- Play Hard
- 29th Apr 2026
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What’s on in the North East this May bank holiday
Slice Wars 2026
When: Friday 1st – Saturday 2nd May, 12pm – late
Where: Wylam Brewery, Newcastle
Price: Free
The quest to find the best slice has captured the imagination of many across the galaxy. From the team behind Battle of the Burger, this family-friendly pizza festival runs across two days and is not to be missed.
The Northern Handmade Edit – Ouseburn
When: Friday 1st May, 10am – Tuesday 5th May, 5pm
Where: Bottleworks
Price: free
Explore thoughtfully made pieces, meet the makers, and discover jewellery that’s designed to last, not follow fast fashion.
Nordic Walking Group – Benton
When: Friday 1st May, 10am – 12pm
Where: Rising Sun Country Park
Price: free
Join a friendly, welcoming Nordic Walking group led by Nordic Walking UK trained Walk Wheel Cycle Trust Volunteers.
Vitamin Sea – South Shields
When: Friday 1st May, 6pm – 9pm
Where: Littlehaven Beach
Price: £36.46
An uplifting outdoor beach ceremony designed to nourish your soul and restore your system in the heart of nature.
Jewellery Making Night – Newcastle
When: Friday 1st May, 6pm – 9pm
Where: 39 High Bridge
Price: £20.21
Grab your bestie, your family or your work friends and join for a Jewellery Making Night!
Paint & Sip – Newcastle
When: Friday 1st May, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Where: Northumbria Students’ Union
Price: £11.55
Take it slow and just enjoy the night or unleash your inner Picasso and maybe create the best masterpiece of the night!
Beltane Fire Ceremony – Darlington
When: Friday 1st May, 7pm – 9pm
Where: Space Pilates
Price: £25
Beltane fire ceremony to reconnect with what truly fulfils you, raise your energy and begin creating a life that feels aligned & grounded.
In The Air Tonight – Consett
When: Friday 1st May, 7:30pm – 10pm
Where: Empire Consett
Price: £26
This is In The Air Tonight – the ultimate live tribute to the one and only Phil Collins.
Paws & Walks – Durham
When: Saturday 2nd May, 10am – 1pm
Where: The Neighbourhood at Hotel Indigo Durham
Price: £6.13
Come for the launch of Paws & Walk, a relaxed and social 5-mile dog friendly walk along the beautiful Riverside of the Wear.
Estée Lauder Makeup & Skincare Masterclass – Newcastle
When: Saturday 2nd May, 1pm – 2:30pm
Where: John Lewis & Partners
Price: £10
Looking for glowing skin & the perfect makeup match? Join in on a beauty masterclass with Estée Lauder.
Enjoy A Date Night – Yarm
When: Friday 1st May – Sunday 3rd May
Where: Yarm
Price: free
This charming corner of Teesside, with its cobbled streets and elegant terraced high street, isn’t just easy on the eye, it’s a true foodie’s paradise. From cosy date night spots to buzzing restaurants perfect for catching up with friends, Yarm punches well above its weight when it comes to dining out.
Unwind At Seaham Hall – Durham
When: Friday 1st May – Sunday 3rd May
Where: Seaham Hall
Price: from £120
Whether you’re staying in one of the 24 beautifully appointed rooms and suites – including the recently opened Milbanke Suite, a nod to the hall’s original owners – or simply arriving for a spa day and dinner at Geko, the Japanese-inspired restaurant that has quickly become a destination in its own right, the experience consistently delivers on its promise.
Stitching the Abstract Workshop – Durham
When: Saturday 2nd May, 2pm – 3:45pm
Where: Oriental Museum
Price: £12
Experience a creative afternoon workshop with Sarah Dodds.
Stained Glass Workshop – Newcastle
When: Sunday 3rd May, 10am – 1pm
Where: Adamson House
Price: £10
Cut, Grind and Solder the glass pieces into your stained glass art! All tools provided!
May Run Club at Kip & Nook – Darlington
When: Sunday 3rd May, 10am – 1pm
Where: Kip & Nook
Price: free
Get ready for the ultimate Run Club experience at Kip & Nook – 5.5km at your pace and 10km race!
Newcastle Zine Fest – Newcastle
When: Sunday 3rd May, 11am – 3pm
Where: Star & Shadow Cinema
Price: free
Newcastle Zine Fest’s the perfect spot to grab cool indie mags, meet creators, and soak up zine vibes in person!
The Theatre Of Cowards – Durham
When: Sunday 3rd May, 7:30pm – 11:59pm
Where: Ben’s House
Price: by donation
Enjoy an evening of live theatre with the World Premiere Of The Theatre Of Cowards featuring three original works of theatre and three spectacular poetry performances.
A World Tour Of Food (without leaving the North East)
When: Friday 1st May – Sunday 3rd May
Where: North East
Price: free
It turns out you don’t actually need a flight booked from Newcastle or Teesside Airport to experience authentic tastes from around the world. The restaurants Newcastle, Durham, Sunderland and beyond have to offer are genuinely world-class.
Discover The North East’s Most Beautiful Viewpoints
When: Friday 1st May – Sunday 3rd May
Where: North East
Price: free
In the North East, we are blessed with some of the best views on our doorstep – including plenty that can be admired without a hike or a challenging ascent. We’ve rounded up some of the best spots to appreciate the prettiest North East landscapes without breaking into a sweat.
Explore An Independent Newcastle Art Gallery
When: Friday 1st May – Sunday 3rd May
Where: Biscuit Factory
Price: free
Looking for a spot to slow down, get inspired and enjoy a proper cultural day out with a bit of brunch in Newcastle? The Biscuit Factory is the place.
Social Photography Meet – Newcastle
When: Saturday 2nd May, 1pm – 4pm
Where: Cafe 16 in Newcastle Cathedral
Price: free
Join a social gathering to photograph the streets and sights of Newcastle whilst making new friends with similar interests.
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