What's on in Maitland and surrounds March 27-28

Hunter Valley Gardens are once again providing family entertainment during the school holidays with their annual Mega Creatures display, with an added Mega Creatures Night Safari to be held this year from March 27 March to April 25.

This year there's also dragons, an erupting 3-metre-high volcano that lights up the night and for all the arachnophobes, there's a walk-through spider tunnel to test your nerves. There will also be a walking dinosaur roaring and roaming the grounds from 6:30pm - 9:30pm.

Mega Creatures will be open every day from 9am - 4:30pm, then 6pm - 10:30pm for the Night Safari from 27th March - 25th April.

For more information or to purchase tickets visit: https://www.huntervalleygardens.com.au/events/mega-creatures/

Press your poodle skirt and break out the Brylcreem - the Kurri Kurri Nostalgia Festival is back this weekend.

The festival kicks off on Friday with a retro high tea at Kurri Kurri High School, which will include a Grease-themed performance by students, and a fashion parade.

The retro marketplace will be set up in Rotary Park on Saturday and Sunday from 8.30am to 4pm, bringing together some of the biggest and best nostalgia-themed retro and vintage market stalls from across the country.

View the full program at kurrikurrinostalgiafestival.com.au

The Maitland Region Society of Artists is holding its annual fund raising exhibition with more than 200 original art works for sale.

The exhibition opens at Rutherford Public School Hall in Weblands Street tonight, Friday, March 26, from 6pm.

The event continues Saturday from 10am to 4pm and Sunday 10am to 3pm.

Proceeds go to Rutherford Public School.

More details here

Morpeth

Morpeth Antique Centre is hosting a Stamp, Coin and Banknote Valuation Day on Sunday, March 28 at St James Anglican Church Hall, Morpeth, from 10am - 3.30pm.

Four coin and banknote experts will be onsite to take a look at your hoard, along with members from the Newcastle Philatelic Society to value and talk all things stamps.

Dealers are both buying and selling.

Entry and valuations are free. St James Anglican Church Hall is the corner of Tank and High Streets, Morpeth NSW.

Maitland FC is set to take on Broadmeadow Magic at Cooks Square Park on Sunday.

The Northern NSW National Premier Leagues men's competition also gets underway this weekend, with the Magpies taking on Edgeworth away at 5pm Saturday, and the Weston Bears playing Lambton at home on Sunday at 4.30pm.

The Levee

Each Friday night until 21 May, The Levee will host a variety of performances through their 'Staging Colours' program. This Friday, from 6.00pm, enjoy a soulful evening of music brough to you by Teg Brazier and Abby Thompson, who have been performing together since high school. Visit theleveemaitland.com.au/changing-colours/ for more information.

Join the 'A Taste of Maitland' tour this Saturday to discover the rich history of Maitland all whilst sampling some unique coffee and sensory experiences. For more information, or to book tickets, visit mymaitland.com.au/event/a-taste-of-maitland-walking-tour-2/

Celebrating creativity and the unusual, The Levee will be awash with colour and music in autumn for the Changing Colours program.

From March 12 to May 21, The Riverlink will host Staging Colours, featuring free performances every Friday night. Free Art by the River, is a fun art class running weekdays from Tuesday, April 6 until Friday 16 April at the Bourke Street Link..

With Easter only a week away, you're running out of time to grab this year's supply of chocolate. A trip to Donarch Fine Chocolate won't disappoint, with the boutique chocolate maker offering a range of Easter themed treats at both their Tenambit and Morpeth stores.

Keen to get the kids out of the house after being trapped at home last weekend? Free Art Sundays at MRAG are designed for kids of all ages, and are staffed by qualified arts teachers. Spaces are limited, so visit mrag.org.au/whats-on/free-art-sundays-for-all-ages/2021-03-28/ for information and bookings

Maitland CWA holds their Meetings on the first Friday of each month.

With April 2 being Good Friday the next meeting with be held Friday, April 9.

There will be no Craft Friendship day on Saturday April 3.

April 10 and 11.

More details here

The popular festival runs from 2pm on Friday, April 16, to noon on Sunday, April 18.

Limited tickets are on sale now through Humanitix, with booking fees going to help Nutrition for Aussie School Kids

https://www.maitlandmercury.com.au/story/7159158/the-gum-ball-is-back-and-ready-to-rock/?cs=12

The three-day event will be held at Tocal Agricultural Centre from Friday, April 30 to Sunday, May 2.

Tickets are now on sale at tocalfielddays.com or they can be bought at the gate.

Daily tickets are $18 for adults, $2 for kids aged five to 16.

Children under five have free entry.

Hope Estate will host Greek Fest on May 22. Tickets are now on sale.

Food vendors from the Darling Harbour Greek Festival of Sydney, including event sponsors Defi II and Big Fat Greek, will be attending to offer a wide range of lunch plates to enjoy.

The day will also feature demonstrations, a kids zone, boutique markets, and a range of Hope Brewery beers.

Have you got an event you would like featured in our weekly What's On guide? We'd love to hear from you.

Drop us a line at Email your What's On listings, news tips and photos to lowerhunter@austcommunitymedia.com.au or phone our office on 4931 0100.

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