- Play Hard
- 30th Jan 2026
- 0
- 0 minute
Plan your year: What’s on in Newcastle and Gateshead in 2026
- Advertisement Feature
The key events, ticketed moments and seasonal highlights to book ahead in 2026.
If you’ve ever found yourself saying “I wish I’d booked that sooner”, this one’s for you.
From blockbuster theatre and live music to festivals, food weeks and iconic sporting moments, Newcastle and Gateshead’s calendar is packed year-round, and the best experiences often sell out months in advance.
Whether you live in the North East or you’re planning a trip from further afield, here’s your month-by-month guide to what’s worth booking early, plus the kinds of experiences you can build a weekend around.
FEBRUARY
Foodie battles, theatre and romantic vibes.
Kicking off the month, don’t miss Wylam Brewery’s first food battle of the year, Flower Power (7th Feb), a plant-based street food showdown where the best vegan and vegetarian specialists spin green dishes for mass consumption.
A major theatre run of Mamma Mia! is coming to Newcastle Theatre Royal (11th – 28th Feb), bringing Greek sunshine, joy and musical numbers to the Toon.
Coupled up? Newcastle and Gateshead have some gorgeous, intimate date night spots. Head to Victor Indigo November for red wine and a cheeseboard by candlelight. Or Blackfriars – a 13th-century friary that’s been converted into one of the most atmospheric restaurants in Newcastle.
Where to stay: Dakota Newcastle for luxe, romantic vibes.
MARCH
Paddy Fest is coming back to Newcastle with a bang on 14th March, meaning you don’t have to go all the way to Ireland for the best craic. A heated party marquee, Guinness on tap and live music – expect the Toon to be painted green.
Mother’s Day lands on 15th March this year and The Ravensworth Arms is the perfect place to celebrate. From a Mother’s Day breakfast to a three-course Sunday lunch for just £29 – they’ve got the full day covered.
Fancy trying every cocktail bar in Newcastle? Newcastle Cocktail Week will be back for 10 days from 20th to 29th March. Buy a wristband to enjoy cocktails from just £5 at more than 50 bars and restaurants across the city, as well as discounted food – it’s the perfect way to explore the local hospitality scene.
Where to stay: Crowne Plaza Newcastle is a classic city centre base.
APRIL
Easter Bank Holiday (3rd – 6th April) is the perfect excuse to extend your stay. Head down to Ouseburn Farm to see the newborn lambs, before enjoying a vegan Sunday roast at The Ship.
Funding dependent, Newcastle Puppetry Festival will run from 4th to 12th April and is always a spectacular show, especially for families.
Running season kicks off on 22nd April, with the Quayside 5K (there’s also a 10K and junior option). This scenic route is one of the best ways to see Newcastle and Gateshead, taking in the famous landmarks of Newcastle Quayside, passing the Swing Bridge and under High Level Bridge, Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, King Edward VII Bridge and Redheugh Bridge, before returning the same way.
Where to stay: Hotel Gotham is the ideal city centre base, and has the bost incredible bathrooms for post-run recovery.
MAY
Runners, rejoice, the Newcastle-Gateshead Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K and Junior Race will return on 3rd May in support of the Bubble Foundation. The courses take in the famous landmarks of Gateshead, including Gateshead Millennium Bridge, Sage Gateshead, BALTIC, Tyne Bridge, Swing Bridge and finish in the iconic Gateshead International Stadium.
One to mark in your diaries now is The Late Shows (8th – 9th May). A cornerstone of the North East’s cultural calendar, The Late Shows offers free evening access to museums, galleries, heritage sites and creative spaces. Expect one-off events, behind-the-scenes tours, performances and pop-up installations across more than 50 venues in Newcastle and Gateshead, exploring them in ways you’ll have never seen before.
Where to stay: Staybridge Suites offers elevated residential-style studios and suites to use as a base.
JUNE
Music lovers, you’re in luck, book early for Beverley Knight at The Glasshouse (12th June) – it’s always a sell-out night. Get set to dance, sing and soak up timeless soul and funk at the sunshine-soaked Motown Day Party at Digital (20th June) – bed by 9 pm? Definitely our idea of a great night out.
The Hoppings is a stalwart event in the North East calendar, as Europe’s largest funfair lands on the Town Moor (19th – 29th June). Expect impressive rides, attractions and classic funfair street food.
