Newcastle council has unveiled a series of events and activities to be held around the Newcastle 500.
Hunter Street mall will host a pushcart derby, live entertainment and pop-up stalls on the Saturday and Sunday of the race weekend, while a kids pit-stop zone returns to Civic Park on the same days.
A drivers' signing session will be held in Civic Park on Thursday afternoon before the official three-day race event begins on Friday.
The popular session, which was last year held in Hamilton's Gregson Park, gives fans access to all 26 championship drivers.
Fox Sports television program Trackside is also filmed live on-site.
The "Enjoy Newcastle" events are designed to create a festival-like atmosphere around the on-track action.
"Enjoy Newcastle is just one way the city will help businesses take advantage of the influx of visitors here to attend the Newcastle 500," lord mayor Nautali Nelmes said.
"It's about highlighting all the great things to do in our city and encouraging visitors to venture beyond the race precinct to discover more of our city."
Cr Nelmes said there would be plenty of activities available for all ages.
"Enjoy Newcastle will kick off on Thursday 21 November at Civic Park, with all 26 Supercars drivers on hand for a signing event, and a live broadcast of 'Trackside' on Fox Sports," she said.
"Over the weekend, Hunter Street mall, next to the race precinct, will be abuzz with billy cart challenges, pop-up shops, family-friendly activities and live entertainment. It's all free, action-packed fun.
"This is a great opportunity for locals to see what's on offer in the Mall and for event goers to step outside the precinct and get a taste of local life.
"The entertainment will continue at Civic Park throughout the weekend with a super-sized Newcastle-themed monopoly board, monster truck slide, jumping castles, obstacle course and an auto-race simulator.
"There's also a dedicated under-six play area and an adrenalin-rush obstacle course suited to both big kids and adults."
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