- Play Hard
- 10th Oct 2025
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The best gigs and events in the North East for the rest of 2025 – and how to make a weekend of it
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2025 has been a cracking year for the North East music scene – but it’s not over yet.
From world-class music, one last chance to see Sam Fender in the Toon, and the start of light festivals and winter wonderlands… it’s time to book the ticket and pack your overnight bag.
Here’s our pick of the biggest gigs and events across Newcastle, Gateshead and beyond for the rest of 2025, plus exactly where to stay, and how to make a weekend of it.
Mercury Prize 2025 – Utilita Arena, Newcastle
Thursday 16th October
For the first time ever, the most prestigious music award in the UK is leaving London and landing right here in Newcastle’s Utilita Arena. Expect live performances from shortlisted artists (including our King, Sam Fender), red carpet energy, and the kind of buzz that will have the entire city humming. There are still a few tickets left, so be quick.
Where to stay:
Crowne Plaza Newcastle: Just a 5-minute walk to the arena, right next to the train station, and perfect for next day exploring.
Make a weekend of it:
Pre-show dinner: Head to The Golden Flake Tavern – the latest collaboration between Greggs and Fenwick, bringing a traditional pub experience serving Greggs grub and stottie beer. An official fan zone for the Mercury Prize, book a slot [https://www.fenwick.co.uk/pages/mercury-prize-fanzone-at-fenwick ] to enjoy live music from local artists while you fuel up for the show.
Afterparty drinks: Finish your night at one of the UK’s Top 50 Cocktail Bars, Mother Mercy, for the best late-night cocktails in town.
Next morning: Coffee and pastries from PureKnead, and gentle walk along the Quayside.
Paige Tomlinson – World Headquarters, Newcastle
Friday 17th October
Be quick to get tickets if you fancy this. Paige Tomlinson is a Liverpool DJ bringing high energy house and plenty of euphoria to one of Newcastle’s most iconic clubs. Expect a packed dancefloor, the best atmosphere and a very late bedtime.
Where to stay:
Grey Street Hotel: A boutique hotel on one of Newcastle’s most beautiful streets, Grey Street Hotel couldn’t be handier for a short walk back from the dancefloor.
Make a weekend of it:
Pre-drinks: Alvinos Bar is the traditional pre-drink spot for a night at World Headquarters. Three floors, two bars, an outdoor terrace and a cracking selection of beers, cider and cocktails, don’t miss out on this rite of passage.
Recovery: Just a short walk up Grey Street, Banyan is the place to recovery after a night of partying. Open from 11am, tuck into a hearty breakfast, or if you’re keeping the party going, bottomless brunch.
Lizzie Esau – The Cluny, Ouseburn
Thursday 23rd October
This North East gal is back with her live band this October. One to watch, shes’s been making waves in the music scene over the past few years, performing on some of the biggest festival stages including Glastonbury (2024), BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend, Boardmasters and many more.
Where to stay:
Motel One Newcastle: This super-friendly hotel right in the heart of Newcastle is a great value option. The vibes in the lobby area are perfect for pre-gig drinks, and you’re spoilt for choice with all of the bars and resturants nearby.
Make a weekend of it:
Fuel-up: Head down to Ouseburn to get into the neighbourhood spirit before the gig. Gingerinos Kitchen is perfect for a quick pizza slice, or nearby bar The Lockup has the most delicious seafood pop-up, Hake – lobster rolls and negronis? The ultimate pre-game.
The morning after: Motel one is ideally placed on High Bridge street – just a few doors down, Laneway & Co. offers everything you need for the moring after the night before – coffee, fresh pastries and delicious brunch option.
Newcastle International Film Festival
Thursday 23rd October – Sunday 26th October
A four-day celebration of indie cinema, VR screenings and Q&As across the city. Perfect for anyone who likes a film, followed by a debate about it over a cocktail (or three).
Where to stay:
Maldron Hotel Newcastle: Based right in the heart of the city centre, this hotel is a great location to explore the shops, restaurants, bars and local attractions. And most importantly, it’s walking distance to all of the workshops and screenings.
