What's On in Newcastle, Gateshead & Northumberland

MEET AND MAKE

Time: Sundays 2-4pm

Venue: Baltic

Address: Gateshead Quays, NE8 3BA

Website: www.balticmill.com

Take part in free artist-led workshops perfect for families with children aged 5-12.

TODDLER TIME

Time: Wednesdays 10am-6pm

Venue: Baltic

Address: Gateshead Quays, NE8 3BA

Website: www.balticmill.com

Toddler time explores the themes of colour, sound and touch, and is designed to support your toddler to play, make, think and do. Have fun and investigate new ways to play in these changing drop-in activities.

UNDER 5'S PLAY HIVE

Time: 10am-6pm

Venue: Baltic

Address: Gateshead Quays, NE8 3BA

Website: www.balticmill.com

Drop in every Wednesday to Sunday to this area where under 5s celebrates Baltic's journey from a flour mill to our present day as an art gallery. Through play, we invite you to explore our past, present...

WONDER & WANDER TOUR

Time: Wednesdays 10.30am

Venue: Baltic

Address: Gateshead Quays, NE8 3BA

Website: www.balticmill.com

Soak up some art with the barins and join a member of our Learning Team (alongside Kitty the Kittiwake) for a Wonder and Wander tour where you and your little one can discover our current exhibitions through...

COWGATE YOUNG THEATRE MAKERS

Time: Mondays 4-6pm

Venue: Cowgate Community Centre,

Address: NE5 3UT.

Website: www.unfoldingtheatre.co.uk

An exciting new drama group for children & young people during term-time that uses drama, theatre-making, movement & creative writing to create & share stories. For ages 8 -14 years old. Delivered...

EAST END STORY MAKERS

Time: Wednesdays 4-4.50pm

Venue: Byker Primary School,

Address: NE6 2AT.

Website: www.unfoldingtheatre.co.uk

A creative group for children and young people during term-time that uses drama, music, movement, creative writing & food to create & share stories. For children & young people aged 5 -14 and...

STEAM TO GREEN

Venue: Discovery Museum

Address: Blandford Square, NE1 4JA

Website: www.discoverymuseum.org.uk

Discovery Museum's new FREE exhibiton which tells the story of energy & the climate crisis in the North East by looking back to the industrial revolution, & forward to the pioneering contributions in green...

NORTH EAST DEAF YOUTH THEATRE

Time: 9.30-11.30am

Venue: Gosforth Civic Theatre,

Address: NE3 3HD

Website: www.unfoldingtheatre.co.uk

North East Deaf Theatre aims to support deaf children and young people to develop their creative skills, build confidence and form new friendships.  Together with deaf arts organisation Turtléar,...

QUEEN HEAVEN

Time: 6.30pm

Venue: Life Science Centre

Address: Times Square, NE1 4EP

Website: www.life.org.uk

Enjoy some of legendary rock band Queen’s greatest hits set to fun, exciting visuals in Life’s Planetarium (a 360° immersive dome). Approved by Queen & inspired by their music, &...

FEBRUARY REOPENING

Venue: Life Science Centre

Address: Times Square, NE1 4EP

Website: www.life.org.uk

Life Science Centre reopens on Saturday 1 February, after a period of closure for exciting upgrades, essential maintenance & team training, ahead of Life’s 25th birthday in May. Among the exciting new...

NEWCASTLE CASTLE

Time: 10am-5pm

Venue: Newcastle Castle

Address: Castle Garth, NE1 1RQ

Website: www.newcastlecastle.co.uk

The city's most historic building & attraction, Newcastle Castle & Keep is open 5 days a week 10am-5pm during winter hours & all week at Half Term. Enjoy a day out exploring the landmarks & discovering...

ARBEIA ROMAN FORT

Venue: Arbeia Roman Fort,

Address: Baring Street, South Shields, NE33 2BB

Website: www.arbeiaromanfort.org.uk

Arbeia Roman Fort once guarded the entrance to the River Tyne & was a key garrison & military supply base to other forts along Hadrians Wall. Step into the fort & immerse yourself in the world of the Romans...

