Damien Frost's Queer Portraits, Angela Tiatia's 'Muse' and an Urthboy-Curated Oceanfront Lineup Lead New Annual 2026
From waterfront gigs to boundary-pushing exhibitions, this ten-day arts festival celebrates everything that makes Newcastle one of Australia's great creative hubs.
Sure, Newcastle doesn't quite have the same international repute as Sydney when it comes to the art world. Yet this picturesque coastal city — the second oldest in Australia — is said to have more artists per capita than any other on our shores. So, it's only appropriate that a forward-thinking arts festival like New Annual is gearing up for its 2026 edition.
With the latest lineup officially unveiled, this flagship arts festival invites audiences from around the country to experience Newcastle through ten days of art, music, performance and ideas. In fact, this year's event is jam-packed with 402 artists across 40 events, complete with seven brand-new commissions.
Running from Friday, September 25–Sunday, October 4, New Annual 2026 will champion Newcastle's people, places and creative spirit, drawing inspiration from the ocean, local histories and myriad stories and sub-cultures. Says festival director Tony Loudon: "Every major work is shaped here — by its coastline, communities, and unmistakable character — creating experiences that couldn't happen anywhere else."
Ready to dive in? On the visual arts front, celebrated multi-disciplinary artist Angela Tiatia's major exhibition, Muse, takes over Newcastle Art Gallery, with opening night headlined by future soul singer Ngaiire. Then, renowned Sydney-born photographer Damien Frost showcases his internationally acclaimed series, Night Flowers, at Watt Space. Presenting the seductive theatricality of queer nightlife, the University of Newcastle alumnus has produced new portraits featuring Newcastle's queer and alt communities.
Like previous years, New Annual returns with a strong music focus, including its free 'SOAK: Live at the Baths' sessions. Curated by Australian hip-hop MC Urthboy, the 2026 lineup is headlined by Hermitude, Claire O'Brien, Kobie Dee, 92Wrld, Karen Lee Andrews and more. Perched on the water's edge, this temporary stage brimming with open-air music is an unbeatable way to experience Newcastle's stunning coastline just as golden hour fades to dark.
The festival is also paying tribute to Newcastle's enduring punk and heavy scene — the birthplace of bands like Silverchair, The Porkers and The Screaming Jets — with NM:PM PUNK! running back three generations of head-banging tunes through free and all-age shows presented across the city.
For a change of pace, there's also inflatable public art, such as Melissa Mathieson, aka Melissalikessushi's BLOOM at Charleston Square. Plus, there are standout dining experiences to explore, including Global Table, where Jennifer Wong and Benjamin Law serve up flavour, performance and storytelling beneath the stars in Wheeler Place.
"This year's program reflects a city that's creative, confident and constantly evolving. It brings together remarkable local artists with leading voices from across Australia, all responding to this place with generosity, curiosity and imagination," says Loudon.
New Annual is happening across Newcastle from Friday, September 25–Sunday, October 4. Head to the website for more information.
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Images: Supplied.
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