From kid’s events, skate comps and live music to food trucks, carols and a visit from Santa – the It’s on! program will keep locals and visitors entertained all summer long.

Vibrant Places Coordinator Amber Herrmann says this summer’s events are designed to be fun, connect our communities, and encourage visitors and residents to spend time in our beautiful outdoors.

“We’ve been listening to the types of activities our community wants to see and this summer we’re trialling a new program including markets, public art, musical performances, street performances and evening activities,” Ms Herrmann said.

“We’re really excited to have some first-time events happening in areas such as Fern Bay, Karuah, Seaham, Anna Bay, Salt Ash and Lemon Tree Passage, so if you’re looking for something to do, there’s sure to be an activity in an area close to you.

“The summer program supports our Incredible Place Strategy, activating our public spaces and encouraging the community to shop, eat and spend time in our local businesses and make our region a better place to live, work and play for the benefit of everyone.

“Follow us on social media to find out what’s happening, and add the dates to your calendar to join us for the best summer has to offer,” she added.

Many of this summer’s events have been made possible thanks to funding from the NSW Government’s Reconnecting Regional NSW grant. The state government’s Community Events Program is designed to support communities to recover from the challenging times of the last few years, creating new jobs, supporting community events, shows and festivals, and boosting tourism.

What's on in Port Stephens

Raymond Terrace

• Roving Soul Fire Circus – 10 December, 10am to 2pm, Raymond Terrace Town Centre
• Terrace Reflections art exhibition – Throughout December, located at side of the Best and Less building, William Street, Raymond Terrace: This exhibition is a celebration of the native fauna of Raymond Terrace. Set against the backdrop of the local area, it is a tongue-in-cheek look at the everyday lives of native animals as they prepare for, and celebrate, the festive season.
• Men’s Shed Choir – 16 and 23 December, 10am to 1pm, William Street Raymond Terrace
• It’s on! Tastes Like Summer – 16 December, 20 January, 17 February, Riverside Park, Raymond Terrace: We’re celebrating Summer with community connection, food and music.
• Port Stephens Produce Market x Homegrown Markets, 17 December, 9am to 1pm, Carpark at Council Admin Building, 116 Adelaide Street Raymond Terrace
• Elf on stilts and Elsa visit – 17 December, 10am to 2pm, Raymond Terrace town centre
• Twilight Christmas storytime and craft – 20 December, 4.30pm to 5.15pm, Raymond Terrace Library

Nelson Bay

• Seaside singers – 2 December, 11.30am to 12.30pm, Stockton Street Nelson Bay
• Elf on stilts and Santa visit – 10 December, 10am to 2pm, Nelson Bay town centre
• Roving Soul Fire Circus – 17 December, 10am to 12pm, Nelson Bay town centre
• Twilight Christmas storytime and craft – 20 December, 4.30pm to 5.15pm, Tomaree Library
• It’s on! New Year’s Eve – 31 December, fireworks at 9pm, Nelson Bay foreshore
• Yacaaba Street art exhibition – Throughout December, Yacaaba Street, Nelson Bay: This exhibition is a celebration of the native fauna of Raymond Terrace. Set against the backdrop of the local area, it is a tongue-in-cheek look at the everyday lives of native animals as they prepare for, and celebrate, the festive season.

Lemon Tree Passage

• It’s on! Tastes Like Summer – 17 December, 21 January, 18 February, 4pm to 8pm Henderson Park, Lemon Tree Passage: We’re celebrating Summer with community connection, food and music.
• It’s on! Snak n Rap – 17 January, 11am to 1pm, Mallabula Skate Park, 1195 Lemon Tree Passage Road, Lemon Tree Passage: Calling all Port Stephens youth! Join us for music, art, food, fun and good vibes at any of our 4 free Snak and Rap events. Try our street art workshop, learn how to scratch with DJ Mathematics, take the mic and freestyle and enjoy some free food!

Karuah

• It’s on! Tastes Like Summer – 2 December, 6 January, 3 February, 4pm to 8pm Longworth Park Karuah: We’re celebrating Summer with community connection, food and music.

Fern Bay

• It’s on! Tastes Like Summer – 3 December, 7 January, 4 February, 4pm to 8pm Fern Bay Reserve, Fern Bay: We’re celebrating Summer with community connection, food and music.

Salt Ash

• It’s on! Snak n Rap – 18 January, 11am to 1pm, Salt Ash Pump Track. 1 Michael Drive, Salt Ash: Calling all Port Stephens youth! Join us for music, art, food, fun and good vibes at any of our 4 free Snak and Rap events. Try our street art workshop, learn how to scratch with DJ Mathematics, take the mic and freestyle and enjoy some free food!

Anna Bay

• It’s on! Snak n Rap – 23 January, 11am to 1pm, Anna Bay Skate Park, 33 Fitzroy Street, Anna Bay: Calling all Port Stephens youth! Join us for music, art, food, fun and good vibes at any of our 4 free Snak and Rap events. Try our street art workshop, learn how to scratch with DJ Mathematics, take the mic and freestyle and enjoy some free food!

Seaham

• It’s on! Snak n Rap – 24 January, 11am to 1pm, Seaham Skate Park, 72 Warren Street, Seaham: Calling all Port Stephens youth! Join us for music, art, food, fun and good vibes at any of our 4 free Snak and Rap events. Try our street art workshop, learn how to scratch with DJ Mathematics, take the mic and freestyle and enjoy some free food!

Check out our full calendar of events and visit portstephens.org.au/events for more information.