- Play Hard
- 12th Aug 2026
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19 things to do in the North East this weekend (13th – 16th August 2026)
Foundation of Light 25th Anniversary Family Fun Day – Sunderland
When: Thursday 13th August
Where: Beacon of Light
Price: £2.50 donation per person, under-3s free
You’ll find football kickabouts, bouncy castles, a penalty shootout with SAFC mascot Samson and a fire engine visit among a packed programme celebrating 25 years of the Foundation of Light, with every activity included in the ticket price.
Burlesque the Musical – Sunderland
When: Thursday 13th to Saturday 22nd August
Where: Sunderland Empire
Price: From £31.20
Sunderland Empire brings the sold-out West End hit to the North East, following Ali’s journey into a dazzling underground world of music and self-discovery, with songs from Christina Aguilera, Sia and Diane Warren. Age guidance 12+, with strobe lighting, smoke and haze.
Sunrise Pilates – Tynemouth
When: Friday 14th August
Where: King Edward’s Bay
Price: Free
Lucy Aldridge Fitness and Club Luvo team up for a 45-minute Pilates flow on the sand as the sun rises over Tynemouth, back by popular demand after an incredible response to previous sessions. Bring a mat, water, and good vibes. Be sure to arrive a few minutes early.
Something like a Festival – Gateshead
When: Friday 14th August
Where: Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art
Price: Free
Live performances, DJ sets and open-mic slots. Expect short films in the cinema, plus poster printing, bookmark making and a bee tour, designed by young people for young people aged 13 to 19.
Derwent Fest 2026 – County Durham
When: Friday 14th and Saturday 15th August
Where: Derwent Waterside Park
Price: Adult tickets from £20 per day
Tribute acts take over the North Pennines for Derwent Fest’s fifth year, from Young Elton and Bootleg Eagles on Friday to Bon Jovi Forever and The Killerz on Saturday, with dark skies camping, food vendors and a licensed bar keeping the weekend going.
Beach yoga – Sunderland
When: Saturday 15th August
Where: The Hideout Coffee
Price: £14 (plus membership options)
Practise yoga on the concrete rather than the sand, in a sun trap spot that’s also one of the best dolphin-watching points around, no sand or wobbling required, just a mat, warm layers and sun cream.
Half Pipe Ramp Show – Gateshead
When: Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th August
Where: Metrocentre
Price: Free
Spins, flips, and big-air tricks from a team of skilled riders on a giant ramp, alongside local sports clubs on hand with ways to get active across the North East, guaranteed to impress the kids and the parents.
Wellness Weekend – Gateshead
When: Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th August
Where: The Glasshouse International Centre for Music
Price: £20
The Glasshouse transforms into a wellness retreat, with Yoga in Harmony paired with live music, along with Sound Baths, Drum Circles, Aromatherapy Meditations, and a Cacao Ceremony. Go for one session or make a full day of it.
Community Forest Walk – Seaton Sluice
When: Saturday 15th August
Where: Seaton Sluice Car Park
Price: £6.13
You’ll cover around 5 miles through the woods, with plenty of time to chat and connect along the way; dogs welcome, and bottled water, fruit and snacks are included in your ticket.
Dalton Park Summertime Artisan Market Weekend – Murton
When: Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th August
Where: Dalton Park Outlet & Outdoors
Price: Free entry
Stalls stretching from Next to M&S showcase a huge array of products, with hot food vendors, background music and dog-friendly pet stalls making it one of the region’s most popular shopping weekends.
Stained glass workshop – Newcastle
When: Saturday 15th August
Where: Adamson House
Price: From £45, £10 deposit to book
You’ll cut, grind and solder your own glass pieces into a finished design, choosing your favourite colours and textures from the studio, with all tools provided and no experience necessary.
Birdwatch on the Staiths – Gateshead
When: Saturday 15th August
Where: Dunston Staiths
Price: Free – £12 (depending on tier)
You’ll search for Grey Heron, Shelduck and Redshank from the top of this historic coal loading structure overlooking the Tyne Estuary, guided by experts from Wild Intrigue, with binoculars available to borrow and flat footwear a must.
Red Squirrel Fun Day – Cramlington
When: Saturday 15th August
Where: East Cramlington Nature Reserve
Price: Free (donations welcome)
A drop-in day of squirrelly crafts, lino printing and woodland storytelling, with guided squirrel walks setting off at 1pm and 3pm, dogs welcome and suitable for ages 3 and up.
Country Day Party – Newcastle
When: Saturday 15th August
Where: Digital, Newcastle
Price: £22.50
Cowboy hats encouraged for a daytime celebration of old-school and modern country hits, from Morgan Wallen to Shania Twain, with boot-scootin’ fun and scenic photo backdrops all part of the mix.
DIY Charm + Chat workshop – Newcastle
When: Saturday 15th August
Where: Motel One Newcastle
Price: £41.88
You’ll design your own bespoke bracelet or necklace at OROVA’s Charm Bar, choosing from gold and silver chains and charms, with a free drink and three charms included. This event is 16+ only with limited spaces.
Celebrate our Geordie Shores – Whitley Bay
When: Sunday 16th August
Where: St Mary’s Lighthouse
Price: Free (donations welcome)
TED-style talks, bird walks and rock pooling led by young people, plus a chill-out space with craft activities and free treats from Greggs. This is the first marine event from Northumberland Wildlife Trust’s young people’s forum.
Girls Get Together Book Club – Newcastle
When: Sunday 16th August
Where: Tiny Tiny
Price: £7.75
A relaxed hour of book chat over coffee with no set reading list, plus the chance to design your own bookmark. Solo attendees especially welcome, with friendly hosts easing everyone into the conversation.
Make a Ceramic Fairy House – Washington
When: Sunday 16th August
Where: Adventure into Art CIC
Price: £20
Adventure into Art CIC in Washington runs a ceramic hand-building workshop, where Gemma Allen guides beginners through creating their own fairy house tealight holder using the slab-building technique.
Rock Choir – County Durham
When: Sunday 16th August
Where: Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & Gardens
Price: Adult tickets £12
The North East’s biggest choir takes over the Rose Garden for an afternoon of musical magic, with two halves and a short interval, moving indoors if the British summer has other plans.
Molly Ferry
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