COMPETITIONS
Get ready to compete, create, and celebrate at the 2026 Newcastle Show!
ART
The Newcastle Show invites artists to showcase their talents in the 2026 Art Competition & Exhibition, featuring categories across landscape, abstract, and Indigenous art. Celebrating Newcastle’s thriving creative community, this event offers exciting prize opportunities and the chance to sell artwork — honouring artistic expression, culture, and creativity in the heart of the Hunter.
COOKERY
The Newcastle Show’s 2026 Baking Competition invites amateur bakers and junior chefs to showcase their skills in the art of baking. Featuring categories from classic cakes to creative treats, this event offers a delightful display of talent, flavour, and imagination. With trophies and prizes up for grabs, participants compete in a fun, community-spirited atmosphere — and with judging open to the public, it’s a unique opportunity to see expert evaluations in action.
HANDCRAFT
The Newcastle Show’s 2026 Handcraft Competition invites creators of all ages and abilities to display their skills across a wide range of categories, including embroidery, quilting, knitting, up-cycled art, and more. With ribbons, prizes, and special awards on offer, this much-loved event celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the diverse talents within our community.
HONEY
The Newcastle Show’s 2026 Honey Competition invites beekeepers and honey producers to showcase their finest liquid, creamed, and comb honey, as well as beeswax and bee photography. With categories open to all skill levels, along with awards and cash prizes, this event celebrates the rich variety, quality, and craftsmanship behind Australia’s best honey.
HORTICULTURE
The Newcastle Show’s 2026 Horticulture Competition invites gardeners, schools, and young exhibitors to showcase their skills and creativity. With categories for fruits, vegetables, flowers, terrariums, potted plants, and scarecrows, this event celebrates the region’s agricultural heritage and green-thumb talent. Open to all ages, the competition offers prize money and special awards, highlighting the beauty and diversity of local horticulture.
Icing & Decoration
The Newcastle Show’s 2026 Icing & Decorating Competition invites bakers and decorators of all skill levels to showcase their creativity and craftsmanship. With categories for juniors, novices, and open competitors, this event celebrates artistry, precision, and imagination. From novelty cakes to intricate sugar sculptures, participants compete for special prizes — including the coveted People’s Choice Award for the most popular exhibit.
Preserves
The Newcastle Show’s 2026 Preserves Competition invites makers of jams, butters, pickles, and sauces to showcase their culinary talents. With categories for open, novice, and junior exhibitors, this event celebrates the time-honoured tradition of homemade preserves. Whether you’re an experienced preserver or entering for the first time, it’s a flavourful celebration of creativity, skill, and craftsmanship.
Stud Beef Cattle
The Newcastle Show’s 2026 Stud Beef Cattle and Stud Beef Cattle Junior Competitions are highly anticipated highlights of the event. Featuring categories for both schools and individual exhibitors, these competitions showcase excellence in breeding and livestock presentation. The prestigious Supreme Exhibit of Show will be awarded on Saturday, 28 February 2026, celebrating the best of the best in stud beef cattle.
WOODCRAFT
The Newcastle Show’s 2026 Woodcraft Competition welcomes woodturners and woodworkers from across the Hunter to showcase their craftsmanship. With exhibitor categories ranging from novice to experienced, this event celebrates creativity, skill, and community spirit — offering cash prizes and ribbons for outstanding pieces. Whether you’re looking to meet fellow makers, learn new techniques, or share your passion for woodworking, this competition is the perfect place to get involved.
WOODCHOP
The woodchop competition at the Newcastle Show is a thrilling showcase of strength, skill, and tradition. Competitors race to slice through massive logs using razor-sharp axes and saws, battling it out in events like underhand, standing block, and tree felling. A crowd favorite, this high-energy event celebrates Australia’s rich timber-cutting heritage and keeps spectators on the edge of their seats.
