NE1's Quayside Carnival

NE1's Quayside Carnival is back for 2026! The free family festival returns on 22nd August and this year it’s going even bigger. Expect a full road closure, more space to play, brand new activity zones, live entertainment and plenty of surprises along the Tyne. From interactive experiences to bucket-list moments like free river boat trips.

Event highlights include:

Silent Disco by Freight Island - Pop on a pair of headphones, choose your favourite channel and dance along to feel-good hits, family favourites and party anthems. Whether you're showing off your best moves or simply soaking up the atmosphere, it's guaranteed to be a memorable experience on the day.

Circus Performances & Workshops - Professional world-class circus entertainers, Let’s Circus will be back in full force with aerial trapeze and crowd-thrilling performers. As well as awe-inspiring live performances for everyone to enjoy, kids will be able to join in the fun with free circus workshops offering the chance to learn incredible tricks and circus skills, no booking required.

Live Stage Entertainment - Located in front of the Law Courts, a large live stage will provide a dedicated entertainment hub, with a packed programme of live performances throughout the day. Character favourites from Moana, Toy Story and Frozen will join talented singers, dancers and performers to entertain the crowds, while a high-energy K-Pop Demon Hunters tribute act will get the day off to a flying start with a performance at 11am. Between stage performances, the fun will continue with foam parties, dancing, interactive entertainment and plenty more family fun throughout the day.

Make and Take Zone - Arts and craft activities will be on offer throughout the Carnival with festival badge making, friendship bracelet making, and shell painting.  The creative zone will provide plenty of inspiration to encourage festival goers of all ages to get creative. With no booking required, people can come and go as they please.

Active Zone at the Swirle - Festival goers will also be able to get involved and get moving at the Active Zone with dancing, Zumba, yoga and lots more! The UK’s leading dance centre, Dance City will be offering expert tuition in a range of dance disciplines. Yoga Therapies will also be on hand to encourage would-be yogis to get onto the mat and to enjoy a yoga session whether as a novice or a seasoned yoga enthusiast. All sessions must be pre-booked ahead of the event to secure a place on the day.

Challenge Zone - The incredible 30ft climbing wall is returning offering festival goers a challenge to scale new heights and enjoy elevated views of the Quayside. The Army will be putting festival goers through their paces with the Hang Tough Challenge while the Royal Air Force Air Cadets will be offering a more dextrous challenge with paper plane making sessions. Back by popular demand, crazy golf also returns, offering a fun challenge for all ages.

Newcastle Card Show Collectors Corner - A brand new addition to this year's Quayside Carnival, the Card Trading Zone is set to be a must-visit for Pokémon fans and trading card enthusiasts.

Day Out By Bus Zone - In partnership with Seven Stories, the National Centre for Children's Books, families can enjoy interactive storytelling inspired by places across Newcastle and the wider North East, encouraging little explorers to discover adventures waiting just a bus ride away.

River Tours with Tyne Cruises - Visitors the chance to be among the first to experience The Canny Lass, the company's brand-new 98-passenger catamaran, ahead of its official launch this August. Festival-goers can enjoy an unforgettable sightseeing taster cruise along the River Tyne, taking in Newcastle iconic waterfront from a whole new perspective aboard one of the city's newest attractions. With places expected to be snapped up quickly, advance bookings are essential via getintonewcastle.co.uk.

Mocktail Making Sessions - Gino D’Acampo’s restaurant will be taking part in the festival fun for the first time, offering free mocktail making sessions with one of their talented team of bartenders. Guests will be introduced to the world of mocktails, exploring different flavours, ingredients and textures. Kids will get the chance to complete a fun activity sheet to design their own mocktail, before bringing it to life.  Kids eat free at Gino’s during the Carnival, so it is a great chance to fuel up before heading out to enjoy more of the festivities. These sessions need to be pre-booked via Eventbrite.