Make a weekend of it:
Eldon Square is ideal for daytime browsing between screenings. Beauty halls, great food, and high street shopping.
Dinner plans: Blackfriars has the most delicious seasonal menus, which you can enjoy in a former 13th-century refectory, believed to be the oldest dining room in the UK. Go for the history, stay for the incredible food and cocktails.
Shakedown — PILGRIM, Newcastle
Every Saturday night, 9.00pm ’til late
Formerly Hoochie Coochie, PILGRIM has been a long-time favourite for those who love a late-night boogie. Generations and communities come together on the dancefloor to enjoy soul, funk, disco, jazz, reggae, house, hip-hop, gospel, swing and alternative music. If you’re in Newcastle on a Saturday night, this is where you’ll want to end up.
Where to stay:
Hotel Indigo: A stylish hotel in the centre of Newcastle, Hotel Indigo is just a short walk to PILGRIM, past many bars and restaurants that you can enjoy before heading to the dancefloor.
Make a weekend of it:
Daytime exploring: Spend a couple of hours in Newcastle’s Grainger Market – a Grade I listed building in the city centre which has been a vibrant market and meeting place since 1835. It’s now a hub of independent businesses, where you can stroll up and down the historic alleyways, stopping at different street food vendors and trying local produce. If you have time, try a Triple A Food Tour to explore with a guide, enjoying food and drink along the way.
The Subways — The Grove, Byker
Friday 7th November
One of Newcastle’s coolest neighbourhood music venues is hosting The Subways for one night in Novemember – and if you love pop-punk, you won’t want to miss it.
Where to stay:
Hilton Newcastle Gateshead: Enjoy sweeping views across the River Tyne at this majestic hotel on Gateshead Quayside. It’s also got an indoor pool, sauna and steam room – the perfect way to relax after a big night out.
Make a weekend of it:
Check out the Quayside: With the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art right on your doorstep, this free attraction is one not to miss. Explore the huge converted mill, filled with work by contemporary artists as well as a cafe, restaurant, rooftop bar and gift shop. For dinner, DOOD is loved by local celebrities (make sure to book) – its Persian menu is one you’ll want to try, and we highly recommend leaving room for the pistachio ice cream.
Dear England — Newcastle Theatre Royal
Tuesday 11th November to Saturday 15th November
James Graham’s Olivier-winning play has finally made it to the North East, charting Gareth Southgate’s mission to change English football culture. Emotional, funny, and you’ll enjoy it even if football isn’t your thing.
Where to stay:
INNSiDE by Melia: This Quayside hotel offers everything you need for Toon-themed stay, with river views across all of the bridges, a fun cocktail lounge and even a new Toon-themed suite to stay in.
Make a weekend of it:
Pre-theatre dining: Dakwala is a short walk from Newcastle Theatre Royal, and brings the essence of Mumbai’s Khanawal eateries to the city. We recommend the Chef’s Tasting which offers pre-starter, a selection of starters, curries, sides, rice and breads for just £29.95 per person.
Interval drinks: The new Green Room bar at Newcastle Theatre Royal is one not to miss – luxurious and classy, it’s the only place to be during the interval.
Tony Hadley: The Christmas Big Band Tour at The Glasshouse, Gateshead
Friday 12th December
A brand-new tour for 2025, expect swing and crooner classics from artists like Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Elvis Presley. He’ll also blend the old with the new, with reworkings of his iconic Spandau Ballet classics, including True, Gold and Through the Barricades. A proper festive night out.
Where to stay:
Dakota Newcastle: Sleek, moody and a welcome so friendly, you feel like a celebrity when you check in. Just a short walk over the iconic Millenium Bridge to The Glasshouse.
Make a weekend of it:
Pre-show dinner on the Quayside: Check out SIX at Baltic for skyline views and martinis, or Victors for party vibes and delicious sushi.
After-show drinks: Cross back over the bridge and enjoy late-night cocktails at The Hooch, or find a dark corner in Dakota’s hotel bar…
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