Top things to do this August Bank Holiday weekend in NewcastleGateshead

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.

Step back in time this bank holiday weekend and explore Beamish's , Summer of Fun and enjoy good old-fashioned family fun including traditional transport, football fun, Georgian games and creative crafts. If the sun is shining be sure to pop by 1950s Front Street terrace and try tasty traditional ice cream from John’s Café- a must for all ice cream lovers. More information here.

Travel back to the present day to The Alnwick Garden and experience fun for all the family. Take part in a variety of sports and games free with Garden entry- the perfect way to spend the bank holiday weekend.

Whilst at Alnwick Garden, 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. When you visit Lilidorei, you can create your own narrative; visit the clan houses, play on the world’s largest play structure, take part in daily activities or join in with stories with one of the Story Keepers! 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.

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The bank holiday weekend will welcome back some toon festival favourites.

The return of Noughty 90's Festival Festival to Exhibition Park is set to be massive. Boasting 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 Five, Tinchy Stryder, DJ Sammy and 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. 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. 

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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 Battle Royale Summer Slam. From Battle of the Burger to Slice Wars, Argie Bhaji to Taco Heads, 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, it’s time to crown the champion of all champions with the Battle Royale. Crowd favourites and new vendors will battle it out to be crowned culinary champions. Entry is free, with each small plate costing four pounds. For more information click here. 

Over the river in Gateshead, Gateshead Summer Festival will be taking place on the 26th and 27th of August. Bringing summer vibes to Low Fell with their very own cocktail and gin bars and a huge selection of Ciders and Lagers. Want to win 2x Sunday tickets? Click here. 

Café Mercy is Mother Mercy's fifth venue in the North East and is opening just in time for August Bank Holiday on Friday 25th August. A popular name on the cocktail scene, the new venue is nestled in the heart of Grey Street, and offers the laid-back allure of Ibiza and the timeless charm of Mediterranean chic. Occupying an iconic location on Grey Street, one of the most beautiful streets in Europe, Café Mercy transports guests to a realm of sophisticated delights and impeccable aesthetics. If you are wanting a touch of class this bank holiday, Café Mercy offers charcuterie and small plates to accompany their delightful drinks, adding to the experience of being whisked away to a sun-kissed paradise.

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. 

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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. Attend the Royal Ball with Disney Princess Cinderella on Saturday 26th as they revisit the 1950 animated classic and enjoy Fairy-tale Storytime with Seven Stories. Book your place here. If Disney isn't your thing, they have James Bond Classic Live and Let Die playing on the Saturday, as well as Jaws. Take a look at what else is playing 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. 

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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.