Newcastle Tuna & Seafood Festival

The Newcastle Tuna & Seafood Festival is running across Newcastle throughout July, with more than 40 venues across the city each putting on a signature seafood dish. It's a month-long thing rather than a single weekend, so you can work your way through it at your own pace. Along with the food, there are at least seven feature events scheduled throughout the month.

There's a reason it's set for winter. Seafood is known for its depth of flavour and seasonal quality this time of year, and the festival is built around that. The focus is on Australian and local seafood, with the city's restaurants and bars each coming up with their own particular take on it. With over 40 venues involved, you can find a different dish almost every night of the month without ever leaving the city.

Beyond the food, the festival is about bringing people into the city and supporting local business. It's designed to highlight the region's seafood while keeping the city's harbour identity front and centre. The organisers also make a point of welcoming people with access needs, so it's set up for everyone to get involved.

If you're planning to make a go of it, keep in mind that it runs for the full month of July, with the signature dishes available at more than 40 venues across Newcastle and at least seven feature events to fit in between. You can find the full list of participating venues and the schedule of events at visitnewcastle.com.au/whats-on/newcastle-tuna-fest.