October 2025: 10 Unmissable Events in Newcastle
We round-up the must-attend events in Newcastle this October
Around every corner in the city right now, there seems to be some sort of new fandangle caffeinated pumpkin spice concoction. Which really, can only mean one thing – October has arrived in Newcastle.
And with that, comes our monthly round-up of unmissable events! So dear reader, light that over-fragranced seasonal candle (we know you have one!), and settle in for the low-down on everything you’ll want to attend this month. And trust us – from movies to musicals – there’s a lot.
2025 Mercury Prize @ Utilita Arena
For their first ever ceremony outside of London, the 2025 Mercury Prize award lands in Newcastle this October! Celebrating the very best of new UK and Irish music, the likes of CMAT, Fontaines D.C., Joe Webb, Pulp, Sam Fender and Wolf Alice have been shortlisted for the coveted ‘Album of the Year’ award, which you’ll be able to witness live – as well as performances from some of the twelve nominated acts. There’ll also be a fantastic free Mercury Fringe programme to enjoy from Friday 10th to Wednesday 15th October, with everything from masterclasses to showcases to enjoy, so get the low-down on all that by reading our must-do Mercury Fringe events article… once you’ve booked your tickets for the main event, of course!
Thursday 16th October 2025, From £39.50
CMAT: It’s the Euro-Country Tour! @ O2 City Hall
And speaking of CMAT, the now Mercury Prize-nominated artist will be gracing the Toon even earlier than the awards, with a gig at our very own O2 City Hall. You’ll probably recognize some tracks from the Irish singer already, with the likes of Take a Sexy Picture of Me going viral on socials. This October though, she’ll be celebrating the recent release of her third studio album EURO-COUNTRY, which has garnered critical acclaim since its release back in August. So get ready to do the “woke macarena” (if you know, you know) and join this incredible artist before she’s selling-out stadiums and taking over the world.
Monday 6th October 2025, Prices vary
Tyneside Irish Festival @ Tyneside Irish Centre
Thirty-nine years on from its very first instalment, the Tyneside Irish Festival continues to flourish in full force, making a very welcome return to Tyneside Irish Centre this October. There’s a hugely impressive progaramme of events to pick from, including performances from timeless music group Lane to the Glen, and award-winning Dublin folk singer Daoirí Farrell. That’s not forgetting a fascinating panel discussion with Dr. Connal Parr (assistant professor at Northumbria University), exploring the story of the Irish anti-apartheid movement, and of course the traditional Ceili Supper Night too. Fancy finding out more? Read our official Tyneside Irish Festival guide for everything you need to know about this year's edition!
Friday 17th – Sunday 26th October 2025, Prices vary
Discovery Nights – Going Underground @ Discovery Museum
The Discovery Museum’s adults-only, after-hours event also makes a welcome return this month, and this time around, they’re taking us underground! Inspired by the North East’s mining heritage, guests will have the opportunity to get hands-on with some historical objects, enjoy history talks from Henrietta Herald, and hear coal age inspired ghost stories from The Moss Troopers. Artist and former miner Bob Olley will also be in attendance, sharing first-hand anecdotes from the last shift at Whitburn Collery when it closed in 1968. And that’s not forgetting that writer Stephanie Lyttle and “Amateur Ancestor” Justine Boussard will also be offering poetry workshops and storytelling sessions too… sounds like you’ll be in for a jam-packed evening!
Friday 10th October 2025, From £10
Miss Saigon @ Theatre Royal
As powerful and poignant as ever, Boublil and Schönberg’s legendary musical Miss Saigon takes to the Theatre Royal stage this month, ahead of a major UK tour of Michael Harrison and Cameron Mackintosh’s fresh production. Following protagonist 17-year old Kim (Brit School graduate Julianne Pundan) as she is forced to work in a Saigon bar run by The Engineer (Seann Miley Moore, X Factor UK), falls in love with American GI Chris (Jack Kane) and the downfall of their relationship as Saigon falls and she must survive a treacherous journey back to him, it promises to be an unforgettable night out at the theatre.
Saturday 4th – Saturday 25th October 2025, From £17
Guided Walking Tour of Newcastle’s Queer History @ Newcastle City Centre
With the very first week-long global LGBTQ+ summit to be held in the UK coming to Newcastle, #SaferToBeMe will be leading fascinating walking tours around the Toon, offering the chance for guests to learn more about the city’s queer history. Imagining what queer life might have been like in the North East from the 16th to the late 20th century, you’ll hear stories about Ethel Williams and her “wife” Frances Hardcastle, tales about how Gateshead was the home of an Edwardian trans-activist, and learn how Durham was the first place in Britain to elect an out gay councilor, and much more.
Tuesday 21st October 2025, Free although donations are welcome
Oktoberfest Newcastle @ Times Square
Grab your stein and don your best lederhosen – Oktoberfest is well and truly back at Times Square this month! The 2,000 capacity traditional Bavarian beer hall is ready to cause a ruckus over three Saturdays in October, with live oompah bands to swill and spill those steins to, frankfurters to feast on, and currywursts if you’re craving ‘em. One thing we know for sure – absolute madness is guaranteed here. So we’d snap up those tickets pretty sharpish if we were you, ja? Prost!
Saturday 11th, Saturday 18th & Saturday 25th October 2025, From £12.50
GHOSTNorthEast Paranormal Investigation @ Live Theatre
BOO! Did we scare you? No? Maybe Live Theatre will have more success then, since GHOSTNorthEast are returning to this local haunt for an evening of paranormal investigation. You’ll have the unique chance to use a range of psychic and scientific tools to search the building for some ghostly goings on. If things going “bump” in the night gives you nightmares for weeks, this one probably isn’t for you. But, if those unexplained noises have you curious to see what’s going on, then walk this way… if you dare.
Thursday 30th October, Check website for availability
Outlawed @ Northern Stage
Join Robin Hood and his band of merry men at Northern Stage, as Outlawed invites you to take a seat inside The Major Oak (only Sherwood Forest’s hottest speakeasy, duh) for a night of fabulous burlesque, drag and comedy this October. It’s set to be so much fun that even the usually stringent Sherrif wants to join in the antics… As the outlaws themselves say, “stealing from the rich to give to the poor has never been so sexy!”
Friday 24th October 2025, From £12
Halloween All-Nighter @ Tyneside Cinema
A veritable right of passage for cinema-goers in Newcastle, Tyneside Cinema's Halloween All-Nighter makes a triumphant return this month, challenging cinephiles to survive the night with blood-chilling titles playing through until the wee hours of the morning. This time around, there’s four fearsome themes to mix and match from; a cavalcade of creatures doing “The Monster Mash”, a murderously mysterious line-up in “The Unusual Suspects”, female revenge fables in “Good for Her!”, and gnarly horror deep-cuts in “B is for… B-Movie”. It’ll be a nightmare on Pilgrim Street like no other, just remember, whatever you do, don’t fall asleep…
Saturday 25th – Sunday 26th October 2025, Prices vary
From ghoulish goings on to musical madness, it’s set to be a fast-paced month of fun, frights and festivals in Newcastle this October, so go out there and make the most of it!
Main image: CMAT: It’s the Euro-Country Tour!
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