- Play Hard
- 5th Aug 2026
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21 things to do in the North East this weekend (6th – 9th August 2026)
Picnic Making for Young Bakers – Newcastle
When: Thursday 6th August
Where: Fenwick Newcastle
Price: £27.50
Young bakers get hands-on making a selection of picnic-themed treats to personalise and take home. A children’s picnic lunch is included and up to two adults are welcome to tag along for free.
Big Science – South Shields
When: Thursday 6th August
Where: Cleadon Park Library
Price: £3
An hour of experiments from South Tyneside Libraries, with kids aged five and up building things that fly using everyday materials, plus a few extra demonstrations and a take-home project. Bookings needed for both children and any adults tagging along.
Ad Gefrin Single Malt Whisky Tasting – Newcastle
When: Thursday 6th August
Where: Dakota Hotel Newcastle
Price: £35
A guided tasting through Ad Gefrin’s journey as Northumberland’s first whisky distillery in over 200 years, hosted by Jordan from Ad Gefrin, taking in everything from early releases to the newly launched Single Malt.
North Shields Run Club x Aperture Alehouse – North Shields
When: Thursday 6th August
Where: Aperture Alehouse
Price: Free (booking required)
A relaxed, conversational-pace 5K followed by drinks and a catch-up at Aperture Alehouse, open to regulars and first-timers alike, with 0% options on hand for anyone skipping the alcohol.
Hauxley Supper Club – Low Hauxley
When: Thursday 6th August
Where: Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre
Price: £19.02
An open evening of generous grazing platters, local cheese and charcuterie with the nature reserve as a backdrop. Tea or coffee is included, and local beers, wine and prosecco are available to buy.
Botanist Bingo Returns – Sunderland
When: Thursday 6th August
Where: The Botanist Sunderland
Price: Free entry, tables bookable in advance
A live band plays bingo tunes while extended Happy Hour keeps the cocktails flowing, with fab prizes up for grabs and a full house expected.
Den Building – Washington
When: Friday 7th August
Where: Washington Wetland Centre
Price: Included in admission
Kids get to unleash their inner explorer, building hideouts from natural materials, a hands-on drop-in packed with simple craft skills and nature-based fun, running as part of the Dragonfly Festival.
NOVUM Summer Festival – Newcastle
When: Friday 7th to Sunday 9th August
Where: Newcastle City Centre
Price: Free (a small number of events require tickets and booking)
Part gallery, part performance space, part immersive theatre. This roaming arts festival turns everyday city streets into something magical, with large-scale installations, circus, dance and interactive art popping up in unexpected corners.
Heritage Cross-Stitch Workshop – North Shields
When: Friday 7th August
Where: North Shields Library
Price: £5
Beginners and seasoned stitchers alike can pick from Aida-and-hoop or easy-hold plastic canvas kits, choosing designs rooted in North East history like the Angel of the North. Materials, tea and coffee are included along with a pattern to finish at home.
The Ouse Burn Way Butterfly Walk – Newcastle
When: Friday 7th August
Where: Woolsington Parish Ponds (Lily Pond)
Price: Free
A relaxed, guided walk around Woolsington Parish Ponds spotting and identifying local butterflies. Sturdy footwear is recommended as you take on the uneven trail.
Sensory Walk – Newcastle
When: Sunday 9th August
Where: Ouseburn Valley
Price: (not listed on the ticket page)
A slow, guided walk through Ouseburn, tuning into birdsong, flowing water and the sounds of the city. Followed by a creative session mapping everything heard using drawings, symbols and textures.
Sunday Market – Sunderland
When: Sunday 9th August
Where: Sheepfolds Stables
Price: Free entry
A monthly line-up of local makers, bakers and independent businesses takes over Sheepfolds Stables. From chocolate and honey to pottery and fresh flowers, you’re guaranteed to find a stall you love.
Beach Clean and Seaweed Spotting – Blyth
When: Sunday 9th August
Where: Blyth Beach
Price: Free
Northumberland Wildlife Trust leads a beach clean at Blyth, with the chance to learn how to identify different seaweed species along the way. No experience is needed, and all equipment is provided.
Adventure Cinema in Herrington Park – Sunderland
When: Friday 7th to Sunday 9th August
Where: Herrington Country Park
Price: Ticket prices vary
Six films take over the event field across this weekend, from Dirty Dancing and Sing to Mamma Mia! ExtrABBAganza, The Gruffalo and Stick Man, Andrea Bocelli 30: The Celebration and Jurassic Park. Expect picnics, on-site food and deckchair upgrades, all part of the fun.
Abseil Down Souter Lighthouse – South Shields
When: Saturday 8th August
Where: Souter Lighthouse and The Leas
Price: £25 sign-up (non-refundable), plus £100 minimum sponsorship
A handful of brave souls get to abseil 18m down Souter Lighthouse under expert guidance, with every pound raised going towards keeping the lighthouse, The Leas and Whitburn Local Nature Reserve looking after people and wildlife alike.
Storm Fitness’ BBQ Summer Social – Newcastle
When: Saturday 8th August
Where: Storm Fitness
Price: £15 per adult, kids free
A wholesome get-together for clients, friends and family away from the gym floor. Expect a welcome drink and BBQ food cooked up by chefs Terry Laybourne and Chris Eagle, with proceeds going towards a defibrillator for the gym.
The Tote Bag Social – Middlesbrough
When: Saturday 8th August
Where: The Cosy Plate Café
Price: £16.96
Pretty Little Socials’ debut event brings a relaxed afternoon of canvas tote bag painting, with all materials included and no experience needed. It’s suitable for ages 14 and up.
Sip, Select & Style Charm Bracelet Workshop – Lanchester
When: Saturday 8th August
Where: Lanchester Garden Centre
Price: £39.95
Stacey from The Play Edit hosts Lanchester Garden Centre’s first charm bracelet workshop, where guests curate their own waterproof, gold-plated bracelet from a choice of charms. Materials are provided, so bring a friend and let your creativity fly.
The Crafty Bazaar: Summer Makers’ Market – Newcastle
When: Sunday 9th August
Where: Wylam Brewery
Price: £2.00 admission, under-12s go free
A curated line-up of local traders and makers takes over Wylam Brewery, with stalls covering ceramics, baked goods, apparel, art and beauty. Arrive early, the first 25 through the door get some freebies.
SOAKED Wine Fair – Newcastle
When: Sunday 9th August
Where: Cook House
Price: £45
Soaked brings a full day of wine tasting from importers including Sager & Wine and Dynamic Vines, alongside workshops, talks and a terrace BBQ, with Wren staying open into the evening for cocktails once the wine’s done.
Bento Cake Decorating Workshop – Durham
When: Sunday 9th August
Where: The Curious Mr Fox
Price: £40.79
Girls Get Together pairs a welcome glass of fizz with a hands-on cake decorating demo, letting guests personalise their own mini cake from Aimie’s Cakes with a choice of icing, filling and sprinkles, ready to take home in a box.
Molly Ferry
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