The Late Shows: Your Guide for Newcastle and Gateshead's Late Night Culture Crawl

The Late Shows are an annual highlight in the NewcastleGateshead culture calendar. Dive into a journey of immersive art, live music, and community events that are redefining the art and culture scene, bringing the unexpected, the whacky and the all-round awe-inspiring to venues across the region. This not-to-be-missed weekend will be returning in 8th-9th May 2026.

Read on for the full programme for The Late Shows 2026, and stay tuned for updates on the next edition of one of the UK’s most unique cultural events.

On Friday 8th May, the spotlight is on the buzzing creative neighbourhood of Ouseburn, where quirky galleries, independent studios, and grassroots venues fling open their doors for one magical night of artistic discovery. Then on Saturday 9th May, the trail winds through central Newcastle and Gateshead, welcoming you into some of the North East’s most iconic cultural spaces for late-night adventures and surprise encounters.

Where to Eat and Drink

No cultural crawl is complete without a good pit stop or two, and The Late Shows is the perfect excuse to sample some of the region’s best food and drink spots. Some of the venues and events as part of the Late Shows feature food and drink which you can browse here, but if you're still feeling peckish check out our tasty top spots:

• Ouseburn Favourites: Kick off your evening at The Cook House, a stylish spot serving seasonal plates with a local twist. Or grab a pint at The Cluny, a legendary live music venue with hearty food and a great craft beer selection.
• Central Newcastle: Head to the historic Grainger Market for tasty street food options like Acropolis for Greek gyros or SnackWallah for bold Indian flavours. Nearby, Mother Mercy offers atmospheric cocktails tucked away in a cosy, candlelit setting.
• Quayside Gems: For riverside dining, Dobson & Parnell delivers elegant British cuisine and Khai Khai serves up stunning Indian dishes.

Getting Around

The Late Shows is a walkable culture crawl with many venues and events just short distances from each other, however there will be free shuttle buses running between key venues, meaning getting around the city couldn’t be easier. You can find more information and a full bus timetable here.

The Late Shows runs from 6pm-10pm on Friday 8th May and is centred around the Ouseburn area.

Flea Circus - Shop, exhibition, music & grilled oysters

A fun creative hub where makers and artists sell unique works, enjoy live music, and pair browsing with oysters and relaxed evening vibe.

Biscuit Tin Studios - Make your Mark with Print Club 

Try three different printmaking techniques and create your own piece to take home in this hands‑on art workshop.

Christ Church - Silks, Trapezes, Organs & Drums

Experience a quirky mix of performance and music featuring aerial silks, percussion, and organ pieces in a historic church setting.

School of Design, Northumbria University - Open Studio & Exhibition

Explore thought‑provoking design work that examines feminist ideas through creative practice.

School of Design, Northumbria University - MEMORY LANE: A Collaborative Zine

Contribute to a community zine exploring personal memories of lost and transformed local places.

The NewBridge Project - Showcase

Discover new work from Newcastle University creatives, featuring innovative mixed media and performance.

Yoga x Life - Wellness Drop‑In Workshops

Short taster sessions of yoga and meditation offer calm and wellbeing moments amid the cultural crawl.

Shieldfield Art Works - Craft, Clay & Ice Cream

Engage with clay hand‑building activities while enjoying ice cream in a welcoming community arts space.

The Biscuit Factory - Folk Stories

An evening celebrating storytelling and folk traditions with art, sound and intimate gatherings.

Incubate Experimental Printmaking - Printmaking Workshops

A creative drop‑in space to experiment with print techniques suitable for all ages and skills.

Cobalt Studios - Free Music Party!

High-energy, free global live music sets make this a lively Friday night destination.

Northern Print - Mock‑a‑Mokuhanga

Learn about Mokuhanga (Japanese water‑based woodblock printing) and try a technique alongside current exhibitions.

Seven Stories / The Time Bandits - The Home Guard 1940 – 1944
Step back into wartime history with artefacts and stories from local Home Guard volunteers.

Ouseburn Yard - Brushstrokes & Beats

Witness live mural creation alongside beats and Mexican‑inspired art experiences.

Hot Wax - Hot Wax: The Late Pour

Pop in to pour your own candle, enjoy complimentary fizz, and explore this creative studio.

MALARKEY - Fashion‑zine Making

Craft your own personalised fashion zine in this playful, hands‑on session.

Ouseburn Farm - The Farm After Hours: 50 Years in Ouseburn

Celebrate half a century of farm life with themed games, food and community alongside animals.

The Cluny - Radio Ouseburn CIC: Live on Air

Step into the local radio studio and try broadcasting, mixing, or DJing live.

36 Lime Street Studios - Open Studios

Explore an artist studio building with painting, ceramics, sculpture and jewellery on show.

The Find - Night Owls and Early Birds

An evocative evening shop display and tribute to feathered friends with artworks and curios.

Jim Edwards Studio - Starry Tyne

Visit the artist’s studio for intimate insights into their creative process and works.

Sora Studios

A creative space open for exploration - details coming soon!

Flaura Rose - Lucie in the Sky Mural Reveal

Watch the unveiling of bold new street art and meet the artist behind it.

Ouseburn Trust - Maps, Music, Mammals

Hands‑on activities blending nature, music, and community stories of Ouseburn.

Victoria Tunnel - Taster Tours

Join costumed guides for short, historic tours of this Victorian coal transportation tunnel.

the space by St Oswald’s Hospice - the space After Dark

A transformed evening space for reflection, creativity and community conversation.

