2026 is going to be a massive year for events, festivals and fun in NewcastleGateshead! Take a look at some of the highlights...

We kicked off the year with a foodie favourite as NE1 Restaurant Week returned in January, followed by colourful Lunar New Year celebrations in February. Spring brought plenty of culture from the Newcastle-Gateshead Marathon in May to the award-winning The Late Shows, when more than 60 venues opened their doors after hours for a weekend of art, music, theatre and events. Then summer turned things up a notch with Newcastle Pride bringing a weekend of celebrations to the city, while in September the Great North Run brought thousands of runners and spectators to the city for the world's biggest half marathon.

And we're not done yet - there's still plenty to look forward to this year...

The 2026 Mercury Prize is landing at Utilita Arena on 22nd October with superstar nominees from local legends like JADE and Knats alongside Raye, Olivia Dean, Paul McCartney, Dave and many more. In the build-up to the main event, from 15th-22nd October, the 2026 Mercury Prize Fringe, powered by Generator, shines a spotlight on the North East’s emerging sounds with over 30+ gigs, workshops and masterclasses.

The festive season in NewcastleGateshead will be jam packed with events and celebrations old and new. The eagerly anticipated annual Fenwick Christmas window reveal is a huge part of the Geordie calendar and will be unveiled in the build up to the Christmas holidays. But what will the Christmas window theme be for 2026? Lace up your skates as Life's Ice Rink will be open from 7th November where you can glide around the rink with fun music themed events from Skatin' to Nashville, ABBA Cold and even Toon Tunes on ice!

Newcastle lights up on on 12th November for the city’s official Christmas Light Switch on with fun live entertainment and performances for the whole family before the city sparkles under the Christmas lights. The festive season gets into full swing with the return of Newcastle Christmas Market from 19th November - 23rd December and is the perfect way to embrace the holiday spirit with over 70 traders to browse before heading to the Christmas Village from 21st November - 31st December for plenty more festive family fun.

Newcastle is set to sparkle once again from 20th November - 31st December as Northern Lights returns to Leazes Park bringing never-before-seen displays to the dazzling light trail. Also be dazzled by the annual decoration of the city and fill up your stockings with festive shopping at Eldon Square and the Metrocentre.

As always, we will be keeping you up to date on the biggest and best events of 2026, so keep an eye on our website!

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NewcastleGateshead is the place to be for unmissable events. Look no further for your up-to-date guide of what’s on in Newcastle, Gateshead and the North East from live music, festivals, world-class sporting events, showstopping theatre and comedy nights that will
keep you laughing for days.

Whether you’re looking for something to do tonight, this weekend or later in the year - plan your visit to the North East around what’s on at the many attractions and venues across the region. Gather your friends, families and loved ones and make memories, share new experiences and take part in a wide range of activities across NewcastleGateshead.