Hunter Valley Gardens' annual Christmas Lights Spectacular wraps up for another year this Sunday. All profits from Saturday and Sunday evening (January 25 and 26) will be donated to the Salvation Army, NSW Rural Fire Service, St Vincent de Paul Society and WIRES. Emergency services volunteers and workers will receive free entry and unlimited ride passes this weekend. Read more here.

Chameleon Play Cafe Cessnock, Friday 10am

Kids and Chaos Hunter Valley is a community group connecting carers of young children with other parents and carers through free monthly events. Its next event will be held at Chameleon Play Cafe Cessnock this Friday at 10am. For more information, find the group Kids and Chaos Hunter Valley on Facebook.

Kurri Kurri Library, Thursday 10am-11am; Cessnock Library, Thursday 1pm-2pm

Kids aged five and up can learn all about our wonderful marine environment with Kylie from Butterfly Experience - get up close and personal with some seaside creatures! Tickets $5 at eventbrite.

Cessnock Library, Thursday 5.30pm-6.30pm

Cessnock District Rescue Squad volunteers will host a snake safety talk at Cessnock Library on Thursday evening. Free entry, bookings via eventbrite. Read more here.

Kurri Kurri Library, Friday 2pm-4pm

A free movie and craft session for kids aged five to 12. Call the library on 4937 1638 for bookings.

PCYC Cessnock, daily until January 24

PCYC Cessnock's school holiday program runs weekdays until January 24, with sports, games and creative activities on offer. Call 4991 1407 for more information or visit their Facebook page.

CYCOS, Thursday 11am-2pm

Cessnock Youth Centre and Outreach Service will host a pampering day for young people this Thursday. Think face masks, manicures and pedicures! CYCOS is located at 49 Aberdare Road. Call 4993 4355 or find 'Cessnock Youth Centre' on Facebook for more information.

Wild Learning, Thursday 12.30pm-2pm

An art studio session for young people in Year 6 and over will be held at Wild Learning in West Cessnock on Thursday. Cost is $15 per person, covering art materials and a piece of fruit. All students must bring a blank canvas. Enrol at wildlearning.com.au or call Emmie on 0412 835 865.

Cessnock TAFE grounds, Saturday 8am

A combined church service for Australia Day will be held in the Cessnock TAFE grounds on Saturday morning (to avoid clashing with Sunday's regular church services). Service organiser, Pastor Wayne Kembrey said the community is welcome to come along and pray for the nation and the city of Cessnock. The service will start at 8am and a barbecue breakfast will follow at Cessnock City Church in North Avenue.

Cessnock Performing Arts Centre, Sunday 10am

Cessnock City Council's Australia Day awards and citizenship ceremony will be held at Cessnock Performing Arts Centre on Sunday. Australian Idol 2006 winner Damien Leith is the Australia Day ambassador. Read more here.

East End Oval, Sunday 12pm

The fourth annual Mayoral Cup T20 cricket match will be contested at East End Oval on Sunday.

East Cessnock Bowling Club, Monday, 2.30pm-5.30pm

Looking for something fun to do on the Australia Day public holiday? Suplex Professional Wrestling will host a show at East Cessnock Bowling Club on Monday to raise funds for the NSW Rural Fire Service and the Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service (WIRES). All wrestlers are donating their time, and spectators are encouraged to donate as well. Tickets are $10 at the door, with free entry for RFS and WIRES volunteers (with proof). The event will run from 2.30pm to 5.30pm.

Wollombi Saleyards, Monday 8am-2pm

The famous Wollombi Market Day is back on Monday at Wollombi Saleyards. The markets are held each long weekend, supporting local community groups (this time, the Wollombi Tennis Club and Wollombi Valley Pony Club). The markets start at 8am, with about 100 stalls. Visit wollombimarkets.com for stallholder information.

Cessnock Performing Arts Centre Friday, Muriel's Wedding (rated M). Doors open at 6pm, free entry. Book your seats on 4993 4266. Read more here.

Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley Saturday, Kangaroo Jack (5pm), The Man From Snowy River (7pm).

Grays Inn Wollombi Flicks on the Green festival ft. The Man From Snowy River (Saturday) and The Castle (Sunday). Call Julie on 4998 3483 or Michael on 0416 245 655 for bookings.

Abermain Bowling Club Sunday, Half Drive.

Australia Hotel Cessnock Friday, Dr Zoom Duo.

Bellbird Hotel Sunday, Get What You're Given (Casey Wilson, Kirstie Debono, Kirsty Ford and friends).

Bellbird Workers Club Wednesday, country music club.

Cessnock Leagues Club Friday, Wez Thompson. Saturday, Solid Gold Party Night with Dave Cochrane.

Cypress Lakes Saturday, Jess Knaus. Sunday, James Paul.

East Cessnock Bowling Club Thursday, Snowy Robson. Saturday, DJ Cotton.

Harrigan's Irish Pub Pokolbin Saturday, Gen-R-8.

Hotel Cessnock Sunday, Chowder Keg.

Pedens Cessnock Friday, Pistol Pete. Saturday, Pocket Aces. Sunday, Kellie Cain.

Potters Brewery Friday, Anthony Lee.

Royal Federal Hotel Branxton Friday, 24 Hours. Saturday, The Rumour Trio.

Tattersalls Hotel Greta Saturday, Sami.

Vincent Street Kitchen and Bar Friday, Liam Burrows. Saturday, Brendan Murphy. Sunday, Luke Davis.

Wollombi Tavern Monday, The Gully Lines.

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