What's On in Sunderland & Durham

SATURDAY ART CLUB

Time: Sat 1-3pm

Venue: Arts Centre Washington,

Address: NE38 8AB

Website: www.sunderlandculture.org.uk/events/saturday-art-club

This Saturday Art Club is suitable for children aged 8+ with an interest in art who would like to develop their skills further. Often taking inspiration from exhibitions & artists working within the arts...

WASHINGTON YOUTH THEATRE

Time: Sat 10am - 12pm

Venue: Arts Centre Washington,

Address: NE38 8AB

Website: www.sunderlandculture.org.uk/whats-on/washington-youth-theatre-ages-8-12/

Build life-long skills in performance & confidence while making new friends! Join these weekly sessions for 8- to 12-year-olds. Develop theatre skills like presentation, improvisation & cooperation, while...

HOUGHTON FEAST

Venue: Newbottle Street

Address: Houghton-le-Spring, DH4 4AE

Website: www.mysunderland.co.uk/events

Ten days of heritage, fun & festivities. From the excitement of the fairground & the spectacle of the carnival parade to community events, exhibitions, talks, tours & a stunning fireworks display, there's...

LUXMURALIS

Venue: Durham Cathedral

Address: The College, DH1 3EH

Website: www.durhamcathedral.co.uk

Luxmuralis returns to Durham Cathedral with an immersive light & sound show titled 'Time'. The historic interior & architecture of the cathedral will be transformed after dark by artistic projections &...

DURHAM BOOK FESTIVAL 2026

Venue: Durham City

Address: DH1

Website: www.newwritingnorth.com/durham-book-festival/

The festival takes place in & around the city of Durham each October. Take part in creative writing workshops, join a children’s story time, explore the mysteries of the cosmos, uncover history’s hidden...

BROOMSTICK & MAGIC TRICKS TRAIL

Time: 11am-4pm

Venue: Washington Old Hall NT

Address: NE38 7LE.

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/washington-old-hall

Embrace the spooky season & dive into a world of witches this October Half Term by setting off on a magical, self-led family adventure through the historic hall, where curious minds can discover mysterious...

THE TRAFALGAR FLAG OF LORD COLLINGWOOD

Venue: Discovery Museum

Address: Blandford Square, NE1 4JA

Website: www.discoverymuseum.org.uk

Be the first in the country to see the battle-scarred hand-sewn Union flag, created & flown on board HMS Royal Sovereign, the flagship of Newcastle-born Vice-Admiral Cuthbert Collingwood at the Battle...

WELLIES, WILDLIFE & AUTUMN FUN TRAIL

Time: 10am-5pm

Venue: Crook Hall & Gardens,

Address: Frankland Lane, DH1 5SZ

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/crook-hall-gardens

Autumn has arrived! Leaves are falling, and the gardens are changing from bright green to lovely gold, orange, and brown. On this self-led trail, see who can throw a wellie the furthest, spot different...

APRES SKI PARTY

Time: 5-10pm

Venue: Silksworth Ski Centre,

Address: Sunderland, SR3 1PD

Website: www.everyoneactive.com/apresski

Join Everyone Active for an evening packed with entertainment & alpine vibes from 5-10pm. There’ll be ski village fun, including skiing, tubing & winter activities, delicious food & drink, & great tunes...

GREGGS TA-PASTRY

Venue: Great North Museum

Address: Barras Bridge, NE2 4PT

Website: www.greatnorthmuseum.org.uk

This eight-metre-long embroidery chronicles the conquest of the British high street by Greggs' most treasured (& tasty) artefacts, inviting you to look closer at the legacy that lives behind your everyday...

SUPER NATURAL OCTOBER HALF TERM

Venue: WWT Washington Wetlands Centre

Address: NE38 8LE

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

Enjoy a fun-filled Halloween, bubbling over with magical activities for the whole family this October half-term at WWT Washington. Escape the ghouls & goblins, & step into a super natural adventure through...

THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS

Venue: Arts Centre Washington,

Address: NE38 8AB

Website: www.sunderlandculture.org.uk/our-venues/arts-centre-washington/whats-on/

From the peaceful pleasures of Ratty’s beloved river bank to the fearful frights & wicked weasels of the Wild Wood, join Mole & Ratty on their marvellous adventures, along with gruff old Badger & magnificent...

SPOOKY OCTOBER HALF TERM

Venue: Life Science Centre

Address: Times Square, NE1 4EP

Website: www.life.org.uk

See huge moving dinosaurs during the spookiest time of the year, create a skeleton puppet to hang in your home, experience a 360 degree immersive dome show "Bump in the Night" & much more included in your...

CELEBRATE SCIENCE 2026

Time: 10am-4pm

Venue: Locomotion - The National Railway Museum at Shildon,

Address: DL4 1PQ

Website: www.dur.ac.uk/celebrate-science

Calling all young scientists! Locomotion is the next stop for the annual festival to celebrate science. Get inspired by science this autumn! Durham University is partnering with Locomotion to host an exciting...

