COMPETITIONS
Get ready to compete, create, and celebrate at the 2026 Newcastle Show!
2026 ENTRIES OPEN 8/12/25
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.
Proudly Sponsored by Jenny Varley
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.
Equestrian & Show Jumping
All competitors are required to complete an online Participant Risk Waiver (AgShows NSW) acknowledgement and Horse Health Biosecurity Declaration (AgShows NSW) prior to competing. Save time on competition morning by emailing your completed declaration to equestrian@newcastleshow.com.au prior. All PIC numbers must be registered before competing in accordance with recommendations by ASC and State regulatory bodies. Once the competitor has completed the necessary forms, they will need to collect a coloured wristband from the Equestrian Office before entering centre ring. Competitors without a wristband will not be permitted to participate.
It is the responsibility of competitors and spectators to print their own copy of the schedule.
Stabling: Limited (20) stables are on offer to entrants upon submission of online entries for an additional cost – own bedding must be supplied. Enter early to avoid missing out.
Float/Truck Parking & Gate Entry Fee: Vehicles entering the Showground must pay a parking/entry fee of $30 per car. This fee includes entry to 1 x competitor and 1 x extra person. Additional passengers must pay the standard ticket prices and it is recommended that you secure additional tickets here prior to arrival at the gate.
Proudly Sponsored by Jenny Varley
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.
Proudly Sponsored by AGL
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.
Proudly Sponsored by Hunter Water
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.
dAIRY gOATS
The Newcastle Show’s 2026 Dairy Goat Competition is a popular highlight of the event, celebrating excellence in dairy goat breeding and presentation. Featuring a wide range of recognised breeds and classes for senior, junior and kid exhibits, the competition showcases quality, structure and handling. Champion and Best of Breed awards will be presented on Sunday, 1 March 2026, recognising the finest dairy goats on show.
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.
Proudly Sponsored by McCloy Group
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.
Proudly Sponsored by GPA Financial
Rural Achiever Program
The Rural Achiever Program recognises and supports young people aged 20–30 who are passionate about agriculture, community leadership and the future of rural Australia. The program provides participants with opportunities to build skills, confidence and networks through public speaking, interviews and involvement in agricultural shows. It is a respected pathway that connects local shows with the Sydney Royal Easter Show and helps develop the next generation of rural ambassadors and industry leaders.
The Rural Achiever Program at the Coates Newcastle Show is proudly sponsored by Jenny Varley and Family.
To apply for 2026, please contact info@newcastleshow.com.au
