Maitland Riverbank New Year’s Eve plans locked in with 9pm fireworks and live music

newy.com.au – Maitland City Council will host its annual New Year’s Eve celebrations at the Maitland Riverbank on Wednesday 31 December, with family entertainment from 5pm and fireworks scheduled for 9pm.

The council said the event, presented with Valley Estate Agents, will be held across the Maitland Riverbank precinct, including Riverside Car Park and R H Taylor Reserve in Lorn, offering activities aimed at families and people of all ages.

Free face painting will run from 5pm to 9pm, alongside free popcorn, children’s activities and a disco featuring hits from 2025, with food, beverage and dessert stalls available throughout the evening.

Maitland Mayor Philip Penfold said the celebration remained “an important and much-loved event for the local community”. “New Year’s Eve is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate the year that’s been,” he said.

“It’s always a vibrant, family-friendly night by the river, and we’re proud to offer an event that brings people of all ages together to enjoy live entertainment, great food and a fantastic fireworks display,” Penfold said. “We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone as we count down to 2026.”

Live music will begin at 6pm with Autumn Hearts, followed by Klub Kongo and the Piranha Tamers at 7pm, before the 9pm fireworks display over the Hunter River. The band will return after the fireworks at 9.15pm, with the event due to finish at 9.30pm.

Valley Estate Agents director Sophie Abela said the business was “proud to once again sponsor the Maitland New Year’s Eve Fireworks, supporting a much-loved community tradition”. “We’re committed to giving back to the Hunter and celebrating the year ahead with the families who make our region so special,” she said.

The council said more information, including activities, transport options and parking, would be published online closer to the event.