newy.com.au – Darby Street will close to traffic between Bull and Queen streets on Saturday 7 November 2026 for a free festival involving 43 local businesses, with organisers expecting about 15,000 visitors.
The Darby Street Festival will run from noon to 6pm in Cooks Hill, bringing live music, food stalls, workshops and children’s activities into the street for its second year.
Festival founder and Hey Tilly owner Sarah Madden said local businesses had shaped the event’s return.
“We’re coming back bigger and better after more than 12,000 people joined us last year, and it’s all shaped by the local businesses who make Darby Street so special.”
The program includes a Welcome to Country before the official opening at noon, followed by a performance by the Hunter School of Performing Arts Marching Band. Acoustic acts, DJs and bands will perform across three stages throughout the afternoon.
The Del will operate pop-up bars, while alfresco dining areas will offer picnic table seating. Organisers say the event will be fully licensed, allowing visitors to enjoy a drink on the street within the festival precinct.
Participating businesses will offer activities including clay making with ART Department at Palinopsia, market stalls and workshops from Made on Darby, and a pop-up yoga class and beauty treatments from The Yoga Shala. Newy Fried Chicken will run a food stall and wing eating competition, while Urban Deli plans Spanish and Italian inspired snacks alongside a Sangria and Spritz bar.
An Instagram giveaway offering $9,000 worth of prizes donated by Darby Street businesses will be drawn on the Main Stage at 2pm. Winners must be present for the draw. Jess Farchione is the festival ambassador.
The festival is being delivered with Newcastle BIA through the City of Newcastle Special Business Rate Program.
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