SCIENCE MUSEUM LIVE - THE SPACE EXPLORERS ACADEMY

Time: 12pm & 3pm

Venue: Sunderland Fire Station

Address: High Street West, SR1 3HA

Website: www. sunderlandculture.org.uk

A fun-filled theatrical adventure created especially for 6-12-year-olds (& the grown-ups who love space just as much!) that blasts you on an epic journey around the planets. Zoom past the Sun, dodge swirling...

THE NICK COPE FAMILY SHOW 2026

Time: 11.30am

Venue: Gala Theatre Durham,

Address: DH1 1WA

Website: www.galadurham.co.uk.

Join Nick Cope for a brand new, delightful family concert, featuring all your favourite Nick Cope hits & more. With his charming songs & humour Nick engages, entertains, & enthrals all generations. Nick’s...

CREEPY CREATIONS

Time: 10am-12pm

Venue: Wharton Park,

Address: North Road, DH1 4UF

Website: www.durham.gov.uk/WhartonParkEvents

Create a creepy vibe in your house or garden by joining us to make your own handmade Halloween decorations.  Using mainly natural materials you can design your own nightmare catcher and wooden spooky...

HALLOWEEN EVENINGS

Time: 5-9.30pm

Venue: Beamish Museum

Address: Beamish, DH9 0RG

Website: www.beamish.org.uk

Something spooky is coming… Step back in time & get ready for a night you’ll never forget - a special spine-tingling experience as Beamish is transformed into The Un-living Museum of the North! Book...

THERE'S A MONSTER IN YOUR SHOW

Venue: Gala Theatre Durham,

Address: DH1 1WA

Website: www.galadurham.co.uk.

A group of performers are preparing to start their show, but quickly discover they are not alone on stage. Little Monster wants to be part of the fun too! With an invitation to his friends, Dragon, Alien...

ANIMAL HANDLING

Time: 11am-12pm & 12.30-1.30pm

Venue: South Shields Museum & Art Gallery

Address: Ocean Road, NE33 2JA

Website: www.southshieldsmuseum.org.uk

Exciting animal handling & interaction sessions at 11am & 12,30pm, where you can meet amazing creatures, learn fascinating facts & enjoy hands-on crafty fun! Perfect for little explorers aged 4+. Book...

HALLOWEEN SLEEPOVER

Time: 5pm - 10am

Venue: Great North Museum

Address: Barras Bridge, NE2 4PT

Website: www.greatnorthmuseum.org.uk

A spooky overnight family adventure awaits, complete with food, drink & Halloween activities including creepy crafts, a terrifying trail, spooky story time, phantom forest school, dungeon disco & a delicious...

SPOOKY NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM

Time: 4.30-6.30pm & 7.30-9.30pm

Venue: Discovery Museum

Address: Blandford Square, NE1 4JA

Website: www.discoverymuseum.org.uk

Calling all monsters, witches, ghosts & ghouls, big & small. Discovery Museum's much-loved Halloween party's are back & promise to be more spooktacular than ever! Dress in your best Halloween costume &...

THE MACKEM MARKET

Time: 10am-2pm

Venue: Sunderland Train Station,

Address: SR1 3HP

Discover a vibrant new market featuring the finest local market stalls, unique goods, live paintings by local artists, & performances by Sunderland's most promising musicians every Friday from 10am-2pm.

TIME ODYSSEY: A FAMILY ADVENTURE

Venue: Great North Museum

Address: Barras Bridge, NE2 4PT

Website: www.greatnorthmuseum.org.uk

Time Odyssey is an exciting new interactive learning experience which takes families on a quest through their local museum physically & virtually. Played on a tablet it uses gaming techniques & impressive...

SEAHAM FIREWORKS DISPLAY

Time: 5-9pm

Venue: Seaham Seafront,

Address: SR7 7AB

Website: www.seaham.gov.uk

Back by popular demand the fantastic free Seaham Town Council Fireworks Display takes place on a Sunday to make it easier to plan your visit. Event opens 5-9pm. Fireworks 6.30pm.

BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL

Venue: Sunderland Empire

Address: SR1 3EX

Website: http://sunderlandempire.net.

Set in a northern town during the miners’ strike of 1984/5, the show follows Billy’s journey from the boxing ring to the ballet class, where he discovers a passion for dance that will change his life...

AZRA GLOW

Time: 11am & 2pm

Venue: Arts Centre Washington,

Address: NE38 8AB

Website: www.sunderlandculture.org.uk/our-venues/arts-centre-washington/whats-on/

Azra Glow is an illuminated circus & dance adventure inspired the books of Risaria Langley. The story follows Azra as she discovers a dragon’s egg & begins a journey to awaken it through light, movement,...

