Young voices take centre stage at Newcastle Museum’s all-ages street party

Newcastle Museum will be buzzing with youthful energy this Saturday, 12 April 2025, as it transforms into a celebration space for young creatives, activists and musicians during the NM:PM Future Street Party. The event is a key part of City of Newcastle’s Youth Week program, which runs across New South Wales from 9 to 17 April 2025.

Funded through over $10,000 in grants from City of Newcastle and the NSW Department of Communities and Justice, this year’s Youth Week festivities have been shaped with direct input from young Novocastrians. From live music by emerging local acts like Butterknife, Trophy Wyfe, The Sobars and Evan Worgan, to creative badge-making workshops and a climate activism yarning circle, the Future Street Party is set to spotlight youth talent and leadership in full force.

Julie Baird, Director of Museum Archive Libraries and Learning at City of Newcastle, said the Museum was thrilled to hand over the reins to the next generation for the event. “Youth Week is all about recognising and amplifying the voices of young people,” she said. “This all-ages event lets the museum come alive with youth culture—from music to activism and beyond.”

City of Newcastle Youth Council Standing Committee members were actively involved in the grant allocation process, ensuring the program reflected the needs and interests of young people. Councillor Paige Johnson commended their work, saying the process not only encouraged ownership but empowered local youth to drive positive change.

Among the other funded Youth Week activities are a student-led sustainability expo, a multicultural youth conference, and the Snak and Rap event at Maryland Skate Bowl, where young people can explore street art, enjoy free food, and take the mic in an open performance space.

The Museum’s street party will also feature a book swap hosted by Newcastle Libraries’ Young Adult Book Club and give attendees the chance to visit Disrupt, Persist, Invent, a travelling exhibition from the National Archives of Australia exploring the history of activism.

For a full list of Youth Week events happening across Newcastle, visit What’s On Newcastle.