August 2026: 10 Unmissable Events in Newcastle
Our top picks for things to do this August in Newcastle
With foodie festivals, marvellous music and thrilling theatre taking over the whole of Newcastle’s city centre, there’s no excuse for boredom in the Toon this August!
So whatever you’re in the mood for, be it throwback tunes or family-friendly fun, we’ve got your summer covered.
NE1 Newcastle Restaurant Week @ Newcastle City Centre
NE1 Newcastle Restaurant Week makes it’s grand return this month, bigger and better than ever! The tastiest event in the Toon’s calendar sees over 130 eateries participating this August, dishing up £15, £20 and £25 offers from Monday 3rd to Sunday 9th August. And with a whopping 15 new venues participating in this summer’s edition, there’s never been a better time to explore a new cuisine, or return to an old favourite.
Monday 3rd – Sunday 9th August 2026, From £15
Read to the Beat @ Newcastle City Library
Newcastle City Library are taking families on adventures through melody, music and more with their Read to the Beat summer reading challenge. Designed to introduce bairns to the magic of books, there’s loads of events to explore here, from Matilda themed dance workshops to drawing workshops with Liz Million. What’s more, if little ‘uns become a library member and collected seven stickers by taking part in activities, they’ll be entered into an exciting prize draw too!
Multiple dates throughout August 2026, Free with booking required
The Drifters @ Tyne Theatre & Opera House
Head Under the Boardwalk this August to Tyne Theatre & Opera House, where The Drifters will be taking to the stage as part of their unmissable UK tour. Having been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and listed amongst the Greatest Artists of All Time by Rolling Stone magazine, you’ll be in the presence of certified musical legends on this incredible night of live music.
Saturday 1st August 2026, From £36.95
Faye Webster @ NX Newcastle
Also shaping Newcastle’s summer soundtrack this month is American singer-songwriter Faye Webster. Raised in a musical family (her mother played both the guitar and fiddle, while her grandfather was a bluegrass guitarist), the twenty-nine year old has garnered a loyal following of fans – including Barack Obama amongst their numbers, who cited Better Distractions as one of his favourite songs of 2020.
Tuesday 25th August 2026, From £25
Battle Royale @ Wylam Brewery
Storied scran skirmish – Battle Royale – is back at Wylam Brewery this August! Past and present winners from street food showdowns will be going head-to-head this bank holiday weekend, with a few surprises and fan favourites thrown into the mix for good measure. Who will be crowned the best of the best? Who will be crowned battle royale royalty? Guess you’ll have to go to find out…
Friday 28th – Saturday 29th August 2026, Free entry
NOVUM Festival @ City Centre
Meanwhile in early August, the city will be transformed into a huge playground, as NOVUM returns with spadefuls of creativity and entertainment. Their family-friendly programme includes everything from high-energy outdoor performances like Possê, to a walkaround film crew that you yourself can join with Blockbuster Factory. And if that doesn’t sound mad enough to convince you, then how about a giant dominoes run to close out the weekend? Yeah, we thought that’d work. See you there!
Friday 7th – Sunday 9th August 2026, Free
The Silence of the Lambs @ Theatre Royal
Spooky season arrives early at Newcastle’s Theatre Royal, as The Silence of the Lambs makes its world stage premiere. Based on Thomas Harris’s thrilling novel, the production stars John Partridge (Eastenders, Cabaret) as the ever terrifying Hannibal Lector and Mollie Gallagher (Coronation Street) as FBI trainee Clarice Starling, who must reckon with the decision of whether to let Hannibal ‘The Cannibal’ into her head to help catch a new sadistic serial killer. Expect gasps and goosebumps aplenty!
Tuesday 18th – Saturday 22nd August 2026, From £19
Totally Gaga: A Tribute to Lady Gaga @ O2 City Hall
Calling all Little Monsters! If you weren't lucky enough to catch Lady Gaga on tour last year, then book up for the next best thing this August with Totally Gaga at O2 City Hall. Complete with a live band and dazzling dancers, top-class Lady Gaga tribute star Georgia Crandon will take you through all of Gaga's greatest hits - from Bad Romance to Born This Way.
Friday 7th August 2026, Prices vary
Mela in the City & Newcastle Mela @ Grey’s Monument / Exhibition Park
Showcasing the rich heritage of Pakistani, Bengali, Indian and other South Asian cultures, Newcastle Mela is always an unmissable event in Newcastle’s events calendar – and this year is no exception! As always, the weekend will kick off with Mela in the City at Grey’s Monument, a fantastic free day of events and activities in the city centre. Then, Newcastle Mela takes over Exhibition Park, with shedloads of music, food and entertainment to enjoy, with there truly being something for everyone on offer.
Saturday 29th – Monday 31st August 2026, Free
The Park Series @ Leazes Park
Newcastle’s festival calendar shows no signs of slowing down this month, with the arrival of The Park Series. McFly will be taking to the stage first on Friday 28th August, transforming Leazes Park with their high-energy production and sing-along hits, so you’ll Obviously want tickets to see ‘em! Then on Sunday 30th August, The Human League will be bringing their ‘80s energy, making Hard Times feel like an age away.
Friday 28th & Sunday 30th August 2026, Prices vary
Phew! We told you there was plenty happening this month. And there’s loads we haven’t mentioned either, like the return of Dog on the Tyne and Quayside Carnival, so if you’re still left with a few empty weekends this August, then check out our summer calendar of must-do events in the city!
Featured image: Fuego / Restaurant Week
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