August Bank Holiday 2025: 10 Amazing Events in Newcastle
Our guide to the August bank holiday weekend’s must-do events
It pains us to say that summer will soon be drawing to a close, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have a little fun before saying farewell to the season thanks to all the fantastic events happening over the August bank holiday weekend in Newcastle.
So, whether you fancy dancing to bhangra at Newcastle Mela, stuffing your face at Wylam Brewery’s latest food battle or a Shrek movie marathon at Screen on the Green, this August bank holiday weekend in Newcastle will help you see out the summer with a bang.
Bank Holiday Shrek Special @ NE1’s Screen on the Green, Old Eldon Square
We weren’t lying when we said you’ll be swamped (pardon the pun) with things to do this bank holiday, especially if you head to Screen on the Green’s Shrek Special! From 10:30am, it’s going to be an all-out ogre-fest at Old Eldon Square with the big screen showing all four films in the popular Shrek movie series – so grab your little ogres and some popcorn and settle in for some family film fun!
Monday 25th August, Free
Noughty 90s Newcastle @ Leazes Park
Get set for some serious nostalgia when Noughty 90s makes its annual return to Newcastle this August bank holiday weekend! As per usual, the festival is bringing a line-up packed with top acts from the nineties and noughties including the likes of Atomic Kitten, Livin’ Joy, Darren Styles and DJ Sammy – perfect for reliving the halcyon days of your misspent youth!
Saturday 23rd August, £39.99
Battle Royale @ Wylam Brewery
It wouldn’t be August bank holiday in the Toon without Wylam Brewery’s annual Battle Royale – the grandaddy of its legendary street food battles that brings together past participants from the likes of Battle of the Burger, Mexican Standoff and Slice Wars to duke it out for the title of “Best Dish”. With vendors including My Delhi, Meat:Stack, Acropolis and Lola Jeans already confirmed, it’s heaven for street food fans and Wylam will of course be dishing out beers to keep you refreshed throughout.
Friday 22nd August – Saturday 23rd August, Free entry
Historic Combat Demonstrations @ Newcastle Castle
And now, for a battle of a very different nature with the Hotspur School of Defence at Newcastle Castle! Between 10am and 4pm on Sunday 24th August, they’re taking over the Castle’s Great Hall to teach visitors all about the medieval art of combat with 15-minute sessions covering everything from fencing styles to weaponry like longswords and poleaxes. It’s included in the cost of your entry ticket, but we’d recommend booking your free spot to avoid missing out on this unique experience!
Sunday 24th August, Free Included in cost of ticket
The Friday Show @ The Stand
Game for a giggle this bank holiday weekend? Look no further than Newcastle’s premier comedy club The Stand and kickstart your weekend with a laugh at The Friday Show. With a mixed-bill five act show, your funny bone is bound to be tickled and – better yet – thanks to The Stand’s summer sale, you’ll get 25% off tickets too!
Friday 22nd August, £15 (general admission with 25% off) / £10 (members and concessions)
Mela in the City & Newcastle Mela @ Exhibition Park
Newcastle Mela – the city’s annual celebration of Pakistani, Bengali, Indian and other South Asian cultures – makes a welcome return to Exhibition Park this bank holiday weekend for its 31st edition. The fun kicks off with Mela in the City on Saturday 23rd August around Grey's Monument where there'll be loads of free activities including henna tattoos, dance and drumming workshops and much more. Then, from 24th to 25th August, there's even more fun to be had at Exhibition Park when the official Newcastle Mela celebrations begin with lively music, arts and crafts, dance performances and stalls selling everything from mouthwatering food to unique clothes, jewellery and gifts.
Saturday 23rd August – Monday 25th August, Free entry
Disney Rave Drunch @ Purple Peacock
Think Disney is just for kids? Think again! Newcastle’s legendary show bar Purple Peacock is proving you don’t have to be pint-sized to indulge in a bit of the House of Mouse with their Disney Rave Drunch. So why not celebrate the end of summer like a prince or princess with a tasty feast, bottomless booze and all your favourite Disney tunes with a dancefloor twist?
Sunday 24th August, From £45
Afternoon Tea & The Thursday Murder Club @ Tyneside Cinema
If new whodunit The Thursday Murder Club is on your to-see list, then why not make it really special and team your viewing with afternoon tea at Tyneside Cinema? Enjoy a delightful selection of scones, cakes and sandwiches in their Coffee Rooms (with the chance to throw in prosecco for a little extra!) before retiring to the Classic Circle and seeing stars Helen Mirren, Ben Kingsley, Celia Imrie and Pierce Brosnan crack the case.
Saturday 23rd August, From £37.50
Cloister Garden Hog Roast @ Blackfriars
Soak up the last of the summer rays this bank holiday weekend in the gorgeous surrounds of Blackfriars’ Cloister Garden with a delicious hog roast. Kick off your al fresco feast with sharing platters of seasonal starters followed by spit-roast pig served with pork fat potatoes, season veg and gravy and finish with a delicious dessert. They’re even throwing in a home-brewed lager or glass of fizz on arrival too!
Sunday 24th August, £38 (adults) / £16.50 (children)
LEGO® Build the Change: Drop-In Mass Build @ Great North Museum: Hancock
Got some little LEGO® lovers to keep entertained this bank holiday weekend? Great North Museum: Hancock is here to help! Families with kids aged 6 and over are invited to the museum to take part in a series of drop-in build sessions using LEGO® bricks to solve real-world environmental challenges – so stop by and be part of the LEGO® revolution and build a better world, one brick at a time!
Saturday 23rd August & Monday 25th August, Free
Most of us find it a little bittersweet when another summer comes to an end but the best way to keep that summer feeling alive a little longer is to make a big weekend out of the bank holiday and with so much on offer in Newcastle, you’ve got no excuse not to enjoy it!
Main image: NE1’s Screen on the Green, Photo by Kevin Gibson
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