- Play Hard
- 1st Apr 2026
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Silent disco, sunset views & urban beach party – The Late Shows 2026 is back
NewcastleGateshead’s much-loved after-hours culture crawl is back
If you love discovering something new in the city (especially after dark), this is one date for your diary.
The Late Shows is officially back for 2026, taking over Newcastle and Gateshead on Friday 8th and Saturday 9th May – and it’s shaping up to be one of the biggest and best yet.
Expect more than 60 venues throwing open their doors for free evening access, giving you the chance to explore the North East’s creative scene in a completely different light.
WHAT IS THE LATE SHOWS?
If you’ve never been before, think of The Late Shows as your ultimate culture crawl. From artist studios and galleries to museums, music venues and hidden heritage spots, it’s a weekend designed for wandering, discovering and dipping into whatever catches your eye.
First launched in 2007, the event has become a firm favourite in the region’s cultural calendar – and for good reason. There’s no set route, no pressure and no tickets needed. You plan your own evening and explore at your own pace.
Organised by North East Museums, with support from Creative Central NCL and Stagecoach North East (hello, free shuttle buses), it’s all about making culture accessible, social and seriously fun.
WHEN AND WHERE IS IT HAPPENING?
Friday 8th May from 6pm – 10.30pm – Ouseburn
Saturday 9th May from 6pm – 10pm – Gateshead
Saturday 9th May from 6pm – 10.30pm – Newcastle city centre
FRIDAY HIGHLIGHTS: OUSEBURN AFTER DARK
The Ouseburn always delivers creative energy, and Friday night is packed with it.
Expect a buzzing free music party at Cobalt Studios, hands-on creativity at Biscuit Tin Studios (where you can try printmaking and take your own artwork home), plus a dreamy mix of art and storytelling at The Biscuit Factory.
You can even step behind the mic at Radio Ouseburn and try your hand at live DJing – perfect if you’ve ever fancied yourself on the decks.
SATURDAY HIGHLIGHTS: GATESHEAD
Across the river, Gateshead brings big atmosphere.
There’s an intimate late-night party at Hidden Heights Creative Studio, an urban beach takeover (yes, really) complete with music and fish and chips, and the chance to experience sunset at Dunston Staiths – one of the most iconic views along the Tyne.
For something a little slower, Gateshead Central Library is hosting hands-on workshops celebrating the power of plants as part of its 100-year celebrations.
SATURDAY HIGHLIGHTS: NEWCASTLE
Back in the city, expect everything from live music in Grainger Market to a film-themed silent disco at Tyneside Cinema.
At Discovery Museum, things get playful with interactive installations and even a mini golf course winding through the galleries, while Newcastle City Library transforms into a lively late-night hub of performances and activity.
And don’t miss True North – a city-wide poetry trail that invites you to look up and see Newcastle in a whole new way.
WHY YOU SHOULDN’T MISS IT
Whether you’re in it for the music, the art, the atmosphere or just a different kind of night out, The Late Shows is one of those rare events that genuinely has something for everyone.
It’s free, it’s flexible and it’s a brilliant reminder of just how creative the North East really is.
HIGH LIFE NORTH’S TOP TIP: Plan a loose route but leave room for surprises – the best moments are often the ones you don’t expect.
Rachael Ellis
Head of Content
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
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