UNDERGROUND ADVENTURES WITH MURRAY THE MOLE

Venue: Great North Museum

Address: Barras Bridge, NE2 4PT

Website: www.greatnorthmuseum.org.uk

This collection of free family trails invites you to explore the museum, engage with objects & collect prizes. You can use the trail up to four times across one, two, three, or four visits. Complete each...

NEW LIGHTBOX

Venue: Life Science Centre

Address: Times Square, NE1 4EP

Website: www.life.org.uk

Life celebrates its 25th birthday this month & to celebrate, Lightbox is opening on Saturday 24 May, an exciting NEW collection of hands-on exhibits to get stuck into.  Step inside a 6-metre-high tornado,...

DRAGONFLY FESTIVAL

Time: 10am-5.30pm

Venue: WWT Washington Wetlands Centre,

Address: NE38 8LE

Website: www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/washington

Enjoy a self-led dragonfly family adventure! Pick up a spotter guide to help you & head to the amphibian ponds to spend a while exploring the area & seeing what wildlife you can spot. On a sunny day, you...

JULY HOME EDUCATION DAY

Time: 10am-3pm

Venue: Life Science Centre

Address: Times Square, NE1 4EP

Website: www.life.org.uk

Enjoy a fantastic day of learning with other home educators.  Aimed at young learners aged 5-14, this day gives Home Educated children the opportunity to enjoy a day of exciting, exclusive learning activities...

SOUTH TYNESIDE SUMMER PARADE 2025

Time: 1-5pm

Venue: South Shields Town Hall,

Address: NE33 2RL

Website: www.southtynesidefestival.co.uk

An afternoon not be missed, & one of the highlights of the region's event calendar -the biggest carnival of its kind in the North East. The parade makes its way from South Shields Town Hall in the Town...

SUMMER OF PLAY

Time: 10am-5pm

Venue: Gibside NT

Address: NE16 6BG

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside

Follow the Summer of Play trail, a self-led festival of fun that stretches across Gibside. From Georgian games to racket sports, music making to nature creating, it's a summer packed with discovery. Tiny...

ENTERTAINMENT BY THE SEA

Time: 12-3PM

Venue: Sandhaven Promenade,

Address: NE33 2LD

Website: www.southtynesidefestival.co.uk

Pop along to Sandhaven Promenade at South Shields seafront for a free afternoon of family fun, entertainment, performances & live music as part of the Summer Parade weekend of events. Check online for...

PROMS IN THE PARK

Time: 3.30-5.30pm

Venue: Bents Park

Address: Sea Road, NE33 2LD

Website: www.southtynesidefestival.co.uk

Music lovers are invited to bring along their picnics & deck chairs to this open-air concert. Get ready to wave your flags & sing songs. Full details to be announced shortly at www.southtynesidefestival.co.uk...

JULY PRE-SCHOOL DAY

Time: 9.30am-3pm

Venue: Life Science Centre

Address: Times Square, NE1 4EP

Website: www.life.org.uk

Pre-school days provide the perfect opportunity for you & your little ones to try new things, make new friends & have lots of hands-on fun. Enjoy exciting activities that have been developed with children’s...

FAMILY ART CLASS

Time: 10.30am - 12 noon & 1-2.30pm

Venue: Shipley Art Gallery

Address: Prince Consort Road, NE8 4JB

Website: www.shipleyartgallery.org.uk

A monthly Saturday art class for 7 - 12 year olds. At each session you'll be guided by a professional artist to discover a different art technique, such as watercolours, ceramics, mixed media, drawing...

CLASSIC & VINTAGE CAR RALLY

Time: 11am-4pm

Venue: Woodhorn Museum & Country Park

Address: NE63 9YF

Website: www.museumsnorthumberland.org.uk

The North East of England Classic & Pre War Automobiles club (NECPWA) will be at Woodhorn with their amazing array of classic cars. Enjoy a grand day out from 11am-4pm & get an up close to look at the...

