As the leaves turn red and gold and the air takes on that fresh and crisp autumn chill, Newcastle and Gateshead brings events that you won’t want to miss. From attending iconic history tours, fun craft sessions, to incredible live music events, autumn is great time in the city.
Whether you’re a long-time local or visiting for the first time, grab your scarf and discover the fantastic autumn events on offer in Newcastle and Gateshead.
Tyneside Halloween All-Nighter
A curse has fallen upon the Tyneside, and the evil will be unleashed on the nefarious night of the 25th October... Tyneside's famous all-nighter event is back and they have unearthed a host of cursed reels and tapes for the greatest – and most haunted night of the Tyneside’s calendar. Dare you survive the night? This year, every screen will feature not four, but FIVE blood-chilling titles of terror – prepare for horror movie nirvana at our most anticipated event of the year!
From a cavalcade of creatures doing The Monster Mash in the Classic; to a mystery line-up of Unusual Suspect horror icons in the Electra; to a blood-soaked bonanza of female revenge tales (“Good for Her!”) in the Roxy; to a brilliantly barmy celebration of the B-Movie in the Gallery and Digital Lounge - The Tyneside invites you to step inside for another Nightmare on Pilgrim Street! Find out more here.
Oktoberfest at Times Square
Oktoberfest is back for 2025 and is bigger than ever with three whole weekends of true authentic Oktoberfest madness in Newcastle! Celebrations will be taking place over three weekends with over ten thousand people set to join the party at Times Square. Featuring some of Europe's best Oompah Bands, a fantasic selection of German beers, Bratwurst sausage kitchen plus more awesome street food this event is one to mark your calendars for. Tickets start from just £12.50+ booking fee. Find out more here.
BBC Introducing From The Glasshouse: SwanNek and Ellen Beth Abdi
If you love discovering new music, you won’t want to miss this! Each month, The Glasshouse teams up with BBC Introducing to bring some of the freshest, most exciting talent from the North East straight to the stage and this time it's SwanNek and Ellen Beth Abdi. These nights are packed with up-and-coming artists making waves in the North East music scene, it's the perfect chance to find your next favourite band before anyone else does. Find out more.
2025 Mercury Prize Fringe
On 16th October the 2025 Mercury Prize: Albums of the Year Awards Show will take over Utilita Arena in Newcastle. Grab your tickets here. The best part is you don’t have to wait until October 16th to get involved with the 2025 Mercury Prize.
In the lead-up, get ready to enjoy the week-long Mercury Prize Fringe, placing Northern creativity on the global stage! From Friday 10th - Wednesday 15th October, there will be over 20 exciting free events taking place across the city, celebrating fantastic local musical talent, culture and creativity that we have right here in our region.
The Fringe brings a line-up of incredible live music showcases from local talent, lyric and album producing masterclasses with music legends, workshops, listening parties, in-conversations and so much more to enjoy!
Northern Lights 2025
Newcastle is set to sparkle once again this winter as Northern Lights Newcastle returns to Leazes Park from 27th November-31st December. Featuring never-before-seen displays, the light trail promises to delight both returning visitors and first-timers, making 2025 the most magical year yet. Bigger and brighter than ever, this year’s festival brings jaw-dropping new installations like the massive Spiropath light dome, the magical Pearl Blossom floating on the lake, and the colourful Lantern Tree Lane, created with the RVI Hospital. It’s a playful mix of lights, music, and imagination that’ll have you wandering in awe and snapping pics at every turn.
Five at Utilita Arena
The hugely successful British boy band Five are back on tour, and this is one show you won’t want to miss! You can catch Five at Utilita Arena on Friday 14th and Wednesday 26th November for two incredible nights. They've sold over 20 million records, scored 11 UK top 10 singles, released four platinum albums, and sold out arenas across the world. With a legacy like that, their return promises a night to remember, so grab your tickets now before they sell out.
Baltic Shop Creates: Narrative Textiles
Join Baltic for a fun and relaxed session where you’ll explore visual storytelling through stitched collage. Bring your own personal narrative to life as you create unique artworks using your own photographs, memorabilia, and any treasures that inspire you. During the session, you’ll learn how to use inspirational collage resources and incorporate them into your designs, guided by creative techniques that help you turn memories and ideas into stitched masterpieces. Perfect for anyone who loves to craft, experiment, or simply enjoy a creative afternoon! Book your tickets here.
History Tour of Blackfriars & Lunch
Experience a unique heritage tour and fine-dining experience at Blackfriars Restaurant in Newcastle. Explore the long and turbulent history of Blackfriars in Newcastle, a 13th-century former Dominican friary and is steeped in medieval history and now is home to an award-winning, fine-dining restaurant. Dating back to 1239, Blackfriars lays claim to being the oldest dining room in the UK, the jewel in Newcastle’s medieval past, and a stalwart of the local dining scene. Take part in a fascinating 45-minute guided tour of the Grade I Scheduled Ancient Monument followed by a 3-course set lunch in the restaurant, with wine and coffee. Find out more and book.
Newcastle True Crime Tour
From August 29th-17th October, prepare for a spine-tingling adventure in Newcastle on a 1.5-hour crime tour led by a local expert, delving into the city's dark history with chilling tales of murder, witchcraft at St. Andrew's Churchyard, body-snatchers at Bigg Market, and devilish debauchery at the Quayside. It's an ultimate thrill for the brave-hearted. Book your tickets here.
Spookydorei at Lilidorei
Lilidorei at the Alnwick Garden 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! Come and join in with Spookydorei this autumn. Come along dressed up as your favourite Halloween character and unlock the spooky stories of Lilidorei with the Story Keepers.
Need somewhere to stay?
Planning on staying? Take a look at our top hotel picks in the city. The perfect way to enjoy all that's going on in NewcastleGateshead. Click here to read more.
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