Cessnock Performing Arts Centre will hold a free screening of the classic Australian film, Muriel's Wedding, on Friday, January 24.

Muriel's Wedding tells the story of young social outcast Muriel Heslop (Toni Collette), whose ambition to have a glamorous wedding and improve her personal life by moving from her dead-end home town of Porpoise Spit to Sydney.

Heartfelt and quirky, Muriel's Wedding mixes awkward comedy, oddball Australian characters and a nostalgic soundtrack (dominated by Muriel's favourite band, ABBA).

Doors will open at 6pm for a 6.30pm start, and the first 50 people to arrive will receive a free choc top to enjoy in the foyer before the movie.

Muriel's Wedding is rated M (recommended for audiences 15 and over). Seats can be reserved by calling the box office on 4993 4266.

The performing arts centre will also host Cessnock's Australia Day awards and citizenship ceremony on Sunday, January 26 with a free barbecue breakfast in the courtyard from 8am to 10am, prior to the ceremony.

Read more: New venue for celebration

Meanwhile, Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley's Lovedale Bar will host two films on Australia Day - Kangaroo Jack (5pm) and The Man From Snowy River (7pm).

There will also be lawn games including giant chess, giant checkers, oversize connect four, boules and more, kicking off at 11am.

Elsewhere on the Australia Day long weekend, the famous Wollombi Markets will be held on the public holiday Monday from 8am to 2pm, with about 100 stalls. The market day will support the Wollombi Tennis Club and the Wollombi Valley Pony club.

Also on the public holiday Monday, Suplex Professional Wrestling will hold a charity bout at East Cessnock Bowling Club, with proceeds going to the NSW Rural Fire Service and the Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service (WIRES).

The bout gets underway at 2.30pm and tickets are $10 at the door.