FESTIVAL OF FIREWORKS 2026

Time: 7.30pm

Venue: Banks Home Riverside

Address: Chester-le-Street, DH3 3QR

Website: www.tickets.durhamcricket.co.uk/content

A night full of sparkle & fun at the Festival of Fireworks brought to you by Durham Cricket & Chester-le-Street Cricket Club, with support from Everyone Active - it’s more than just fireworks! Enjoy...

OUTDOOR ICE SKATING

Venue: Life Science Centre

Address: Times Square, NE1 4EP

Website: www.life.org.uk

Life’s outdoor ice rink is an established part of Newcastle’s festive calendar & reopens from Saturday 7 November 2026. Skating sessions last approximately one hour (includes time to fit skates, so...

RED ROBIN'S WINTER SONG

Time: 2pm

Venue: Arts Centre Washington,

Address: NE38 8AB

Website: www.sunderlandculture.org.uk/our-venues/arts-centre-washington/whats-on/

Step into a twinkling, snow-dusted world with Red Robin’s Winter Song – a gentle & joy-filled winter play perfect for young children & their families. A small but brave Red Robin chooses to stay...

CHRISTMAS LIGHT SWITCH ON

Time: 6-8pm

Venue: Keel Square,

Address: Sunderland, SR1 3LH

Website: www.mysunderland.co.uk/article/41481/Christmas-Light-Switch-On

Christmas in Sunderland starts here. Pop along to Keel Square for the annual Christmas Light Switch on. More details online.

RAPUNZEL

Venue: Gala Theatre Durham,

Address: DH1 1WA

Website: www.galadurham.co.uk.

In the dark, tangled forest of Hamsterley stands a mysterious tower, locals swear they can hear beautiful singing drifting through the trees, a voice so pure it stops even the bravest woodcutter in their...

BEAUTY & THE BEAST

Venue: Empire Theatre Consett

Address: DH8 5AB

Website: www.empireconsett.co.uk/

Leah Bell & company return with a tale as old as pantomime – Beauty & the Beast. When the selfish Prince Rafael is transformed into a hideous Beast, only his most loyal staff stand by him. The prince...

THE SNOWMAN (with Live Orchestra)

Time: 1.30pm, 3.30pm & 7pm

Venue: Durham Cathedral

Address: The College, DH1 3EH

Website: www.carrotproductions.com

Make Christmas unforgettable with a screening of the much-loved The Snowman on the big screen at Durham Cathedral, with its soundtrack performed live by an orchestra. Presented by Carrot Productions, this...

THE ELVES & THE SHOEMAKER

Venue: Gala Theatre Durham,

Address: DH1 1WA

Website: www.galadurham.co.uk.

Step into The Gala's sole-ful festive production that’s the perfect fit for families! Suzie Shoes runs a shoe shop, but she has a problem…she’s just not very good at making shoes. In need of help...

THE FURTHER ADVENTURES OF PETER PAN: THE RETURN OF CAPTAIN HOOK

Venue: Sunderland Empire

Address: SR1 3EX

Website: http://sunderlandempire.net.

Life has been smooth sailing for Peter Pan since he defeated Captain Hook... or so he thought. Whispers are spreading that the notorious Hook survived those stormy seas & is out for revenge. Could it be...

THE LITTLEST ELF

Time: 10.30am & 1pm

Venue: Arts Centre Washington,

Address: NE38 8AB

Website: www.sunderlandculture.org.uk/our-venues/arts-centre-washington/whats-on/

Pip is a tiny elf with big dreams. Slower than the other elves & never quite perfect, she dreams of seeing a toy she has made delivered on Christmas Day. Set in Santa’s workshop, this magical show combines...

THE JINGLE GENERATOR JAM SHOW

Time: 11am & 2pm

Venue: Arts Centre Washington,

Address: NE38 8AB

Website: www.sunderlandculture.org.uk/our-venues/arts-centre-washington/whats-on/

It’s a Christmas emergency at the North Pole! Somehow, the Jingle Generator has jammed, & Christmas spirit is fading fast! Santa’s right-hand elves, mischievous Tinsel Tally & stoney Agent Frostbite are...

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Venue: Arts Centre Washington,

Address: NE38 8AB

Website: www.sunderlandculture.org.uk/our-venues/arts-centre-washington/whats-on/

It’s Christmas Eve, & the miserly misanthrope, Ebenezer Scrooge, is about to have a ghostly night he’ll never forget. An evening of mistletoe & merriment in the company of Marley, Fezziwig, & Cratchit...

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

Venue: Empire Theatre Consett

Address: DH8 5AB

Website: www.empireconsett.co.uk/

Enjoy breakfast with Father Christmas where young ones can receive a present & enjoy a light breakfast of toast & pastries with juice or water. Accompanying adults will also be provided with light breakfast...