What's On in NewcastleGateshead in 2026

Hello January! As we welcome in the new year, we also welcome some fantastic events and upcoming highlights for NewcastleGateshead. There's so many exciting things to look forward to in 2026, so you’d better be sure to mark your calendars, tell your mates, and start planning your trip (or multiple trips!) to NewcastleGateshead. This year is going to be massive, and we can’t wait to enjoy it with you.

We’ve done the hard work and rounded up the must-visit events, concerts, festivals and so much more, and all you have to do is be there! Sound good? We’ll see you soon.

To keep up to date, follow us on social media and subscribe to read our monthly What’s On emails.

• Dates TBA

The ever popular Wylam Food Battles will return in 2026, where popular local food vendors battle it out to be crowned champion. The dates for these iconic food battles haven’t been revealed just yet, so keep checking back to see when it’s time to tuck in!

• January dates TBA
• August dates TBA

NE1 Restaurant Week is a hugely popular event in the Geordie calendar. Taking place twice a year, the week long event gives people the chance to eat out at some of the city's top restaurants and food spots with menus starting from as little as £15, £20 and £25 per person. Whether you are a fine-dining fanatic, a burger connoisseur or simply an all round foodie, you're basically spoilt for choice when it comes to NE1's Restaurant Week.

• February 2026 (exact date TBA)

Created by The Big River Bakery, National Stottie Cake Week will consist of a series of events and activities focused on celebrating the iconic Geordie classic. What could be better than that? Although the final itinerary for the week is yet to be finalised, the main goal is to enhance the accessibility of affordable and complimentary baked goods, as well as stottie kits, within various neighbourhoods in Newcastle.

• Spring 2026 (date TBA)

There’s a brand-new immersive attraction coming to Gateshead in February 2026. Embark on an adventure into Peppatown at the Metrocentre as the experience brings Peppa’s world to life. You can explore the beloved locations from the show, help Pepps’s friends plan the best party and so much more. It’s the perfect experience for families and lovers of Peppa Pig.

• 4th - 12th April 2026

Newcastle Puppetry Festival returns for its 7th edition this coming Easter Holidays. The festival will run 4th - 12th April offering a wide variety of fun events across the city’s venues and public spaces. Produced by local arts charity Moving Parts Arts CIO, the award-winning festival will feature over 100 free and ticketed puppetry events, including workshops, films, talks and performances for adults, children, teens and families. The festival attracts over 10,000 people with each edition, a bubbling mixture of local residents, people from around the region, and visitors from all corners of the world.

Newcastle Puppetry Festival is funded and made possible by support from North of Tyne Combined Authority.

• 3rd May 2026

The North East Marathon will take runners around closed roads in Newcastle and Gateshead. The course takes in famous landmarks including the Millennium Bridge, The Glasshouse, BALTIC, Tyne Bridge, Swing Bridge and finishes in the Gateshead International Stadium. The race will be in support of Children North East and also has a 10k and half-marathon event on the same day too.

• 8th - 9th May 2026

The Late Shows is an award-winning late-night free culture crawl. During The Late Shows, open art studios, music and performance venues, galleries, museums, studio collectives and landmark historical buildings come together to host intriguing interactive events for visitors. It’s all about encouraging people to do something cultural with their evening. The Late Shows take place between 6-10.30pm and the Friday night is for Ouseburn Valley venues and Saturday night's event takes place at venues across central Newcastle and Gateshead.

• 19th - 28th June

Scream if you want to go faster! Europe’s largest funfair is back for 2026, as The Hoppings returns to Newcastle’s Town Moor towards the end of June for ten action-packed days of fun. With over 400 rides and attractions to enjoy from traditional fairground favourites to pulse-raising thrill rides, The Hoppings makes for a fantastic day out. Taking place in Newcastle since 1882, it’s no surprise the event is hugely popular and remains a firm fixture in the Toon’s summer events calendar.

• 5th July 2026

Want a challenge in 2026? The AJ Bell Great North 10k is back in July this year. The route takes runners past some of the most iconic sights of the North East. From river views to stunning architecture, the Great North 10k is a love letter to Newcastle and Gateshead and there’s a whole lot of love for it among runners. Expect a party atmosphere, incredible support and an unbeatable sense of achievement at the finish line.

• 8th - 10th July

In the Park Newcastle returns to Exhibition Park in July, ready to deliver its biggest and most memorable edition yet with two huge nights of live music. Scottish superstar Lewis Capaldi takes to the stage to headline the first night of the festival on Wednesday 8^th July. Then on Friday 10^th July, the lineup remains strong with a legendary set from Paul Weller Tickets start at £66, grab yours now.

• 25th & 26th July 2026

Newcastle Pride returns to the city centre for 2026 with city-wide celebrations designed with the LGBTQIA+ community at its heart. The exciting Newcastle Pride Arena is back and bigger than ever at Times Square, with tickets starting from £10 for each day and from £15 for a weekend pass to the event.

As well as the incredible ticketed arena, there will also still be plenty of free events to enjoy across the celebrations, such as the Pride March, community village, community zones, market stalls and plenty more to be announced. Bring on July!

• 29th August 2026

The ultimate throwback dance party is returning to Leazes Park over the August bank holiday weekend in 2026. Noughty 90's Festival will be a full day of 90s and 00s nostalgia with all the tunes you grew up loving. The headliners are yet to be announced, so keep an eye out. At the festival, you can also expect some street food stalls, themed bars, glitter stations, and retro photo ops to really get into the nostalgic mood. Standard tickets are from £35, with VIP starting from £55, grab yours now.

• 13th September 2026

The AJ Bell Great North Run is the world’s biggest half marathon, with 60,000 runners taking on the 13.1 mile route from Newcastle to South Shields each year. It’s famous for its inclusive atmosphere, unbeatable on-route entertainment, and warm Geordie welcome, not to mention the millions raised each year for worthy causes. The atmosphere over the Great North Run weekend can be hard to understand until you’ve experienced it for yourself!

• December 2026 (Exact dates TBA)

It wouldn't be Christmas in Newcastle without the return of the popular Newcastle Christmas Markets. The market supports local businesses, with stalls primarily run by traders from the region, including some of your favourite Grainger Market vendors. Whether you're shopping for Christmas gifts or simply soaking in the festive atmosphere of, Newcastle’s Christmas Market is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit.