Unmissable Autumn Gigs: Your NewcastleGateshead Playlist

Music lovers, you're in for an absolute treat in NewcastleGateshead this autumn. We've rounded up some brilliant gigs to soundtrack your season, from iconic headline arena shows to intimate sessions with emerging talent at our much-loved grassroots venues. NewcastleGateshead's music scene really is something special. If you're more of an indie music fan, electronic, rock or even a fan of something a bit different, there's always a gig for you to enjoy in across our fantastic venues.

So, whether you're a local gig-goer or visiting to immerse yourself into the famous music culture, read on to discover the unmissable gigs taking place this autumn.

21st September - Death Cab for Cutie 

Death Cab for Cutie are an influential American indie-rock band fronted by singer-songwriter Ben Gibbard. Formed in 1997, they rose to prominence with albums including Transatlanticism and Plans, producing enduring songs such as “I Will Follow You into the Dark” and “Soul Meets Body.” Now approaching three decades together, they continue to blend introspective songwriting with melodic alternative rock, bringing their acclaimed catalogue and new material to The Glasshouse. Grab tickets here.

8th October - The Drifters

The Drifters are back on tour in the UK, performing all their timeless classics including Saturday Night at the Movies, You’re More Than A Number, Come on Over to My Place, Under the Boardwalk, Kissin’ In The Back Row and many more. With a career that’s seen them inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, perform for the President of the United States, and earn a place on Rolling Stone’s list of the Greatest Artists of All Time, The Drifters’ legacy is undeniable. Grab tickets here.

21st November - Boyzlife 

Performing all the biggest hits from Boyzone and Westlife. Boyband supergroup Boyzlife, comprising Boyzone’s Keith Duffy and Westlife’s Brian McFadden, celebrate the iconic hits from both defining 90s/00s groups, who sold a combined 55 million records and have 21+ #1 singles between them. With decades of chart-toppers, this is an unmissable night of nostalgia and hit pop perfection. Grab tickets here.

4th September - Nano Kino - Cluny 2 

Nano Kino are the dream pop manoeuvres of Duncan Lloyd, Tom English (of Maximo Park) and Sarah Suri and Phil Morgan. This special LP launch party is a joyful rarity, following recent singles Reset and Wipeout. Enjoy a great band in the intimate setting of Cluny 2. Grab tickets here.

13th September - Isabel Maria - Cluny 2 

Isabel Maria takes to the stage in Cluny 2 for an incredible performance. You can expect stunning songs, contagious melodies and piano-driven production from 19 year old singer-songwriter Isabel Maria. For fans of Olivia Rodrigo, Taylor Swift and Phoebe Bridgers, it's a must-see gig. Grab tickets here.

3rd October - Gallus - Cluny 2 

Gallus fly the flag for Scottish punk/alternative rock and get crowds moving everywhere they go with their high intensity live show. Having established themselves as favourites in their homeland, the band have toured relentlessly across Europe and the UK to cement their reputation further afield. Following their acclaimed debut We Don’t LikelThe People We Become, Gallus are not letting up the pace. Grab tickets here.

23rd September - Niall Horan

Global music superstar Niall Horan is returning to Utilita Arena Newcastle this September as part of his ‘Dinner Party’ tour. He’ll be joined by special guest Flowerovlove for what’s set to be a night of live music and huge hits. With more than 80 million records sold and multiple global tours under his belt, both as a solo artist and as a member of iconic group One Direction, Niall Horan is bringing his biggest hits to Newcastle once again. Grab tickets here.

9th October - Pussycat Dolls

Global pop supergroup The Pussycat Dolls bring their highly anticipated PCD Forever Tour. Joining them on stage for an unforgettable night is the legendary Lil’ Kim. Celebrating 20 years of their debut album PCD, the iconic group will perform their biggest hits. Expect a high-energy arena show packed with signature choreography, powerhouse vocals and chart-topping pop anthems that defined the 2000s. Grab tickets here.

22nd October - 2026 Mercury Prize

On Thursday 22nd October 2026, the 2026 Mercury Prize: Albums of the Year Awards Show will take over Utilita Arena Newcastle for a spectacular night celebrating the best new British and Irish music for the second year in a row. With live performances from many of this year’s shortlisted artists such as Jade, Knats, Olivia Dean and so many more, and the winner revealed live on stage, it’s your chance to be part of one of the UK’s most influential music events and it’s all happening in Newcastle. Grab tickets here.

20th September - The Dear Hunter 

The Dear Hunter are an American progressive rock band known for their ambitious, cinematic sound, blending intricate musicianship with soaring melodies and storytelling. Led by Casey Crescenzo, the band’s dynamic live shows bring their richly layered music to life with energy, emotion and theatrical flair. Grab tickets here.

9th October - Pit Pony

Pit Pony are a Newcastle-based indie rock band bringing together raw energy, infectious melodies and emotionally charged songwriting turning inwards to explore notions of motherhood, imposter syndrome and getting older. Their powerful live performances and gritty, anthemic sound have quickly established them as one of the most exciting acts on the UK alternative scene. Grab tickets here.

21st October - Heidi Curtis

Heidi Curtis is an exciting singer-songwriter from North Shields with a captivating blend of heartfelt songwriting, powerful vocals and intimate storytelling. Inspired by classic rock, indie and folk she weaves a sonic tapestry inspired by nature, folklore and coming of age. For fans of Fleetwood Mac, Florence + the Machine and Kate Bush, she wields a sound both urgent and authentic. Grab tickets here.

4th October - Don Broco 

Don Broco are a British rock band from Bedford, known for their incredible live shows, huge riffs and genre-bending sound that blends alternative rock, pop, metal and electronic influences. With infectious hooks and an energetic stage presence, it'll be a fantastic gig. Grab tickets here.

21st October - Dexy's Midnight Runners

Fronted by Kevin Rowland, the band became best known for their global smash Come On Eileen, a track that perfectly captures their knack for mixing heartfelt storytelling with irresistible hooks. Never content to stand still, Dexy's Midnight Runners constantly reinvented their sound and image, earning a reputation as one of Britain’s most passionate and distinctive musical acts. Grab tickets here.

25th November - Royal Blood

Brighton duo Royal Blood channel the blues-rock dynamism of the likes of the White Stripes, the Black Keys, and Two Gallants, yet they amp up the ferocity and volume with scuzzy riffs and blustering energy. Following their Mercury Prize-nominated/Brit Award-winning debut, 2014's Royal Blood, they consolidated their success with 2017's How Did We Get So Dark? and its 2021 sequel Typhoons. Grab tickets here.

19th September - Jamie Webster 

Jamie Webster, the establishment-baiting pied piper from the banks of the Mersey, rides a towering wave of success. The ambitious, multi-national tour reflects the unquestionable growth of both Webster’s songwriting craft and family of committed fans. Grab tickets here.

10th November - Yard Act 

One of the UK’s biggest modern post-punk acts, Yard Act are heading to Newcastle’s NX. Expect relentless grooves, huge choruses, sharp storytelling and the kind of chaotic energy that makes their live shows impossible to stand still through. Grab tickets here.

29th November - The Hunna

The Hunna are heading to NX with their signature mix of raw alternative rock and soaring guitar lines. With a reputation for passionate, energetic performances, they’re set to deliver a powerful night for rock and indie fans. Grab tickets here.

Discover more of NewcastleGateshead's incredible music scene here.