Where to stay: Jesmond Dene House for a boutique country-house vibe near the action.
JULY
Newcastle Pride, A-list artists and summer weekends.
Continuing the outdoor live music, two great acts will headlining In the Park festival at Exhibition Park, with Lewis Capaldi on 8th July and Paul Weller on 10th July. Lost Minds Festival will return for its fifth year (11th July), taking over Exhibition Park for a full day of high-energy dance music, immersive production, and unforgettable summer vibes.
Newcastle Pride (one of the North’s biggest Pride festivals) is on 25th and 26th July, promising city-wide celebrations, colourful parades, family events, and a Pride weekend designed with the community at its heart.
Where to stay: Malmaison Newcastle is perfect for Quayside views and city-centre exploring.
AUGUST
NE1 Newcastle Restaurant Week will be mid-August and is a fantastic way to explore Newcastle’s restaurants, with more than 100 fixed-price menus at the best places to eat in the Toon.
August is the perfect time to explore the North East coastline. Take the Metro to Tynemouth for a sunrise sea dip, book a sauna with sea views or enjoy lunch right on the beach at Riley’s Fish Shack.
Where to stay: Hotel Indigo Newcastle for boutique comfort near Central Station.
SEPTEMBER
The iconic Great North Run is on 13th September this year (book your hotels early). From the rush of the Red Arrows flying overhead to the oggy-oggy-oggy chants, Great North Run magic can be hard to understand until you’ve experienced it for yourself. Even if you’re not running, visiting Newcastle and Gateshead over this weekend is one not to miss.
Second Speed Accelerate Festival will takeover Gateshead International Stadium on 26th September. The line-up is yet to be announced but early-bird tickets are available now for keen music-lovers.
Where to stay: Hilton Newcastle Gateshead for the best views.
OCTOBER
Start the month off with some belly laughs. Comedy lovers, don’t miss Kevin Bridges at Utilita Arena on 2nd October.
Newcastle has hosted the North’s largest celebration of Oktoberfest for over a decade, and this year it’ll run across three weekends in October (10th, 7th & 24th). The 2,000-capacity authentic Bavarian beer hall experience has live Oompah bands, steins, German food and great vibes.
One of Wylam Brewery’s best food battles, Lord of the Wings, will be back on 23rd and 24th October. Tuck into some of the region’s best chicken as wingmasters go head to head to compete for the ultimate prize.
Where to stay: INNSiDE by Meliá Newcastle for Quayside views and great breakfasts.
NOVEMBER
As the festive season gets into full swing, expect the Christmas light switch on, the reveal of Fenwick’s iconic Christmas window and the arrival of the Christmas markets.
On 7th November, the UK’s biggest touring gin and rum festival will be at Newcastle Cathedral. Expect more than 120 premium gins, rums and tequilas to sip and sample, as well as a DJ and live band.
Country music lovers, mark your diaries for 28th November as “One Night In Nashville” comes to The Glasshouse, bringing an authentic honky-tonk live show featuring the talented singer/songwriter Maria Jordan and her six-piece band.
Where to stay: Motel One is perfect for family stays and friendship groups on tour.
DECEMBER
Christmas is when Newcastle and Gateshead really come alive – think markets, mulled wine, festive lights and seasonal shows.
The pantomime at Newcastle Theatre Royal is always one not to miss. This year’s bonanza will be Jack and the Beanstalk – sprouting into life from 24th November to 17th January 2027. Book your tickets now to guarantee the best seats.
Planning a Christmas shopping break? Eldon Square is the place to head. With high street shops, the independent department store Fenwick (with its iconic Christmas window), plus plenty of foodie options to refuel, all of your Christmas shopping will be sorted in one day.
Where to stay: Maldron Hotel a family-friendly hotel to experience the buzz of the city centre at Christmas
Why booking early matters
Locking in tickets and hotel rooms early not only gives you the best choice, it also helps you build unforgettable weekends around Newcastle and Gateshead’s biggest moments – whether that’s a foodie break, music trip, sporting gathering or festive staycation.
Check out NewcastleGateshead Initiative for more information.
Subscribe
Subscribe now to receive our twice-weekly emails and exclusive offers for High Life North readers.