Spring Bank Holiday: 10 Fun Things to Do in Newcastle
How to spend the long, lazy bank holiday weekend in the Toon
The long and lazy late May bank holiday weekend is almost here and if you’re looking to get out and about, Newcastle has you covered.
Soak up the vibes in Blackfriars’ cloister garden with their first-ever beer festival, treat the kids to a roar-some time with Dinosaur Adventure Live at Tyne Theatre and say “why aye caramba” with tasty south-of-the-border eats at Wylam Brewery’s Mexican Stand Off food battle – plus much, much more.
And remember – it’s the last bank holiday weekend ‘til August, so let’s make the most of it in the Toon!
Café Mambo: Bank Holiday Special @ Purple Peacock
We can’t guarantee the weather will be great this bank holiday weekend, but we can promise you’ll be whisked away to warmer climes at Purple Peacock with the return of their Ibiza-themed drunch show Café Mambo. Feast on delicious food and all the free-flowing drinks you can quaff in 90 minutes as their DJs and live performers bring the Balearic beats – the party continues on their terrace afterwards with even more classic Ibiza tunes!
Sunday 25th May 2025, From £45
Kids’ Pizza Making & Adults’ Brunch @ Fenwick
Book up for Fenwick’s pizza making workshop this bank holiday for a dough-lightful time for the whole family. While the experts from Fuego help mini chefs in the making cook up their very own pizza, the grown-ups get to enjoy a mimosa on arrival, a tasty brunch dish and a glass of house wine, draught beer or a soft drink – dough-licious!
Monday 26th May 2025 – Wednesday 28th May 2025, £18 (adults) / £15 (kids)
Mexican Stand Off @ Wylam Brewery
It wouldn’t be a bank holiday weekend in Newcastle without a Wylam Brewery food battle and this time it’s their legendary Mexican Stand Off. A smorgasbord of local street food traders will be dishing up south-of-the-border eats – think tacos, burritos, nachos, churros and more. Why aye caramba!
Friday 23rd May 2025 – Saturday 24th May 2025, Free entry
Sophie Ellis-Bextor @ O2 City Hall Newcastle
Prepare to be Hypnotised as Sophie Ellis-Bextor gets her Groovejet on at O2 City Hall this bank holiday weekend! A night of nostalgic and infections disco-pop classics is on the cards as the Murder on the Dancefloor singer takes to the stage on the Newcastle leg of her biggest UK headline tour. Catch You there?
Sunday 25th May 2025, From £42.05
No Scrubs @ Pilgrim
There’s even more musical nostalgia to enjoy over the bank holiday weekend at Pilgrim with their regular club night No Scrubs. DJs Jay Stone and Wayne C McDonald will be setting the bank holiday vibes with classic nineties and noughties R&B, with live vocals from local singer-songwriter Jamilah.
Saturday 25th May 2025, Free entry
Dinosaur Adventure Live: The Big Jurassic Storm @ Tyne Theatre & Opera House
A dino-mite adventure awaits at Tyne Theatre & Opera House this bank holiday weekend! The Dinosaur Adventure Live rangers find themselves in a bit of a pickle after the satellite controlling their island’s weather system malfunctions, causing a massive Jurassic storm that puts their dinosaurs’ lives in danger. Your mission? Help them reboot the satellite and save the T-Rex-iffic island residents before it’s too late!
Sunday 25th May 2025, From £10
Saturday Bottomless Brunch Party @ Pitcher & Piano
Quayside favourite Pitcher & Piano is always a blast at the weekend, and this bank holiday is no different. On the Saturday they’re hosting one of their legendary bottomless brunch parties so kick back and soak up those Quayside vibes with a brunch dish and two hours of non-stop drinks as their DJ sets the mood and their fire, LED and stilt performers keep you entertained.
Saturday 25th May 2025, £36
Underground Adventures with Murray the Mole @ Great North Museum: Hancock
Head to Great North Museum: Hancock this bank holiday weekend for some free, family-friendly fun with Murray the Mole! A collection of trails await as Murray invites families to explore the museum and its fascinating objects. Completing each trail earns you a sticker and visitors who complete all four trails and get a special Golden Murray sticker and the chance to enter a prize draw to win a Murray the Mole toy!
Until Friday 24th October 2025, Free
Blackfriars Beer Festival @ Blackfriars
Blackfriars is hosting its first-ever beer festival this bank holiday weekend, and you’re all invited! It’s taking place in their gorgeous cloister garden and eight brilliant local breweries will be showcasing their beers – including Blackfriars’ very own St. Dominic’s Brewery. There’s street food straight from Blackfriars’ BBQ too, and live music on the Saturday and Sunday afternoons – what better way to while away the weekend?
Friday 23rd May 2025 – Sunday 25th May 2025, £9.50
Harry Stachini: Grenade @ Alphabetti Theatre
If you’re looking for a good giggle this bank holiday weekend, look no further than Alphabetti Theatre. The hilarious Harry Stachini is stopping by with his new show Grenade which explores what he’s coined as “honesty grenades” – the kind of truths that can change your life dramatically. Join the teacher-turned-comedian as he reflects on the honesty grenade that destroyed his eight-year relationship, a mortgage and a blue whippet (poor pup!).
Saturday 24th May 2025, £16 / £3 (no questions asked)
From great food and drink to family fun and amazing music, there’s something for everyone this bank holiday weekend in Newcastle – so save that DIY project for another day and have some fun in the Toon instead!
Main image: Wylam Brewery
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