Newcastle Weighs Return of Show Day Public Holiday for 2026 and 2027

newy.com.au – The City of Newcastle is inviting public feedback on whether the first day of the Newcastle Show should be declared a local public holiday in 2026 and 2027. A community-wide survey launched today is seeking input from residents, businesses, schools and tourism operators to gauge support for the proposal and assess its potential economic impact.

City of Newcastle Executive Director Corporate Services David Clarke said the dual-year application marks a new direction and will be backed by more comprehensive consultation than in previous years. “The Newcastle Show is a proud tradition that unites our community and is a significant part of the city’s identity, with history dating back to 1901 when the first show was held,” Mr Clarke said.

“We want to hear from residents and businesses about whether they support having a public holiday to mark the occasion,” he added. “Our engagement process will provide a detailed analysis of the impact of the Newcastle Show and build on previous years’ engagement to deliver more opportunities for people to have their say.”

The consultation will include major stakeholders such as Business Hunter, banks, large employers, schools, local transport providers, unions, tourism operators, hospitality venues and Business Improvement Associations. Participants can complete the online survey, share memories and photos from past shows, or submit a quick vote via a poll.

Should the proposal receive strong community backing, Council will consider the findings before deciding whether to apply to the NSW Government for formal approval. If approved, the public holiday would apply to employees whose workplaces fall within the Newcastle Local Government Area.

Alternatively, a local event day may be declared, as has been the practice since 2016. While not an official public holiday, a local event day is acknowledged under some industrial agreements and by employers who choose to observe it.

Feedback can be submitted through the City of Newcastle’s website until 5pm on Tuesday 19 August. The 2026 Newcastle Show is scheduled to take place from Friday 27 February to Sunday 1 March.

WATCH: Video of the Newcastle Show in Febuary 2025 as filmed by newy.com.au