September 2008

• Festival of the Whales - 29 September 2008 to 12 October 2008.  The popular Festival of the Whales has recently been moved to the Spring School Holidays.  The festival celebrates the return of the whales, the aim of this festival is to not only create awareness of the significance of the migrating Humpback whales to Port Stephens but to also allow the public to see these beautiful mammals in their natural habit before they head south to the Antarctic to fight for their lives.

November 2008

• Tastes of the Bay Food and Wine Festival - The 8th Port Stephens Tastes of the Bay premier Food, Wine and Jazz festival will run on Saturday 8 November 2008 and Sunday 9 November 2008.  Events and sites will be spread across the d'Albora Marina at Nelson Bay, Apex Park, Nelson Bay CBD and the foreshore.  The festival which is the major culinary event for Port Stephens will feature various food and wine along with boutique beer, fine coffee, hunter valley cheeses, jazz cruises, fireworks, cooking demonstrations, vintage and classic cars, fresh food and produce.  For more details phone 4984 4751.

December 2008

• Bruce Mathiske's Sizzling Strings - Hosted at Port Stephens Winery on 1 December 2008.  The internationally acclaimed Bruce Mathiske and his "the root of rythym' band play live and will show their unique style of playing bass, rhythm and melody simultaneously.  The afternoon will also have guests including jazz guitar legend George Folla, Ukelele dynamo Grey Yuong, red hot rockabilly swing rhythms of The Pat Capocci Band, The Django Reinhardt and Chet Atkins inspired Johnstone Brothers.  Expect stringed excellence covering many styles of music.  For more information please contact 4982 6411
• Rip Curl Girls Go Surfing Day - If you are a girl you are invited to participate in Australia's largest girls learn-to-surf event held at one Mile Beach, Anna Bay on  9 and 10 December 2008.  This year is the 16th year of the event and Surfing Australia Affiliated Surfschools will again be hosting the event in conjunction with Rip Curl and its sponsors.  The $40 lesson price covers a lesson on either of the two days plus you receive a official event merchandise from Rip Curl.  For more information contact Anna Bay Surf Schools on 4981 9919.
• Carols by Candlelight - The annual carols by candlelight will be held on Sunday 21 December 2008 at Flypoint at Nelson Bay.  The festivities commence at 4.30 pm and there are fireworks later on. 

January 2008

• Australia Day Celebrations - 26 January. A full day of celebration is planned by our Port Stephens Australia Day Commitee. This is to be held at Neil Carroll Rotary Park, Fly Point.Contact Details: Ken Smith for Markets 02) 49841437 general inquiries Helen Ryan 02) 49820605. Australia Day Committee PO Box 121, Nelson Bay 2315