Port Stephens Events
May 2017:
Friday 5th to Sunday 7th: Karuah Lost Highway Bluegrass Music Festival around the town of Karuah, with two all-weather venues: a Big Top Tent and the popular Picker's Paradise at the Karuah Community Hall.
Contact details: Website Ph: 0411 618 245
Sunday 14th: Mother's Day
June 2017:
Thursday 1st until Sunday 12th July: Naturefest Port Stephens an exciting program of events that promotes and celebrates the beauty and all things Mother Nature in Port Stephens!
Contact details: Destination Port Stephens
Thursday 1st: Whale Watching Season Launch: Official Launch of the Whale Watching Season and Naturefest Port Stephens at 9am on the Nelson Bay Waterfront, followed by boarding of vessels for the first whale watching cruise of the day. To book for a Whale Watch Cruise you can contact either Moonshadow-TQC Cruises or Imagine Cruises.
Contact details: Destination Port Stephens
Sunday 4th: World Environment Day – Dolphin Census: Nature lovers are invited from 11am - 12 midday, to count how many of Port Stephens’ famous dolphins live in the bay’s blue waters.
Contact details: Marine Parks Association
Wednesday 7th: World Oceans Day: People all over our blue planet are celebrating under the theme of Healthy Oceans, Healthy Planet. Local events will be organised under the Naturefest Port Stephens banner.
Contact details: Destination Port Stephens
or: World Oceans Day
Thursday 8th to Monday 12th: Blue Water Country & Blues Music Festival:
Port Stephens' renowned country music festival returns this year over the Queen's Birthday weekend.
Contact details: Website ph: 4984 4751
Monday 12th: Queen's Birthday PUBLIC HOLIDAY
July 2016:
Saturday 1st: NSW School Holidays commence.
Sunday 15th July: The Human Whale Shoal Bay Beach
To celebrate the whale watch season in Port Stephens, holiday visitors and locals alike are invited to help form the shape of a giant human whale on Shoal Bay Beach.
Contact details: Destination Port Stephens
Tuesday 18th July: NSW School Term 3 commences.
August 2017:
Tuesday 1st to Thursday 31st August (To Be Confirmed): Love Seafood Festival
This month-long celebration will feature celebrity chefs and TV cooks, seafood cruises, a foodie’s weekend at d’Albora Marinas, a family festival at the marina, cooking classes and demonstrations for adults and kids, markets, rides, live entertainment and discounted seafood lunches at more than 15 eateries across Port Stephens.
Contact details: Destination Port Stephens Website ph: 1800 808 900
Tuesday 8th to Sunday 13th August (To Be Confirmed): Port Stephens Spring Cup Golf Tournament
Played at various golf courses around Port Stephens. Event details to be confirmed. The Port Stephens Classic offers golfers a unique experience with the tournament being played on three premier golf courses, Nelson Bay, Horizons and Pacific Dunes.
Contact Details: Website ph: 4981 1132
Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th August (To Be Confirmed): Fish to Dish Festival 10am-3pm at d'Albora Marinas.
The main marquee will host presentations by 2014 ‘My Kitchen Rules’ contestants Carly and Tresne, Sydney Seafood School presenter Brigid Treloar as well as renowned Tasmanian chef, Masaaki Koyama, and Frances Bender from Huon Aquaculture in Tasmania. Plus an oyster shucking competition, wine-matching demonstration from Wonganella Estate in Port Stephens, beer-matching session with Murray’s Craft Brewery and the popular Sacred Tree Markets (Saturday only) on the Nelson Bay waterfront.
Contact details: Destination Port Stephens Website ph: 1800 808 900
Sunday 13th August (To Be Confirmed): Raymond Terrace Aquatic Club Powerboat Trophy Day
Held on the Hunter and Williams Rivers, the Powerboat Trophy Day racing commences at Riverside Park at 9am. Entry to watch is free, with food and drink available from 9am until 4pm.
Contact Details: Facebook page
Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th August (To Be Confirmed): Fish and Fun Festival 10am-3pm at d'Albora Marinas.
Featuring live entertainment, kids rides, face painting, marine life touch tanks, fish feeding, kids cooking classes, craft and painting workshops and animal petting zoo.