SUNDAY CONCERTS

Time: Every Sunday

Venue: Bents Park

Address: Sea Road, NE33 2LD

Website: www.southtynesidefestival.co.uk

Fabulous FREE Concerts every Sunday. No tickets required featuring The Next BIG! Thing(13th July), Shayne Ward (20th July), Nik Kershaw (27th July) & Bjorn Again (3rd August)www.southtynesidefestival.co.uk

RAPHAEL HISTORIC FALCONRY

Time: 11am, 1pm, & 3pm

Venue: Alnwick Castle

Address: Alnwick, NR66 1NQ

Website: www.alnwickcastle.com

Thrilling recreations of the historic art of falconry delivered by a cast of beautiful flying birds accompanied by a captivating story-style commentary. Free with admission.

FAMILY ART CLASS

Time: 10.15-11.45am

Venue: Laing Art Gallery

Address: New Bridge Street, NE1 8AG

Website: www.laingartgallery.org.uk

An inclusive art class for 7-12 year olds & parents.  £7 each (plus booking fee). Each ticket covers entry for one child & one parent. Pre-booking essential.

MINDFUL COLOURING

Venue: Great North Museum

Address: Barras Bridge, NE2 4PT

Website: www.greatnorthmuseum.org.uk

Colouring in tables will be located in the Living Planet gallery for the duration of the summer holidays for a spot of mindful relaxation. Free event during museum hours.

SUMMER OF FUN & GAMES

Time: 10am-5pm

Venue: Belsay Hall, Castle & Gardens

Address: NE20 0DX

Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/belsay-hall-castle-and-gardens

It’s all fun & games at Belsay Hall this summer, with loads of activities for the whole family to get stuck into. Take on a series of fun & quirky challenges, with a brand-new themed adventure every...

SUMMER OF PLAY

Time: 10am-5pm

Venue: Seaton Delaval Hall NT

Address: NE26 4QR

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/seatondelavalhall

Find a whole lot of fun, theatricality, drama & mischief at Seaton Delaval Hall this summer. Join playful, drop-in circus activities or sit back & watch the experts with mini circus performances & demonstrations....

SUMMER OF PLAY

Time: 11am-4pm

Venue: Souter Lighthouse & The Leas NT

Address: SR6 7NH

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/souter-lighthouse-and-the-leas

Experience a Summer of Play at Souter Lighthouse. Get active & challenge your family with self-led outdoor games & activities this summer. Spend quality time together & make the most of being outside during...

SUMMER OF PLAY

Time: 10.30am-4pm

Venue: Wallington NT, NE61 4AR

Address: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit

Looking for fun ways to spend time with your friends & family this summer holidays? Well Wallington is hosting 6-weeks of daily led & self-led activities, traditional sports & lawn games. to keep everyone...

JESTER SHOWS

Time: 11am, 1pm, & 3pm

Venue: Alnwick Castle

Address: Alnwick, NR66 1NQ

Website: www.alnwickcastle.com

The resident jester of Alnwick Castle, Tom Fool is back for another season of merriment & silliness! Tom Fool is sure to keep you laughing with his quick wit & comedic charm as he performs tricks, tells...

NORTH EAST DEAF YOUTH THEATRE SUMMER CAMP

Time: 9.30am-12.30pm

Venue: Gosforth Civic Theatre

Address: NE3 3HD

Website: www.unfoldingtheatre.co.uk

Back for a third year, this week-long camp offers the opportunity to explore the world of storytelling, make new friends, & let your imagination soar! For children aged 5-11 years old. Spaces are free...

SUMMER HOLIDAY FUN

Time: Mondays 11am-3pm

Venue: Segedunum Roman Fort, Baths & Museum

Address: Buddle Street, Wallsend NE28 6HR

Website: www.segedunumromanfort.org.uk

Free craft activities every Monday during the school holidays from 11am-3pm.

FAMILY SUMMER ART CLASSES

Time: Tuesdays 10.30am - 12 noon & 1-2.30pm

Venue: Shipley Art Gallery

Address: Prince Consort Road, NE8 4JB

Website: www.shipleyartgallery.org.uk

Every Tuesday from 10.30am - 12 noon & 1-2.30pm take part in a taught art class for 7-12 year olds & their grown ups. £4.50 per child plus booking fee. Advance booking essential.

