- Play Hard
- 6th May 2026
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16 things to do in the North East this weekend
Ouseburn Market – Newcastle
When: 9th & 10th May, 10am – 3.30pm
Where: Stepney Bank, NE1 2NP
Price: Free entry
Celebrate spring at Ouseburn Market with a weekend of local makers, street food, and independent traders. Expect handmade goods, unique finds, and a buzzing atmosphere in one of Newcastle’s most creative corners.
The Late Shows – North East
When: Friday 8th May – Saturday 9th May
Where: Newcastle and Gateshead
Price: free
One of the biggest events in Newcastle and Gateshead’s cultural calendar, this year, over 60 venues will open their doors in the evening for free, inviting audiences to explore the region’s creative scene after hours.
St James Park Heights Challenge – Newcastle
When: Friday 8th May – Sunday 10th May
Where: St James Park
Price: £40
Get ready to soar through the skies above St James’ Park in one of the most exciting
fundraising events hosted by Newcastle United Foundation.
Folkish Book Launch – Newcastle
When: Friday 8th May 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Where: 1b Books
Price: free
Come and celebrate the launch of Folkish, Kym Deyn’s debut poetry collection. With readings by Illisha Thiru Purcel and Molly Knox.
Mosaic Coasters Workshop – Sunderland
When: Friday 8th May 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Where: Grindon Young Peoples Centre
Price: £22.38
Make your own unique mosaic coasters in this fun and relaxed adult workshop!
Afterlives Festival: Dead Good Film Club – Newcastle
When: Friday 8th May 8:00pm – 10:30pm
Where: Laing Art Gallery
Price: £3.96
Join for a very special outdoor screening and discussion as part of the Afterlives Festival and The Late Shows!
Root and Blossom Retreat Day – Whitley Bay
When: Saturday 9th May 9:30am – 4:30pm
Where: The Yoga Station
Price: £54.88
Give yourself a total rejuvenation and transformation day at The Yoga Station. Connect with yourself, and recharge. It’s all about letting your energy flow freely and blossoming into who you are.
Reinventing Your Sunday Lunch – Newcastle
When: Friday 8th May – Sunday 10th May
Where: Newcastle
Price: free
We love a Sunday roast as much as the next person. But sometimes you wake up on a Sunday and fancy something completely different.
Whether you’re craving spice, noodles or a long, lazy lunch that doesn’t involve a single Yorkshire pudding, Newcastle has some exciting new experiences to try.
Headlock Vintage Clothing Sale – Durham
When: Saturday 9th May 10:00am – 5:00pm
Where: Durham Students’ Union
Price: free
This weekend in Durham find gems from all of your favourite brands. Including Adidas, Nike, Levi’s, Berghaus, The North Face, Puma, Harley Davidson, Ralph Lauren and more!
Dragonfly Plant Stake – Pottery Workshop – Newcastle
When: Saturday 9th May 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Where: John Marley Centre
Price: £30
Create your own delicate, nature-inspired dragonfly plant stake using slabs, coils, and pottery templates. A perfect session for exploring hand-building while making something beautiful for your plants.
Explore The Thrunton Woods – Northumberland
When: Friday 8th May – Sunday 10th May
Where: Thrunton Woods
Price: free
If you’re after a walk that earns its views, look no further than Castle Hill at Thrunton Wood. This cracking five-miler in the heart of Northumberland is one of those routes that rewards every step of the climb, and heads up, there’s a bit of a climb involved.
A Night of Vogue With Newcastle Ballroom Community – Shieldfield
When: Saturday 9th May 7:00pm – 10:00pm
Where: Cobalt Studios
Price: £11.16
Come and join a night of Vogue with Newcastle Ballroom Community and resident Djs on the decks!
All-day Printmaking – South Shields
When: Sunday 10th May 10:30pm – 4:30pm
Where: The Customs House
Price: £50
Spend the day exploring the art of printmaking in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
Wild About Board Games – Gosforth
When: Sunday 10th May 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Where: Gosforth Nature Reserve
Price: £2.50
Enjoy a chilled Sunday afternoon at Gosforth Nature Reserve for our board game afternoon. Each session will feature different nature themed board games to enjoy. Games will be beginner-friendly with no experience needed.
Tote Bag Painting & Write A Letter To Yourself – Heaton
When: Sunday 10th May 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Where: Paddy Freeman’s Pavilion
Price: £25.63
Enjoy a chill and uplifting event where you can reconnect with your creative side through tote bag painting. Then take a moment to slow down and reflect with a letter to yourself. This is aimed at helping you reset, refocus and feel more grounded.
Print and Pride Workshop – Sunderland
When: Sunday 10th May 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Where: Port Independent
Price: free
Join for a creative and empowering workshop series where craft meets activism!
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