Newcastle has a little bit of everything. With a centuries-old history, architectural sites, a diverse and delicious culinary scene, local casinos featuring a selection of the most popular games, and stunning nature trails just a stone’s throw away, the city is a joy to visit and an even more wonderful place to live. Having the coast and the countryside right on your doorstep, as well as plenty of things to do year-round, it’s a place that has enough charm and energy to keep you constantly entertained.
Apart from the local businesses and friendly people, however, it’s the annual events that keep everyone’s calendars packed with unforgettable experiences, whether it has to do with food, comedy, celebration, or music. Excited for a new year jam-packed with events to look forward to? Let’s go over some unmissable happenings in Newcastle Upon Tyne.
Consider yourself a fan of music, art, and performance? The Late Shows event is sure to jazz up a random weekend in May, taking you to an array of exciting venues across Ouseburn Valley, Gateshead, and central Newcastle. You can go wherever the wind takes you, with dozens of art studios, galleries, historical buildings, and studio collectives to discover. These venues all host their very own special events, some requiring advance booking and others with a small admission fee for interactive activities.
Who it’s for: Those looking for a late-night taste of culture.
Newcastle Food and Drink Festival (May)
Hosted yearly at Exhibition Park, the Newcastle Food and Drink Festival is two to three days of internationally inspired eats, intriguing chef demos, local artisan crafts and produce, and plenty of entertainment for all ages. In 2024, the festival featured a total of 26+ live performers, a street food arena, a full ale house, a fun fair, art displays, dessert stations, and much more. With early bird tickets at just £5.95, it’s an event you won’t want to miss.
Who it’s for: Foodies and those looking for an especially fun day out in the park.
Although Pride Month is hosted in June, the Pride in the City festival takes place in July in the Newcastle city centre—because, let’s face it, celebrating LGBTQ+ pride doesn’t have to be confined to a month. In 2024, the event welcomed over 82,000 people for a successful and beneficial event for both the people and the city. The theme was “unapologetically visible,” and that’s exactly what everyone set out to be and do. Free events surrounding sexual health, wellbeing, music, art, dance, and film were all available to attend, and the many participating businesses helped position Newcastle as a supporter of diversity and inclusion.
Who it’s for: Members of the LGBTQ+ and their allies.
Mouth of the Tyne Festival (July)
Although the first Mouth of the Tyne Festival was hosted in 2005, it’s hard to believe anyone would’ve expected it to become such a highly anticipated annual event. It started as a way to bring somelife to the little coastal village of Tynemouth but later became a live music and street theatre festival that people intentionally travel to. Mouth of the Tyne became so significant that line-ups began including some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Bryan Ferry, James Bay, Laura Marling, Paloma Faith, and Siouxsie Sioux.
Who it’s for: Music lovers who want to attend a festival full of tradition.
Exhibition Park isn’t just home base for one of the city’s most beloved events but also for another—the Newcastle Mela. The 2024 edition of the event celebrated its 30th anniversary, hosting over 40,000 visitors from all over the region. This family-friendly event is a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in a variety of South Asian cultures, whether it’s through delicious eats, unique clothing and gifts, traditional acts, or arts and crafts. Ever wanted to try henna tattoos or an authentic biriyani? Well, now’s your chance!
Who it’s for: Those looking to explore different cultures.
Newcastle Fringe Festival (November)
If you love theatre, music, or comedy, it’s official—the Newcastle Fringe Festival is for you. Presenting an amazing line-up of incredibly talented people, you can attend daily dance, cabaret, music, poetry, comedy, and theatre performances over the span of two weeks. Most performances are hosted at the award-winning Alphabetti Theatre, an essential part of Newcastle and the UK’s theatre industry. Staple performances from the 2024 season included The Ballad of Billie and the Tree Stump, Messy Kind: Chilli Con Carne, and Amy Matthews’ Commute with the Foxes.
Who it’s for: Theatre fanatics and performance geeks
Newcastle Christmas Markets (November – December)
Christmas is a magical time of year no matter where you are in the world—Newcastle upon Tyne included. The city prides itself on its many holiday events, especially its various Christmas markets. While there are light shows to attend, ice skating to do, and plays to see, these quaint and charming markets are full of family-friendly activities, warm drinks, exclusive stalls to find gifts, and yummy treats to fill your belly on a cold day. At Grey Street, Grainger Street, Old Eldon Square, and Grey’s Monument, you’ll find vastly different experiences that all call for a visit.
Who it’s for: People looking to get into the spirit of Christmas