What is The Late Shows and what kind of experience can I expect in Newcastle and Gateshead?

The Late Shows is a city‑wide, late‑night arts event across Newcastle and Gateshead where galleries, museums and cultural venues stay open with exhibitions, performances, installations and special activities so you can explore venues after regular hours.

Where does The Late Shows take place across Newcastle and Gateshead and how do visitors move between venues?

Events are spread across Newcastle and Gateshead city centres and riverside venues, with many sites within walking distance; visitors commonly walk between nearby venues and use public transport or taxis for longer journeys. Click here for a map of the participating venues.

Do I need to book tickets in advance for The Late Shows in Newcastle and Gateshead?

Many Late Shows activities are drop‑in, but some talks, workshops or performances may require tickets or advance booking, so check the event programme for booking details for specific listings. Click here for the full events programme.

Is The Late Shows a one‑day event or does it run on multiple dates in Newcastle and Gateshead?

The Late Shows is presented as an annual, evening arts programme across Newcastle and Gateshead, starting in Ouseburn on Friday 8th May and then across Newcastle and Gateshead on Saturday 9th May - check the current year’s programme for exact dates and times.

The Late Shows Newcastle

Name: The Late Shows
Start: 2026-05-08T18:00:00+01:00
End: 2026-05-09T22:30:00+01:00

The Late Shows are an award-winning free after-hours culture crawl that takes place annually in May across venues in Ouseburn Valley, Gateshead, and central Newcastle. 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 2026 event will take place on Friday 8 May in the Ouseburn Valley and on Saturday 9 May across Gateshead and central Newcastle.

How does The Late Shows work? Is there a set route?

The Late Shows is a culture crawl with scores of venues taking part across the weekend. Participating venues host special events with a 15-20 minute dwell time. There is no official route but line-up information will be released in March 2026 so you can think about what you want to see and do. During The Late Shows, volunteer stewards will give out free event programmes and you can also use this website on your phone to see what's on near to where you are.

How much does it cost and do I need to book?

All venues taking part in The Late Shows are free to enter during the weekend event and the vast majority of events are drop in. Some attractions have limited capacities and many need to be booked in advance. Some venues may charge an admission fee for special exhibitions or participatory activities with an artistic element. Venues do not receive any funding to cover the costs of taking part in the event, they may be selling their products as well as food and drink and your support either by making a purchase or a donation is hugely appreciated.

How can I get around between venues?

Many venues are within walking distance from each other but we also offer some free buses to help you go further afield.

A selection of highlights from the programme for 2026:

Friday 8 May – Ouseburn only

A Free Music Party at Cobalt Studios: A high‑energy night of totally free global live music, plus open studios, exhibitions and a thriving creative crowd.
Make Your Mark at Biscuit Tin Studios: Try three different printmaking techniques and create your own artwork to take home.
Folk Stories at The Biscuit Factory: Enjoy an evening of art, music and storytelling with Kathryn Williams, creative drop‑in activities and slow‑living vibes inspired by the gallery’s exhibitions.
ARS: Act Reflect Sustain at Albion Row Studios: Meet the artists of this independent studio collective as they open their workspaces for conversations, interactive activities and a special exhibition celebrating their new artist‑run project space.
Be Live on Air at Radio Ouseburn CIC (The Cluny): Step into the studio and try your hand at being a live DJ. Introduce your favourite tracks or experiment with mixing and editing during this open‑studio broadcast experience.

Saturday 9 May – Gateshead

The Lock‑In Sessions at Hidden Heights Creative Studio: An intimate archway‑studio party hosted by Hidden Sessions Radio, full of creative energy, local talent and a proper end‑of‑night boogie.
Courtyard Beach Party at Atlas North East (Orbis Community Courtyard): An urban beach‑party takeover with music, dancing, art and fish & chips - a summer‑festival atmosphere right in the middle of Gateshead.
Sunset at Dunston Staiths:
Experience the Tyne from a new perspective at this historic riverside structure.
The Power of Plants at Gateshead Central Library: Test your senses in hands‑on workshops exploring herbs, scents and plant‑based crafts. Make your own plant label, try vegetable printing, and discover the library as part of its 100‑year celebrations.

Saturday 9 May – Newcastle

Grainger Unplugged, Grainger Market by Creative Central NCL: Live music will fill the market as bands and buskers pop up across the aisles. Explore performances, grab street‑food and drinks, and enjoy late‑night shopping in a lively, informal atmosphere.
Seven Bridges & Golf Around the Galleries, Discovery Museum: Step onto sensor pads to unlock Seven Bridges, a collaborative sound installation by music producers, Salt, inspired by the Tyne’s iconic bridges. Then take on Golf around the Galleries, a playful 14‑hole mini‑golf course winding through the museum’s displays.
True North, various locations with Creative Central NCL:
A poetry trail by Amy Langdown celebrating Newcastle’s creativity, installed across six sites. Wander the city, look up, and follow words that champion curiosity and artistic energy.
Splice Up Your Life with Tyneside Cinema: A film‑themed silent disco with remixed movie soundtracks and a 35mm film‑splicing station.
Night at the Library!, Newcastle City Library:
A lively late‑night opening featuring performances, activities and opportunities to explore the building after hours.

The full program, including a map of all participating venues is available here.

Mark your calendars and don’t miss this unmissable weekend of after-hours culture!