- Play Hard
- 4th Nov 2026
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17 things to do in the North East this weekend (4th – 8th November 2026)
Bonfire Night is here, and the countdown to Christmas has well and truly begun.
From two big-hitting shows in Sunderland Empire’s Billy Elliot and Newcastle Theatre Royal’s Rigoletto to crackling bonfires, a stargazing supper and the return of the Life Science Centre’s ice rink, there’s plenty to fill the diary.
And with firework displays lighting up skies right across the region this weekend, be sure to check out our full guide to where to watch the fireworks across the North East before you make your plans.
Here’s our pick of what’s on across the region this week.
Fenwick Christmas Window – Newcastle
When: On display now, all through the festive season
Where: Fenwick Newcastle
Price: Free
Last Sunday saw Fenwick’s famous Christmas window revealed in all its glory, the moment that officially kicks off Christmas in Newcastle, as it has for over 50 years. Now the big crowds have settled, this week is the perfect time to head down Northumberland Street at your own pace and take them in properly. Free to wander past and soak up all season. Read more in our look back at Fenwick’s windows through the ages.
November Movie Nights, The Twilight Screening – Newcastle
When: Wednesday 4th November
Where: Ouseburn Garden
Price: Free (VIP £46.00 option available for two)
Movie nights are back at Ouseburn Garden every Wednesday this November, with a big-screen film, food from Acropolis Greek Street Food and a cosy spot under the lights. This week’s showing is Twilight, a cult favourite and perfect midweek treat. Ages 15 and over.
Rigoletto by Opera North – Newcastle
When: Wednesday 4th to Friday 6th November
Where: Newcastle Theatre Royal
Price: Tickets from £28
Opera North’s bold, award-winning staging of Verdi’s Rigoletto arrives in Newcastle, directed by Femi Elufowoju Jr. A gripping tale of a father’s love and a corrupt court, sung in Italian with English subtitles.
HIGH LIFE NORTH TOP TIP: New to opera? Opera North offers £20 tickets especially for newcomers. Book your £20 tickets here.
Billy Elliot the Musical – Sunderland
When: Wednesday 4th to Saturday 28th November
Where: Sunderland Empire
Price: Tickets from £20.80
One of Britain’s best-loved musicals returns to the UK for the first time in a decade, and it’s landed at Sunderland Empire. Set during the 1984 miners’ strike, it follows Billy’s journey from the boxing ring to the ballet class, with iconic music by Elton John. Ages eight and over.
Bonfire Night at Vallum Farm – Northumberland
When: Thursday 5th November
Where: Vallum Farm
Price: Adults £5.00, under 16s go free
Vallum Farm hosts its first ever Bonfire Night, a community evening open to all, with the bonfire lit at 5pm. Davey’s Smash Burgers, the Alcobox bar and Northumberland CoffeeHouse keep everyone fed and warm as the night draws in. Bring the family and wrap up, though note it’s a no-dogs event.
Bonfire Bash – Newcastle
When: Thursday 5th November
Where: Ouseburn Garden
Price: Free
Ouseburn Garden marks Bonfire Night with its Bonfire Bash, an evening of food, music and cosy autumn vibes. Acropolis Street Food serves up gyros, with mulled wine, fire pits and DJs spinning from 6pm to 8pm, plus free sparklers and glow sticks. Ages 14 and over, tickets must be booked to attend.
Botanist Bingo – Sunderland
When: Thursday 5th November
Where: The Botanist
Price: Free to play
Bingo, reimagined. The Botanist’s musical bingo swaps numbers for songs, one live musician performs while you cross off the tracks and artists you recognise, with three chances to win and a tasty prize for the first to shout “Bingo!”. Grab a cocktail, round up your mates and settle in. Booking recommended.
