Unmissable Events in NewcastleGateshead this Autumn

As the leaves turn red and gold and the air takes on that fresh autumn chill, the city brings a calendar packed with events you won’t find anywhere else. From big-name gigs and iconic food battles to incredible theatre performances, there are plenty of unique events happening right here in Newcastle. Fear not, there’s plenty of fun to be had this autumn. We've rounded them up, so all that's left for you to do is book your tickets...

London to Newcastle by train in just 2 hours and 41 minutes.

The train from London to Newcastle takes just 2 hours and 41 minutes. Book your train tickets with LNER, check in to the Toon and press play on a city break this Autumn. *Based on 25% of LNER’s weekday services between London King’s Cross and Newcastle Station following Dec 2025 timetable change. Actual journey times may vary by service.

8th October

Ger ready for an adults only night at Life Science Centre! Explore hands‑on exhibits after hours, catch a dazzling presenter led 360° planetarium show, come face‑to‑jaw with prehistoric beasts from The Great Dinosaur Escape. Plus, there’s also a pay bar to enjoy alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Find out more.

10th, 17th & 24th October

Oktoberfest is back for 2026 and is bigger than ever with three whole weekends of true authentic Oktoberfest madness in Newcastle. Join thousands of partygoers inside the huge traditional Bavarian beer hall, where overflowing steins, live Oompah bands, authentic German street food and non-stop entertainment combine to create one of the best Oktoberfest celebrations. Find out more here.

15th - 24th October

BAFTA-winning BBC drama Our Friends in the North returns to Newcastle Theatre Royal in a new stage adaptation by original writer Peter Flannery and award-winning director Jack McNamara. Set against the Thatcher years, follow four Newcastle friends - Tosker, Geordie, Nicky and Mary - as their friendships, ambitions and relationships are tested by a time of huge political and social change. Funny, tender and fiercely political, this gripping new production explores the people and places that shape us, and why Our Friends in the North still feels as relevant today as ever. Find out more.

18th October

Cherished as one of Britain’s all-time favourite singers, in 2017 Katherine was officially crowned The No.1 selling 'Classical Music Artist of the Last 25 Years’ by Classic FM, and made chart history when her last album ‘Guiding Light’, became her 13th UK Classical No.1 album, further cementing Katherine's position as the world’s most prolific artist in UK Classical chart history. Get ready for a phenomenal performance from Katherine Jenkins at The Glasshouse. Find out more.

22nd October

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 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 the North East. Find out more.

23rd - 24th October

Get ready food lovers as Lord of the Wings food battle returns to Wylam Brewery! It will feature iconic food vendors battling for the title of wing champion, with all your favourite flavours and some fiery surprises. Find out more.

24th October & 31st October 

The only thing more terrifying than the annual horrifying Halloween All-Nighter is two Halloween-All Nighters at Tyneside Cinema. Descend into a nightmare marathon of horror cinema - dare you survive an all-night experience of reel terror and stand amongst the final girls of the slasher hall of fame? Each film is booked separately so you can mix and match screens to create your own ultimate Halloween All-Nighter itinerary. Find out more.

October & November - All Month

Located in the heart of the city, St. James' Park rises proudly from Newcastle's iconic skyline. The stadium, home to both Newcastle United and Newcastle United Women's teams. It holds fantastic tours which capture the rich history of the magnificent stadium - the club's home since 1892. The specially designed location boards and amazing squad of knowledgeable tour guides will give you deeper understanding of the club and its proud heritage. This is such a great experience for any football fan. Find out more.

October - All Month

Get ready to explore Newcastle Castle, and the city that bears its name, like never before. From Romans and Anglo-Saxons to Victorians, medieval prisoners and the people caught up in Newcastle’s infamous witch trials, discover the many layers of history hiding within the Castle walls. Find out more.

28th October

The timeless tale takes centre stage in this magical staging of Cinderella, performed by Northern Ballet. Originally choreographed by Michael Pink for Milwaukee Ballet, this feel-good ballet will have you dancing till midnight with breathtaking waltzes, tender duets, and laugh-out-loud characters. Find out more.

8th November

Watch Newcastle United Women take on Burnley Women at St. James’ Park as they battle it out on home turf. Expect an exciting afternoon of football, a brilliant atmosphere and plenty of Geordie support from the stands as the two sides go head-to-head. Find out more.

October & November - All Month

Set sail on The Canny Lass, NewcastleGateshead’s newest sightseeing experience and get ready to see the city from a whole new perspective. This 98-passenger catamaran offers one-hour city cruises, two-hour country cruises and three-hour sea cruises, so there are plenty ways to take in the sights. If you’re after a quick trip or a longer voyage, the choice is yours. Glide beneath the iconic bridges, take in panoramic views and even tuck into tasty food and drinks from the onboard cafe and licensed bar. Find out more.

From 20th November

Newcastle is set to sparkle once again this winter as Northern Lights Newcastle returns to Leazes Park. Featuring never-before-seen displays, the light trail promises to bring a magical experience for all. Step through the years, discover giant presents, sparkling surprises, and magical moments designed to bring Christmas nostalgia flooding back. Find out more.

From 24th November

At Newcastle Theatre Royal, follow Jack as he climbs a beanstalk of epic proportions to Cloudland in search of his fortune. Doomed to sell his trusty cow, he must outwit the evil giant and win riches beyond his wildest dreams. Packed with laugh-out-loud comedy, dazzling special effects, and larger-than-life fun, Jack and the Beanstalk is pantomime at its absolute best - the panto you’ve bean waiting for. Find out more.

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.