MAKE THINGS GO THIS SUMMER

Time: Tues & Thurs

Venue: Discovery Museum

Address: Blandford Square, NE1 4JA

Website: www.discoverymuseum.org.uk

Every Tuesday & Thursday during the School Summer Holidays, take part in activities & events along the lines of how to make things move or travel. Small charge for some events. Book online.

MEDIEVAL FALCONRY

Time: 10am-5pm

Venue: Warkworth Castle

Address: Northumberland, NE65 0UJ

Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/warkworth-castle-and-hermitage

Birds of prey are some of the most amazing animals on our planet, relying on their natural instincts to hunt with incredible skill. Join expert falconers for spectacular displays of speed & skill as their...

NEWCASTLE FRINGE

Venue: Eight Venues across Newcastle,

Address: NE1

Website: www.newcastlefringe.co.uk

Comedy, music, theatre, cabaret, drag, family entertainment — and so much more! Full details & events programme online.

SOUTH TYNESIDE HOLIDAY CLUB

Time: (times vary)

Venue: Various locations across South Tyneside,

Address: NE32-34.

Website: www.southtyneside.gov.uk/holidayclub

Fun, free activities & meals for children receiving benefit related FSM in South Tyneside. Activities include sports, music, arts, crafts, outdoor & indoor challenges, treasure trails & wellbeing & healthy...

SUMMER ART CAMPS

Time: 10am-3pm

Venue: Laing Art Gallery

Address: New Bridge Street, NE1 8AG

Website: www.laingartgallery.org.uk

Over the course of 3 days (Tuesday-Thursday each week), young people are welcome to explore the galleries, talk about art, & create their own work in sessions led by a professional arts educator. Experiment...

TREMENDOUS TUESDAYS

Time: 11am-1pm & 1:30pm-3pm

Venue: South Shields Museum & Art Gallery

Address: Ocean Road, NE33 2JA

Website: www.southshieldsmuseum.org.uk

Drop-in for FREE craft activities every Tuesday during the School Summer Holidays.

BALTIC'S BIG SUMMER

Venue: Baltic

Address: Gateshead Quays, NE8 3BA

Website: www.baltic.art

Enter a world where imagination meets play for the whole family this Summer holiday. All events are free drop-in unless stated otherwise. See full programme on line at www.baltic.art/whats-on/eKn-baltics-big-summer.

SUMMER HOLIDAY FAMILY FUN

Time: Wednesdays 11am-3pm

Venue: Arbeia Roman Fort

Address: Baring Street, South Shields, NE33 2BB

Website: www.arbeiaromanfort.org.uk

Free craft activities every Wednesday during the school holidays 11am-3pm.

FAMILY CRAFTING SUMMER CLASSES

Time: Thursdays 10.30am - 12 noon & 1-2.30pm

Venue: Shipley Art Gallery

Address: Prince Consort Road, NE8 4JB

Website: www.shipleyartgallery.org.uk

Every Thursday from 10.30am - 12 noon & 1-2.30pm take part in some relaxed crafting in the summer holidays. £3 per child plus booking fee. Advance booking essential.

MAKE & TAKE THURSDAYS

Time: 11-3pm

Venue: Stephenson Railway Museum

Address: Middle Engine Lane, NE29 8DX

Website: www.stephensonrailwaymuseum.org.uk

Free craft activities every Thursday during school holidays from 11am-3pm.

DINOSAUR WEEKEND

Time: 10am-5pm

Venue: Belsay Hall, Castle & Gardens

Address: NE20 0DX

Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/belsay-hall-castle-and-gardens

This weekend dig for dinosaur bones, take part in a Time Team-style excavation, & get an introduction to paleontology. Plus, meet a Victorian paleontologist who has discovered a mysterious egg… could...