Stargazing Supper – County Durham
When: Selected dates from Friday 6th November
Where: High Force Hotel and Waterfall
Price: £79.50 (£65.00 Raby Members)
Stargazing with a side of fine dining, in the heart of the North Pennines. Begin with a three-course meal and an expert talk on the night sky, then follow an astronomy guide down to the illuminated High Force Waterfall to pick out constellations and planets by moonlight. Be sure to wrap up warm.
Christmas Card Making – Newcastle
When: Saturday 7th November
Where: St Nicholas Park in Gosforth
Price: £11.06
Get a head start on Christmas, sustainably, at this Northumberland Wildlife Trust workshop. You’ll make six distinctive, nature-inspired cards to gift to your loved ones. A calm, crafty, Christmassy morning for grown-ups (18+).
Bread Making for Beginners – Newcastle
When: Saturday 7th November
Where: Blackfriars Cookery School
Price: £175.00
Spend a day learning the basics of real bread, using locally milled, stone-ground flours. Guided by the master baker, you’ll hand-knead your way to up to four loaves to take home. The day includes a three-course communal lunch with wine, an apron, and recipes to keep.
Ice Skating – Newcastle
When: From Saturday 7th November to Sunday 3rd January 2027
Where: Life Science Centre
Price: Adult £15.75, child £14.50, family of four £49.50
Life Science Centre’s much-loved open-air ice rink is back in Times Square for another festive season. Set on real ice in the heart of the city, it welcomes all ages and abilities, with around 45 minutes of skating per session and skate aids available for little ones. Opening weekend (7th and 8th) is just £10 a head.
Wild Foraging: On the Lookout for Mushrooms – Gateshead
When: Saturday 7th November
Where: Chopwell Wood
Price: Tickets are pay-as-you-like
Head into Chopwell Wood for a relaxed foraging walk exploring wild mushrooms and fungi. Over two hours, facilitator Liam Black shares the basics of identification, habitats and how to get started, before a chat and an optional cook-up of your finds back at base. Expect mud and uneven ground, so dress for the woods.
Silver Stacking Ring Workshop – County Durham
When: Saturday 7th November
Where: Raby Castle (The Yurt)
Price: £95.00
PeaceGold Jewellery House hosts a workshop where you’ll learn traditional techniques, shaping, soldering, texturing and polishing your own set of three rings. A relaxed, hands-on session for beginners, with all materials, tools and light refreshments included.
The Forage Winter Market – Northumberland
When: Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th November
Where: Rigg & Furrow
Price: £2.00, under-16s and carers go free
The Forage Winter Market returns to Rigg & Furrow, the family-run farmhouse brewery, filling its End Hemmel barn for the weekend. Around 50 independent makers, artists, designers and food producers from across the North East come together for a relaxed weekend of shopping, food and drink, with the taproom open late.
Girls Get Together: Newcastle Book Club – Newcastle
When: Saturday 7th November
Where: Reform Studio
Price: £7.75
A friendly monthly book club with no set book and no pressure, just a relaxed hour chatting about what you’re reading over a tea, coffee or matcha. This month you’ll also get crafty, making bookmarks from pre-loved books, dried flowers and autumnal leaves. Welcoming to solo-goers, and your ticket includes a drink.
Autumn Wine Tasting – Newcastle
When: Saturday 7th November
Where: The Biscuit Factory
Price: £35.00
Jesmond Wine Company returns to The Biscuit Factory for an autumn tasting in the gallery’s Biscuit Room. There are 100 carefully chosen wines to swirl and sip your way through, with expert guidance on hand, and 10% off any orders placed on the night. A relaxed evening for wine lovers of every stripe.
Eco Resin Workshop – Whitley Bay
When: Sunday 8th November
Where: Flock Cafe and Wine Bar
Price: £19.00
Cullercoats Crafts runs a hands-on eco resin workshop, where you’ll make your own resin tray and dish to take home. All materials and tuition are provided, and no experience is needed, you’ll learn to mix, pattern, colour, sand and seal your pieces.
Check out our what’s on calendar for upcoming events worth knowing about in the North East.
Molly Ferry
CONTENT ASSISTANT
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