Hunter stages October 2026: Frozen, the eisteddfod and a 60s revue
The Abermain Eisteddfod brings its dance solos to Cessnock, Disney's Frozen opens at the Civic, and Cessnock's Vincent Street theatre runs three tribute nights and a comedy show before the month is out.
October opens with the Abermain Eisteddfod in Cessnock. After a week of singing, instrumental, speech and drama sections at Abermain Plaza Hall, the competition moves to the Vincent Street theatre for its dance solos from Tuesday 6 to Saturday 10 October, finishing with the Spirit of the Coalfields Cup showcase on the Saturday night. Our eisteddfod guide has the sections and how to watch.
In Newcastle, Disney's Frozen: The Broadway Musical opens at the Civic Theatre on 10 October and runs until 25 October, across the school holidays. The same theatre has comedian Denise Scott on 10 October and Khaled Khalafalla on 16 October, two nights of new short plays by young writers (First Draft, 19 and 20 October), and Irish folk band The High Kings on 24 October.
Back in Cessnock, the Vincent Street theatre's month leans on tribute nights, as its program usually does: The 60 Four with hits of the 1960s and 70s on Sunday 11 October, Rhinestone Cowboy, a salute to John Denver and Glen Campbell, on 24 October, and California Legends, a new show of 1970s West Coast songs, on 31 October. Comedian Frenchy brings his Never Been Before tour on 30 October.
Out among the vines, the Red Hot Summer Tour plays Roche Estate at Pokolbin on Saturday 31 October.
Everything is in our month-by-month calendar, with a link to each venue's own listing for times and tickets.
Planning your October
October in the Hunter mixes school holiday family shows with tribute nights, comedy and outdoor concerts as the weather warms. Book early for Frozen and the school holiday sessions, which draw families from across the region. The Abermain Eisteddfod's dance solos are a good chance to see young local performers; check the eisteddfod's own program for session times. If you are heading to a vineyard concert at the end of the month, plan transport home, bring a hat and sunscreen, and check the event's rules on chairs, food and drink. Our month-by-month calendar links each show to its venue's listing.
Tickets and getting there
Buy tickets from each venue's own site or the official seller it names. Newcastle's Civic Theatre is close to buses and the light rail; the Cessnock theatre on Vincent Street has street parking nearby. For vineyard concerts, use the event's buses where offered.
More for families
With school holidays in October, family audiences have plenty to choose from: the musical in Newcastle, children's shows and holiday workshops across the region, and young performers at the eisteddfod. Check each listing for age guidance and session times, and book school holiday matinees early.
What comes next
November brings Christmas programs, end-of-year dance and school concerts, and more vineyard concerts as summer arrives. Our Hunter Valley concerts and Hunter Valley Christmas guides list what is coming.
How we compile the month
We read each venue's own program and list the shows announced for the month, with a link to each listing for times and tickets.
Also on in October
Smaller community theatre, school productions and club concerts also run through October; check local venues and our calendar for the latest additions.
Weather
October evenings in the Hunter can still be cool, so bring a layer for outdoor shows and the walk back to the car after a theatre night.