MODEL RAILWAY WEEKEND

Venue: Stephenson Railway Museum

Address: Middle Engine Lane, NE29 8DX

Website: www.stephensonrailwaymuseum.org.uk

See a variety of layouts from model railway groups across the area, focusing on North East railways. There will also be a miniature live stream & models of our locomotives & rolling stock. Museum entry...

SUMMER OF FUN

Time: 10am-5pm

Venue: Life Science Centre

Address: Times Square, NE1 4EP

Website: www.life.org.uk

NEW 360° immersive dome show Life: The Greatest Story. Is there life elsewhere in the universe? Discover Lightbox, an exciting NEW collection of hands-on exhibits. Fancy taking a holiday in space? Take...

SEASHORE SAFARI

Time: 11.30am-1.30pm

Venue: Souter Lighthouse & The Leas NT

Address: SR6 7NH

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/souter-lighthouse-and-the-leas

Join a ranger & members of the Coastal Conservation Group to search the rockpools along Souter's shore. Discover salty sea creatures galore. Learn how to tell your winkles from your whelks & lots more...

RAPHAEL HISTORIC FALCONRY

Time: 11am, 1pm, & 3pm

Venue: Alnwick Castle

Address: Alnwick, NR66 1NQ

Website: www.alnwickcastle.com

Thrilling recreations of the historic art of falconry delivered by a cast of beautiful flying birds accompanied by a captivating story-style commentary. Free with admission.

KNIGHT'S TOURNAMENT

Time: 10am-5pm

Venue: Warkworth Castle

Address: Northumberland, NE65 0UJ

Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/warkworth-castle-and-hermitage

Go back in time & get up close to the action as rival knights compete in the ultimate test of strength & skill. Four armoured knights & their squires will clash in a variety of gruelling rounds. Experience...

CANVAS PAINTING FOR FAMILIES

Time: Wednesdays

Venue: Great North Museum

Address: Barras Bridge, NE2 4PT

Website: www.greatnorthmuseum.org.uk

Every Wednesday from 10am-2pm, help to decorate four large canvases on the museum lawn, inspired by the objects in the museum. These will be displayed in the packed lunch area after the summer holidays. Free...

SUMMER OF GAMES

Time: 10am - 4pm

Venue: Newcastle Castle

Address: Castle Garth, NE1 1RQ

Website: www.newcastlecastle.co.uk

FREE activities everyday of August from 10am to 4pm with games & sports from all across history. Play, bat, aim & score your way through history as you try your hand at games from the past & learn more...

JESTER SHOWS

Time: 11am, 1pm, & 3pm

Venue: Alnwick Castle

Address: Alnwick, NR66 1NQ

Website: www.alnwickcastle.com

The resident jester of Alnwick Castle, Tom Fool is back for another season of merriment & silliness! Tom Fool is sure to keep you laughing with his quick wit & comedic charm as he performs tricks, tells...

KIDS FUN FEST

Time: 2-4pm every Tues & Thurs

Venue: Amphitheatre

Address: Sea Road, NE33 2LD

Website: www.southtynesidefestival.co.uk.

Enjoy afternoons of Free fun, games & activities featuring a host of amazing performers & entertainers.www.southtynesidefestival.co.uk.

MEDIEVAL MISCHIEF

Time: 10am-5pm

Venue: Warkworth Castle

Address: Northumberland, NE65 0UJ

Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/warkworth-castle-and-hermitage

Step back in time to medieval England & meet characters from the past & hear tales & music from centuries ago. From epic battles to fabulous costumes, get ready to be transported into the past by the Silly...

EXPERIENCE ARTISAN LIFE

Venue: Alnwick Castle

Address: Alnwick, NR66 1NQ

Website: www.alnwickcastle.com

Join the Company of Artisans, as they explore & demonstrate the role of an artisan in the medieval period. Learn about the intricate process into making a medieval tile, or discover the art of Constructional...

GET CREATIVE TAKEOVER

Time: 9.30am

Venue: Gosforth Civic Theatre

Address: NE3 3HD

Website: www.gosforthcivictheatre.co.uk

Action-packed Summer Schools for 7 - 16 year olds where there is something new to try each day; sign up & you can enjoy sports, gaming, science, dance, songwriting, film, & crafts with dedicated arts...

