit live on-stage, with a brand-new hour of fearless stand-up comedy.
In person
Newcastle Comedy Festival: Ivan Aristeguieta
Australia’s favourite Venezuelan is back with a hilarious new show about dancing through tough times, finding joy in chaos and shaking off your worries to a Latino beat.
Workshop
Student Friendly Canvas Content
This practical session walks through a well-structured Canvas course where students always know what to do next.
Webinar
Communicating Clearly with Students in Canvas
This session focuses on using Canvas tools to set expectations and keep students on track throughout the term.
Webinar
Creating Course Content with an LLM
The LDTI AI in Action sessions are an opportunity for staff to come together and discuss how they are using GenAI in their teaching, learning, and research. Each 30-minute session includes a brief demonstration and time for Q&A.
August 2026
In person
The Jacob Neale Jazz Awards Concert
The Jacob Neale Jazz Awards celebrate our next generation of talented jazz musicians.
Live performance
Echoes of the Globe
An afternoon of music from across the globe brought to you by The University of Newcastle Arts Orchetsra.
Live performance
2026 Newcastle Music Festival: Rhapsody
Join us for the opening event of the 2026 Newcastle Music Festival featuring Mitchell Berick and Erin Sweetman.
Webinar
Indigenous Perspectives
The LDTI AI in Action sessions are an opportunity for staff to come together and discuss how they are using GenAI in their teaching, learning, and research. Each 30-minute session includes a brief demonstration and time for Q&A.
Live performance
2026 Newcastle Music Festival: Weddings and Parties Over Coffee
Miriam returns home for this very special program featuring Bach’s poignant and heartwarming Wedding Cantata together with his Coffee Cantata, a miniature comic opera about a disgruntled father and his coffee-obsessed daughter.
Live performance
2026 Newcastle Music Festival: Four Hands, One Piano
Combining virtuosity, expressive depth, and refined ensemble playing, Duo Mimesi captivates audiences with performances marked by brilliance, precision, and strong artistic intensity.
Live performance
2026 Newcastle Music Festival: Hands, Feet and Animals
Newcastle Music Festival presents a delightful performance of dance and music.
Live performance
2026 Newcastle Music Festival: Festival Choirs
Internationally renowned soloists Meechot Marerro, Elizabeth Cooper, Brad Cooper and Christopher Richardson join Italian piano Duo Mimesi and the Festival Choirs in a dazzling work by Rossini: Petite Messe Solennelle.
Campus tour
Welcome Week (Callaghan) - Semester 2/Trimester 3
Welcome Week is a great opportunity to find out what you need to know about university life and being a University of Newcastle student.
Campus tour
Welcome Week (Sydney) - Semester 2/Trimester 3
Welcome Week is a great opportunity to find out what you need to know about university life and being a University of Newcastle student.
Campus tour
Welcome Week (Newcastle City) - Semester 2/Trimester 3
Welcome Week is a great opportunity to find out what you need to know about university life and being a University of Newcastle student.
Campus tour
Welcome Week (Central Coast) - Semester 2/Trimester 3
Welcome Week is a great opportunity to find out what you need to know about university life and being a University of Newcastle student.
Webinar
An Introduction to NotebookLM
The LDTI GenAI Tinker Sessions provide an opportunity for academic staff to try out different tools, experiment with their functionality, and think about how they could be used in day-to-day work.
Live performance
2026 Newcastle Music Festival: Scenes from Childhood
With pianist Coady Green, Linda Barcan will perform Mahler’s song cycle with themes of mortality and the persistence of nature, as well as works by Schumann, Rosenthal and Fiddes.
Live performance
2026 Newcastle Music Festival: Weavers of Song
A unique musical pairing of two great artists: Miriam Allan and Erin Helyard.
Live performance
2026 Newcastle Music Festival: Al Andalus
An evening of dazzling excitement as brilliant guitarist Paco Lara is joined by three flamenco dancers led by the wonderful Deya Giner.
Live performance
2026 Newcastle Music Festival: Festival Finale
Mahler’s epic vision of his first symphony soars in this version for chamber orchestra, in which the Christ Church Camerata expands to include wind percussion and brass.
Recurring
Virtual Reality Stress Management Training: 5 Week Program
Boost your focus, calm, and confidence with Performance Edge — a powerful five-week Virtual Reality program designed to provide skills to help you manage stress and challenging emotions.
Every week on Wednesday, until Sept 16, 2026
Event
Newcastle Youth Studies Centre Seminar Series: Fintech Futures
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.
Webinar
Artificial Intelligence Detection
LDTI is pleased to welcome the Charles Sturt University’s Associate Professor Mark Bassett (Director Academic Quality, Standards and Integrity and Academic Lead Artificial Intelligence) for a discussion of the use of AI detection software.
September 2026
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
October 2026
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Event
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.
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!
November 2026
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
December 2026
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.