Need some inspiration?
The summer holidays are drawing to a close, but don't worry there is still plenty to enjoy in NewcastleGateshead! With any luck, the sun will be shining for the three day weekend, which will welcome back festival favourites and (hopefully) be the perfect time to explore the great outdoors.
Come rain or shine, we have picked some top things to do this August Bank Holiday weekend.
Explore the great outdoors
Step back in time this bank holiday weekend and explore Beamish's , Summer of Fun and enjoy good old-fashioned family fun as this summer Beamish are marking Rail 200 by exploring the importance of the railway throughout different time periods. Each week will be focus on a different theme and over the bank holiday weekend you can head to the 1940s farm to learn all about the role that rail transport played in safely transporting Evacuees during the Second World War, and take part in a range of special activities relating to this. If the sun is shining during your visit, be sure to pop by 1950s Front Street terrace and try tasty traditional ice cream from John’s Café, which is a must for all ice cream lovers.
On Sunday 24th August, you can enjoy a Pride Family Picnic at Saltwell Park. In celebration of Gateshead Pride, the much-loved Pride Family Picnic is back for 2025, bringing a joyful afternoon of free fun for all ages. Pack your picnic blanket and head to The Grove near Saltwell Towers for four hours of laid-back entertainment, including live music, craft activities, local stalls and inflatables for the kids (and big kids!). Whether you're popping by with friends or planning a full family day out, everyone is welcome at this relaxed celebration of community and Pride. Find out more here.
Travel back to the present day to The Alnwick Garden and head over to Lilidorei. Lilidorei is a magical play and adventure village located within the stunning Alnwick Gardens and is the biggest play structure in the world. This August Bank Holiday, take part in the Lililympics. The Clans are pulling out the stops and gathering all of their very favourite games for the Lililympics! Take part and represent your favourite clan. Who will be crowned the winners. Book your tickets here.
Hop on a Toon Tour Bus this bank holiday weekend and be whisked around NewcastleGateshead in style. The bus service runs every 30 minutes, starting from Central Station in Newcastle and stops at sights including, Discovery Museum, St James' Park, Great North Museum, Ouseburn, Quayside, Millennium Bridge, Tyne Bridge, Baltic, The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, Grey’s Monument, Grey Street, Newcastle Castle and Newcastle Cathedral. Hop on and hop off the bus and see more of the sights listed. When you are finished, simply hop on the next running bus and continue the tour! The tickets also allow unlimited travel on all Go North East buses the same day, and they will be available to buy on the Go North East app, or you can buy directly from the driver on the bus.
Get on your dancing shoes!
The bank holiday weekend will welcome back some toon festival favourites, both old and new.
The second day of Come Together Festival, the North East's biggest live music festival, is making its way to Newcastle's Town Moor on Friday 22nd. At the festival you can catch big name headliners like rock legends Kings Of Leon, alongside other incredible acts like Courteeners, Reytons, The Snuts, The Cribs, Liam Fender and many mire. So, grab your mates, and kick off the bank holiday weekend in style with some fantastic live music in Newcastle. To find out more and grab your tickets, click here.
The return of Noughty 90's Festival Festival to Exhibition Park is set to be massive. Taking place on Saturday 23rd August, the day will have four huge stages of music, artists and DJ’s from around the world, funfair rides, a 90’s arcade, retro bars, RnB roller disco, gourmet street Food and exclusive VIP area this festival is the ultimate throwback. Join Darren Styles, Atomic Kitten, DJ Sammy many more artists and sing your heart out. More information and tickets here.
The ever popular Newcastle Mela is returning this August bank holiday weekend on Sunday 24th and Monday 25th August. The festival is free, family friendly and everyone is welcome. The event is based around Pakistani, Bengali, Indian and other South Asian cultures and this is your chance to experience the music, food and entertainment associated with these cultures. Over two days you will be entertained by singers and musicians; enjoy a delicious range of hot and cold foods from our many stall holders; buy clothes, gifts and jewellery; try out art, crafts and activities; and see some incredible performances by circus acts, dance artists and local groups. More information here.
Discover more of the NewcastleGateshead food and drink scene
Bank holiday activities are hungry (and thirsty!) work. Explore NewcastleGateshead and discover some culinary delights over the three day weekend. Take a look here at our top pubs with beer gardens and terraces to enjoy a drink or two over the bank holiday weekend.
Wander along to Wylam Brewery and you will find the August Food Battle, Battle Royale. Wylam Brewery knows how to pit the best local foodie producers against each other in a cracking event that always has beer flowing and tunes spinning. This bank holiday weekend, not only is it the ‘best dish’ title on the line but also ‘best genre’! Tacos against burgers, pizza against curry, and we’re here for it all. Vendors will battle it out to be crowned culinary champions. Find out more here.
Head over the Blackfriars new Cloister Garden and indulge in a BBQ fit for a king! You’ll enjoy a sharing plank of seasonal starters, followed by a main course straight from the BBQ and rounded off with a seasonal dessert. Don't worry if the sun isn't shining, the outdoor area is fitted with large umbrellas and heaters. Book your place today.
Bank holiday activities are hungry (and thirsty!) work. Explore NewcastleGateshead and discover some culinary delights over the three day weekend. Take a look here at our top pubs with beer gardens and terraces to enjoy a drink or two over the bank holiday weekend. Or if you're looking to book a Bottomless Brunch to say cheers to the long weekend, then look no further as we've rounded up some of the best places in town! Grab your mates and have an incredible time sipping on cocktails with some tasty food in the glorious sunshine. Find out more.
Enjoy Local Markets
Head over to Ouseburn Valley to enjoy their Summer Street Party on Saturday 23rd August. Ouseburn will be transformed into a summer party from 12pm-6pm, and the best part is that you can explore it all for free. On the day, you can expect plenty of lush treats, creative pop ups, hair tinsel, fantastic giveaways, lucky dips, a BBQ, live music and so much more! The Summer Street Party will feature many fantastic local businesses in Ouseburn, including Flaura Rose, Sora Studio, Bibelot Nook, The Cluny and many more! Get yourself down to explore all of the fun activities, it's going to be an unmissable event. Find out more here.
On the 24th-25th August, Tyneside Cinema are hosting their incredible Maker's Market. From 10am-3pm on both days, you can explore over 20 local and independent businesses. From independent makers, vintage fashion and this event will even see the return of the Tyneside Cinema poster event. This Makers Market event is completely free to attend as well! Make sure to come along, sip on some tasty strawberry matcha from the bar, grab yourself an exclusive limited-edition Deep North summer donut, and most importantly support the incredible local businesses. Find out more here.
Rainy day?
It wouldn't be a British summer if there wasn't a spot of rain. If the weather takes a turn for the worse, don't worry, there is still plenty happening in NewcastleGateshead to enjoy over the three day weekend.
Tyneside Cinema has a range of films to suit all tastes over the August Bank Holiday. From cult classics to new releases, take a look at the schedule here.
As always, museums in NewcastleGateshead have an array of exciting exhibitions for you to enjoy. Take your pick of great free museums and attractions which will be hosting activities and events as well as giving you the chance to explore their collection of permanent and temporary exhibitions. From Great North Museum to Shipley Art Gallery and the Discovery Museum.
Need somewhere to stay?
Planning on staying over the bank holiday weekend? Take a look at our top hotel picks in the city. The perfect way to enjoy all that's going on in NewcastleGateshead over the bank holiday weekend. Click here to read more.
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