RAPHAEL HISTORIC FALCONRY

Time: 11am, 1pm, & 3pm

Venue: Alnwick Castle

Address: Alnwick, NR66 1NQ

Website: www.alnwickcastle.com

Thrilling recreations of the historic art of falconry delivered by a cast of beautiful flying birds accompanied by a captivating story-style commentary. Free with admission.

KNIGHT'S TOURNAMENT

Time: 10am-5pm

Venue: Warkworth Castle

Address: Northumberland, NE65 0UJ

Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/warkworth-castle-and-hermitage

Go back in time & get up close to the action as rival knights compete in the ultimate test of strength & skill. Four armoured knights & their squires will clash in a variety of gruelling rounds. Experience...

SUMMER TOURNAMENT DAY

Time: 10am - 4pm

Venue: Newcastle Castle

Address: Castle Garth, NE1 1RQ

Website: www.newcastlecastle.co.uk

A day of summer festivities with combat displays, medieval games & costumed characters plus large combat displavys at 11.30am & 1.30pm performed in the Castle Moat outside the Black Gate. All activities...

SILLY HISTORY BOYS

Venue: Alnwick Castle

Address: Alnwick, NR66 1NQ

Website: www.alnwickcastle.com

History gets silly with a day full of special performances from this hilarious historical troupe of performers! Enjoy fully interactive shows delving into the silliest (and most gory) parts of medieval...

TIDAL TRAILS

Time: 12-6pm

Venue: South Shields Beach,

Address: NE33 2LD

Website: www.eventsofthenorth.com/event/tidal-trails/

Run, sun, & fun all in the same place! There will be beach games & activities throughout the afternoon with music & entertainment from the Tidal Trails stage, as well as food & drink on offer to all those...

MEDIEVAL FALCONRY

Time: 10am-5pm

Venue: Warkworth Castle

Address: Northumberland, NE65 0UJ

Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/warkworth-castle-and-hermitage

Birds of prey are some of the most amazing animals on our planet, relying on their natural instincts to hunt with incredible skill. Join expert falconers for spectacular displays of speed & skill as their...

LIVING HISTORY ENCAMPMENT

Venue: Alnwick Castle

Address: Alnwick, NR66 1NQ

Website: www.alnwickcastle.com

Step into a medieval encampment & immerse yourself in the daily life of knights, ladies, & peasants, from authentic period tents to demonstrations of medieval cooking & combat. Free with admisssion.

SEASHORE SAFARI

Time: 10.30am-12.30pm

Venue: Souter Lighthouse & The Leas NT

Address: SR6 7NH

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/souter-lighthouse-and-the-leas

Join a ranger & members of the Coastal Conservation Group to search the rockpools along Souter's shore. Discover salty sea creatures galore. Learn how to tell your winkles from your whelks & lots more...

DINKY DINOSAUR ADVENTURE DAY

Time: 10.30am, 12.30 & 2.30pm

Venue: Stephenson Railway Museum

Address: Middle Engine Lane, NE29 8DX

Website: www.stephensonrailwaymuseum.org.uk

The perfect adventure for all dinosaur fans - Meet the Baby Dinosaurs Experience! Your chance as you join a team of intrepid adventurers on an adventure of Jurassic proportions as we give you the opportunity...

RAPHAEL HISTORIC FALCONRY

Time: 11am, 1pm, & 3pm

Venue: Alnwick Castle

Address: Alnwick, NR66 1NQ

Website: www.alnwickcastle.com

Thrilling recreations of the historic art of falconry delivered by a cast of beautiful flying birds accompanied by a captivating story-style commentary. Free with admission.

BALTIC'S BIG SUMMER DISCO

Time: 12-4pm

Venue: Baltic

Address: Gateshead Quays, NE8 3BA

Website: www.baltic.art

Calling all disco divas! It’s time to boogie on down at a FREE discotheque. Celebrate everything Disco: Use records, CDs & recycled materials to create new party sculptures, turn up the glow with some...