Contact details: Destination Port Stephens Website ph: 1800 808 900
September 2017:
Sunday 3rd September: Father's Day
Friday 8th to Sunday 10th (To be confirmed): Wildside Festival at Hawk's Nest.
Guided walks, fascinating talks, brilliant bike rides, a great golf fun, kayaking on the river, live music and a sausage sizzle.
Contact Details: Website ph: 0410 536 556
Saturday 16th (To be confirmed): Clans on the Coast 9am-4.30pm at Tomaree No 1 Sports Ground, Nelson Bay.
Pipe Bands, Scottish & Celtic Dancing, Singing groups, Stalls, Ancient battle re-enactments, Food & Beverages, and more...
Contact Details: Website ph: 0418 495 336
Saturday 23rd: NSW School Holidays commence.
October 2017:
Sunday 1st: Daylight Saving begins Sunday 5th October at 2:00 am.
Put your clocks & watches forward one hour. Remember, Spring forward, Fall back!
Monday 2nd: Labour Day NSW PUBLIC HOLIDAY
Monday 9th: NSW School Term 4
Saturday 14th: Karuah Oyster & Timber Festival at Longworth Park, Karuah.
Something for everyone, woodchopping events, market stalls, local oysters & entertainment.
Contact details: Event Website ph: Dawn Lyall 4997 3088
Saturday 28th: Riverside Multicultural Fiesta at Riverside Park, Hunter Street, Raymond Terrace 10am to 3pm.
Come along to learn, share, and connect with other cultures, live music and dance performances, stalls, free workshops and a Junior talent quest for ages 7 to 17 years.
Contact details: Facebook page for updates, or their website where you will find the program for the day.
Saturday 28th: Myall River Festival on the Tea Gardens Waterfront. 10am to 8.30pm.
The Festival is a family-friendly day, with a large variety of market stalls,stage entertainment, river activities, games and competitions for the kids, all taking place on the magical waterfront of Tea Gardens, beside the Myall River.
Contact Details: Website ph: Craig Foot 0428 685 232; Gerard Wilson 0412 2010 852
November 2016:
Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th: Tastes At The Bay Food & Jazz Festival on the Nelson Bay foreshore.
Local fine food restaurants, wineries from the Hunter Valley and Port Stephens along with music to make your day.
Contact details: Facebook page ph: 4984 4751
Saturday 11th: Remembrance Day
• Nelson Bay: at the War Memorial in Apex Park, Nelson Bay. Service commences at 10.50am with Bugler provided by Australian Army, Newcastle and Catafalque and Flag Party supplied by RAAF, Williamtown. Luncheon and Drinks at Nelson Bay Diggers Club for RSL sub-Branch members.
• Tanilba Bay: at the Tilligerry RSL Sports Club, Tanilab Bay. Form up at 10.45am for 11am service.
• Medowie: at Medowie Memorial Park, cnr Medowie and Ferodale Rds, Medowie. Assemble by 10.45am for 11am service.
Saturday 18th: Tilligerry Festival on the waterfront at Henderson Park, Lemon Tree Passage
Sail Past and Blessing of the Fleet, markets, rides and entertainment all day. There's something for everyone.
Contact Details: Contact details: Facebook pageTilligerry Community Association. Phone: Sue Hamilton 4982 4374
December 2016:
Friday 1st (date to be confirmed): Carols at Ferodale Oval
From 6pm at Ferodale Oval, Medowie
Presented by the Rotary Club of Williamtown. Bring a rug, chairs and your Santa hat and join the Medowie community in celebrating the Christmas Season. There will be a sausage sizzle, drinks, ice creams, hot chips, face painting, glowsticks, and of course, the Carols.
Contact details: 4982 9388
Thursday 7th (date to be confirmed): Carols In The Park
From 6.30pm at Longworth Park, Karuah
Presented by the Karuah Progress Association. Free sausage sandwich and drink for children under 12.
The entry is two dollars for adults, and children free.
Contact details: 0439 816 463
Saturday 9th (date to be confirmed): Carols on the Lawn
From 5pm on the grounds of the Tilligerry RSL Sports Club, Tanilba Bay.
Featuring guest artists to be confirmed and the students of Tanilba Bay Public School.
Contact details: Website ph: 4982 3889
Sunday 10th (date to be confirmed): Carols By The Bay
From 5.30pm at Fly Point, Nelson Bay.
