All Ages Pop Party on the Harbour

All Ages Pop Party on the Harbour takes over the MV Calmer on Saturday 10 October, a two-and-a-half-hour cruise around Newcastle Harbour. It's run by All Event Cruises, and as the name says, it's strictly all-ages, so anyone under 18 needs to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

On the music side, DJs will be spinning chart-topping pop hits from Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo, Chappell Roan, Gracie Abrams, Dua Lipa, Tate McRae, Billie Eilish, Harry Styles and One Direction, alongside throwback favourites. The whole thing is built around singalongs, so it's as much about singing along as it is about listening. The playlist runs from today's biggest pop stars back to older favourites, and the party leans into the pop star aesthetic: you're encouraged to turn up in your favourite pink outfit or recreate a pop star look, and there's a Friendship Bracelet Station handing out bracelets to take home.

The MV Calmer is licensed, with fully stocked bars for over-18s and soft drinks, fresh food and snacks available to buy on board. There's no BYO allowed. A few practical things to keep in mind: check-in opens at 11:00am, boarding starts at 11:15am, and the boat departs at 11:30am sharp. There are no prams allowed, and no mid-cruise drop-offs or pick-ups, so you're on for the full trip. And a specific one on footwear: no heels taller or pointier than small chunky heels.

Tickets are A$29.00 to A$41.00, and the cruise runs from 11:30am to 2:00pm, departing from the Queens Wharf Terminal at 242-258 Wharf Road, Newcastle.