Toffee Factory - DISCO lights, DISCO nights!

Walk the catwalk, find your look, dance at the DISCO. It's your time to sparkle, shimmy and shine with DJs, dancing and dress up.

BottleWorks (Louise Goult) - Textile Art Workshops & Exhibition

Join free embroidery and textile sessions alongside an exhibition of contemporary fibres.

Brinkburn Street Brewery Bar - Beer Meets Band

Sample local brews and watch performances by Newcastle talent in the iconic Brewing Hall.

Albion Row Studios - Act – Reflect – Sustain

Meet local artists and explore an exhibition tied to sustainability and creative reflection.

St Mary’s Heritage Centre - Games Night – Bottles, Coal and Iron

Play historic and modern table games with DJ elements in a heritage centre setting.

Hidden Heights Creative Studio - Lock In Sessions

An intimate archway studio party with local sounds, creativity and a late-night vibe.

Station East - Pure Class Open Mic Show

A welcoming open-mic for poets, musicians, comedians and storytellers to share their work.

Atlas North East - Courtyard Beach Party

Enjoy music, art and relaxed summer vibes with an urban beach-style party.

Atlas North East - Maker Space

Browse and interact with a showcase of member creative works and retro tech.

Vane @ Atlas North East - Drawing Workshop

Take part in a participatory workshop with drawing prompts and guidance.

Green Heart Collective - Alternative Met Gala Exhibition

View upcycled “red carpet” fashion made from repurposed materials in this playful exhibit.

Orbis Community (West Street) - Made in Gateshead After Dark!

Collaborate on a large community print and celebrate local creative identity after hours.

The Kittiwake Trust Multilingual Library - Multilingual Lateness

Enjoy poetry and stories from many languages with global rhythms and voices.

Gateshead Libraries, Arts & Heritage - The Power of Plants

Hands-on green craft, herb activities and explorations to connect with nature’s bounty.

Shipley Art Gallery - Creative Communities

A community-led creative night of crafting, local art and collaborative projects.

Bensham Grove Community Centre - Bensham Grove Late

A warm, after-hours creative programme celebrating heritage and community-led art.

The Soundroom - Late Night Listening & Music Making

Celebrate diverse music with sessions showcasing local talent and shared musical experiences.

Dunston Staiths - Sunset on the Staiths

Experience panoramic riverside views and special installations at this historic Tyne structure.

Bessie Surtees House - Open Evening

Step into Jacobean splendour with tours of the historic merchant’s house and interiors.

Newcastle Castle - The Blackbird Tavern

Enjoy tavern ambience, drinks and performances in the stunning castle.

Newcastle Cathedral - Churchyard Mysteries Guided Tour

A family-friendly tour uncovering local legends and stories of the cathedral churchyard.

Summerhill Bowling Club - Social Play & Bowling

Explore a hidden gem and join informal bowling and social-play activities.

Discovery Museum - Seven Bridges and Golf Around the Galleries

Interactive art meets playful mini-golf and sound-activated bridge installations inside the museum.

Alphabetti Theatre - Showaoke

Karaoke with a creative twist - sing and perform like a star at Alphabetti Theatre.

Alphabetti Theatre - True North

A city-wide poetry trail celebrating Newcastle’s creative spirit with site-specific installations.

Arcadea Disability Arts / Hub Studio - DJs Not PJs at the Hub

A fun dancefloor night celebrating inclusive music culture and community.

The Common Room - Beneath the Surface

Explore immersive soundscapes inspired by mining heritage and cultural memory.

Newcastle Arts Centre - Streets Alive - Urban Gallery

Exhibition opening spotlighting street art’s role and value in urban creativity.

The Black Swan - Live Music & Bar

Grab drinks and enjoy live music from local performers.

D6: Culture in Transit - Open Studio

Visit an open artist studio exploring global culture and creative exchange.

Blackfriars - Blackfriars History Tours

Take an informative tour of a 13th-century historic site with stories from the past.

Tyneside Irish Centre - Secret Shebeen

Discover a rarely open gallery space and learn about its cultural history.

Grainger Market - Grainger Unplugged

Wander the market with pop-up live music, buskers and more.

High Bridge Works - Open Studios and Arcadea Exhibition

Explore contemporary art and exhibitions by local creatives in open studios.

Castle Fine Art - The Art of Bob Dylan

View artwork created by Bob Dylan spanning decades of visual practice.

Tyneside Cinema - Splice Up Your Life

A silent disco set to remixed film soundtracks with hands-on 35mm splicing.

Newcastle City Library - Night at the Library!

Late-night library experience with music, games and activities for all ages.

Newcastle City Library - Streets That Speak > African History

Discover local African history through storytelling and walking prompts.

Laing Art Gallery - Portray Yourself!

Drop-in art activity inspired by gallery portraits and costume history.

Northumbria University (Student Central) - A Night in Shakespeare’s World

Self-guided exploration game inspired by Shakespeare’s stories and legacy.

Northumbria University (Student Central) - Music in Your Hands

Try instruments from around the world and across the ages in this interactive music event.

Farrell Centre - Dolls Housing

Help create a collaborative dolls’ housing project influenced by real urban planning.

Hatton Gallery - HAPPY! at the Hatton

Experience artworks curated around joy and expression from the Jerwood Collection.

Great North Museum: Hancock - Quest for the Great North Treasure

Explore museum treasures and engage with interactive displays celebrating regional stories.