Students from local schools and community groups on stage from 5.30pm. At 7pm, Christmas Carols. Fireworks at the conclusion at 9pm.
Wednesday 13th (date to be confirmed): Carols by Torchlight
From 5.30pm until 8.15pm on the grounds of the Stockton Centre, Oval Drive, Stockton.
BBQ and drinks available for purchase, or bring your own picnic. Plenty of Carols and live music, followed at dusk by a fabulous fireworks display
Contact details: Facebook Event Page
saturday 16th December: NSW Summer School Holidays Commence.
Wednesday 20th: Carols Under The Stars
From 5.00pm at Gateway Family Church, Gan Gan Road, at Anna Bay.
This year's event will feature the very popular camel rides, face painting, two free jumping castles and other kids activities. The Carols and Nativity Play include real camels, donkeys and sheep.
Festivities at 5pm with live performances from local musicians, as well as lots of activities and great food for all the family. The highlight of the evening, the Carols and Nativity Play, will begin at 7.30pm.
Contact details: Website ph: 4982 5022
Monday 25th: Christmas Day
Tuesday 26th: Boxing Day
Sunday 31st: New Year's Eve
• At Nelson Bay. Fireworks at 9pm (only) at d'Albora Marinas. Live bands, entertainment.
• At Tea Gardens. Fireworks at 9.30pm at Tea Gardens Country Club. Family friendly with giant slide, jumping castle.
• At Tanilba Bay. Fireworks at 9pm at Tilligerry RSL Sports Club.
January 2018:
Monday 1st: New Year's Day
Friday 26th: Australia Day
• Nelson Bay: Celebrations begin at 9am with Parade to Fly Point where celebrations continue until 4pm.
You can Download the full day's program here
• Lemon Tree Passage: Celebrations begin at 8am with the Lions Club breakfast, followed by Welcome to Country at 8.30am, then music and entertainment until 12 noon.
• Hawks Nest: At the park near the Singing Bridge, commencing at 8am with the Lioness Club breakfast, followed at 9am with the Flag Raising and National Anthem, and at the Fly-past by Hawk Squadron RAAF Williamtown at 11am. Music and entertainment throughout the morning.
Monday 29th January: NSW School Resumes - Term 1
February 2018:
Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th (To Be Confirmed): Port Stephens Game Fishing Club Billfish Tournament Weighing Station, Public Wharf, Nelson Bay.
Contact Details: Website ph: 4981 0021
Friday 23rd, Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th (To Be Confirmed): Port Stephens Game Fishing Club Interclub Game Fishing Tournament (Weekend 1) Weighing Station, Public Wharf, Nelson Bay.
Sailpast commences 7.15am at Dutchmans Bay. Weigh station opens 4pm
Contact Details: Website ph: 4981 0021
March 2018:
Dates to be confirmed:Trailerboat Sportsfishing Tournament. Nelson Bay harbour.
Held each year with up to 1500 competitors and 500 boats competing for around $100,000 in species and lucky draw prizes.
Contact Details: Website ph: 0416 282 022 or 9029 6554
Friday 30th: Good Friday PUBLIC HOLIDAY.
Saturday 31st: Easter Saturday PUBLIC HOLIDAY.
April 2018
Sunday 1st: Easter Sunday PUBLIC HOLIDAY.
Monday 2nd: Easter Monday PUBLIC HOLIDAY.
Sunday 1st: Daylight Saving ends Sunday 2nd April at 3:00 am.
Put your clocks & watches back one hour. Remember, Spring forward, Fall back!
Saturday 14th: NSW School Holidays commence
Wednesday 25th: ANZAC Day. Apex Park, Nelson Bay.
Dawn Service: 5.25am: Assemble at Apex Park. Commemoration at 5.30am
Main service: 10.30am: March assembles at Nelson Bay Bowling Club. 10.40am: March moves off down Stockton Street. 10.50am: Main Commemoration Service begins at Apex Park.
Contact details: Nelson Bay RSL Sub-branch c/- Nelson Bay Diggers Club ph: 4984 1344
You can download the full list of local Port Stephens ANZAC Day commemorations here
Sunday 29th: Bay FM - 20th Birthday. Port Stephens' oldest permanently licenced radio station, Bay FM, turns 19.
May 2018
Tuesday 1st: NSW School Term 2 commences.