When: Thursday 20th August
Where: Washington Wetland Centre
Price: Free (included in WWT admission)
A calm, creative session using leaves and petals to make your own nature-inspired artwork, set against the peaceful backdrop of Hollowood.
When: Thursday 20th August
Where: Sheepfolds Stables
Price: £5.04
Neil from Big Science takes to the stage for an action-packed, interactive show packed with hands-on experiments and unforgettable “wow” moments, the whole family will love this one.
When: Thursday 20th August
Where: Lui’s Cafe & Bar
Price: £6.00
Bring along whatever you’re currently reading and swap recommendations over a relaxed evening, plus get creative designing your own personalised bookmark, all materials included.
When: Thursday 20th August
Where: Pop Recs / Sonny’s Coffee & Kitchen
Price: £10.46
Sunderland Lit & Phil Society brings together journalists from The Canary, BBC Tees, BBC Newcastle and RADGE Mag for a panel discussion on the state of modern media, followed by an audience Q&A and a trip across the road to the Bridge Hotel Vaults. Ages 15+.
When: Friday 21st August
Where: Raby Castle
Price: £15.00 adult, £5.00 Raby member
Step inside the historic medieval kitchen to uncover what was cooked, eaten and prescribed at Raby through the generations, from grand feasts to curious medicinal remedies, in this engaging show-and-tell with the Castle’s Archivist.
When: Friday 21st August
Where: Roker Beach
Price: Free
A guided meditation, journaling prompts and an optional sea dip, before warming up around the firepit for marshmallows and good chats. Bring a chair, a blanket and an open mind.
When: Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd August
Where: Keel Square
Price: Adult tickets from £31.90 (children and family tickets available, prices vary depending on day)
Keel Square kicks off two weekends of live music with George Michael tribute Rob Lamberti on Friday, a Love the 90s Festival on Saturday, and a Girlypop Festival on Sunday, with Beyoncé, Sabrina Carpenter and Taylor Swift tribute acts. Expect food and drink stalls and fairground rides throughout.
When: Friday 21st August
Where: Raby Castle (The Amphitheatre)
Price: £20.00 adult, £10.00 child, under-4s go free
Illyria Theatre brings Gilbert and Sullivan’s much-loved comic opera to life against the Castle’s stunning backdrop, family-friendly fun with a talented cast, so bring a picnic, your own seating and a poncho just in case.
When: Saturday 22nd August
Where: King Edward’s Bay
Price: Free (pay as you like, donations welcome)
Lucy Aldridge Fitness and Club LUVO bring Sunrise Pilates back for a third date. All you need is yourself and a mat or towel, they’ll provide good vibes.
When: Saturday 22nd August
Where: Newcastle Racecourse
Price: £6.13 (Under-16s go free)
Meet indie authors, get books signed and browse stalls stocked with bookmarks, candles and gifts from small makers. It’s a day built for book lovers of every kind.
When: Saturday 22nd August
Where: Newcastle Quayside
Price: Free
Newcastle’s biggest free family festival returns bigger than ever, with a full road closure, brand-new activity zones, live entertainment and free river boat trips.
When: Saturday 22nd August
Where: Raby Castle
Price: Free (included in castle ticket or Raby Membership)
Meet Anice Neville of Opulence and the Beetle and discover the inspiration behind her floral contribution to Castle in Bloom, from Raby’s historic interiors to the stories woven through this summer’s transformation.
When: Saturday 22nd August
Where: Tynemouth Priory and Castle
Price: £2.50–£5.00, donations are appreciated
Join a Field Naturalist for a guided walk exploring the plants, insects and birds that thrive along the coastline, spotting migrating birds and contributing records to Gosforth’s Wild Web along the way. Suitable for beginners and enthusiasts alike.
When: Saturday 22nd August
Where: The space by St Oswald’s Hospice
Price: £15.00
Decorate your own wooden birdhouse inspired by Beatrix Potter’s much-loved storybook, with all materials provided, plus the chance to shop trail merchandise and meet the Peter Rabbit sculptures. Proceeds support St Oswald’s Hospice.
When: Saturday 22nd August
Where: Washington Wetland Centre
Price: Free (included in WWT admission)
Wireless headphones and themed playlists take over the café veranda, with families dancing, darting and swooping like dragonflies across the lawn for the Dragonfly Festival.
When: Saturday 22nd August
Where: Morpeth Chantry
Price: £12.00
Local guide Barbara Waldie leads a walk through Morpeth’s history, from the Chantry Bridge and River Wansbeck to Carlisle Park’s statue of Emily Wilding Davison, taking in the Ha’ Hill and the historic Courthouse along the way.
When: Sunday 23rd August
Where: The BIS
Price: £70.00
Learn the fundamental silversmithing skills needed to make a sterling silver bezel setting, no experience necessary, and leave with your very own handmade sea glass or gemstone pendant.
When: Sunday 23rd August
Where: We Rise Wellness Studio
Price: £25.00
James Powles leads a 90-minute session combining conscious connected breathwork with a soothing sound bath, designed for emotional release and mental clarity.
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