Six Spring Events in NewcastleGateshead You Won't Want to Miss

Spring is almost here! It's nearly time to ditch the big coat (we also can't believe it) and get stuck into some of the very best of spring. No need to worry as we've done the hard work and rounded up six of the best spring events and activities for you to enjoy and look forward to in NewcastleGateshead.

We're talking tucking into delicious food worth travelling for at iconic food battles, West End musicals lighting up the big stage and markets in our creative neighbourhoods packed with brilliant independent traders and stalls. Whether you're a local looking for an excuse to get out and explore your own patch, or you're planning a weekend visit and want to make the absolute most of your time here, we've got you covered. Read on and discover exactly how NewcastleGateshead does spring.

Wylam Brewery are back with their 2026 Food Battles and they're the best way to have a taste of some of the best local food vendors in the city. Wylam run a series of super exciting events celebrating everything from plant-based perfection to spice-filled street food. With free entry and a fantastic atmosphere, this year’s battles are not to be missed. Each battle is a fun, and fierce competition which makes for the best day out. Pair it with a lovely walk around Exhibition park after and you're in for a treat.

Here's some upcoming food battles to add to your diary:

Kung Fu'd 2026: 6th-7th March 
A brand-new food battle for 2026, Kung Fu’d will serve up serve up some delicious Thai, Chinese and Japanese food.

Battle of the Burger 2026: 3rd-4th April
Who makes the best burger? Local vendors bring their A-game in this juicy competition. From classic patties to creative twists, Battle of the Burger is a must for burger lovers.

For simply the best day out, head to Theatre Royal from now until Sunday 14th March to see the fabulous Tina Turner Musical as it comes to Newcastle as part of its first ever UK & Ireland tour! Set to the pulse-pounding soundtrack of her iconic hits, including The Best, What’s Love Got To Do With It?, Private Dancer and River Deep, Mountain High, discover the heart and soul behind the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Experience her inspiring story live on stage as this exhilarating celebration reveals the untold story of a woman who dared to dream fiercely, shatter barriers and defy the bounds of age, gender and race to conquer the world against all odds. Book your tickets here.

Taking place once a month from March through to July (with the exception of July’s market being held the first weekend of the month to coincide with the Ouseburn festival) Ouseburn Market transforms the fantastic creative neighbourhood of Ouseburn into a fun weekend out filled with many independent makers, foodies, musicians and street performers. Each market weekend features over 60 incredible stalls celebrating the best of the best in North East creativity. From handcrafted jewellery and small-batch ceramics to natural skincare, bold prints, curated vintage fashion and so much more. Whether you're searching for something unique, hunting down a gift with personality, or just here for the snacks and good vibes, there's plenty to get stuck into. It's the perfect way to spend a weekend in Newcastle.

Get ready because one of the most joyful and colourful days in the events calendar is nearly here. Holi Festival of Colours returns on Saturday 14th March to celebrate spring, new beginnings, and the brilliant Holi tradition in Gateshead. The day in partnership with Baltic, will feature plenty of creative workshops, henna, dance, music, and some stunning Indian food. Here's something to get really excited about this year - the brand-new Holi on the Tyne stage is landing on Baltic Square, bringing world-class South Asian performances right to the heart of the festival. Make sure to check out the full line-up for the day here. 

Fancy a cocktail? Newcastle Cocktail Week returns to the city centre for a 10-day long event celebrating the very best of Newcastle’s cocktail scene. It kicks off on Friday 20th March and runs until through to Sunday 29th March. You're basically spoilt for choice as there's over fifty bars and restaurant all across the city centre taking part in this fantastic week. Head to some of the best bars in town such as Manahatta, Flight Club, Vampire Rabbit, The Alchemist, Twenty Twenty and so many more. Make sure to check out the Newcastle Cocktail Week website for a full list of all the venues to head to during the event. Simply pre-order a Newcastle Cocktail Week wristband and show it to a member of staff at the venue you’re visiting when ordering your cocktail.

On Wednesday 8th April the iconic Suzi Quantro is playing at The Glasshouse in Gateshead. Suzi Quatro will mark the 62nd year of her reign as the Queen of Rock ‘N Roll and her shows will feature all the hits from ‘Can The Can’, ‘Stumblin’ In’, ’48 Crash’, ‘If You Can’t Give Me Love’, ‘The Wild One’, ‘Devil Gate Drive’ to ‘She’s In Love With You’ and many more. Suzi remains an influential, unstoppable force carrying the torch of female rockers making this a must-see gig. Grab your tickets here.