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 the second edition of their beer festival, snap up some tickets to The Enormous Crocodile at the Theatre Royal, 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!
Peacock Playhouse: Bank Holiday Special @ Purple Peacock
Take a trip to the Peacock Playhouse this Bank Holiday for an unforgettable bottomless brunch experience! On top of free-flowing drinks and some delicious dishes, their talented entertainers will be bringing the feel-good vibes and party atmosphere to the Purple Peacock. Save us a seat at the table, yeah?
Sunday 24th May 2026, From £49.95
Almost Heaven @ Pilgrim
Alternatively, if you’d prefer to be home in time for a biscuit and a cuppa, Pilgrim’s regular daytime clubbing sesh - Almost Heaven - has you covered, with some of the best DJs in Toon setting the tone for an incredible afternoon, as well as plenty of drinks on the bar, and a dancefloor to groove away on.
Saturday 23rd May 2026, Free entry
The Enormous Crocodile @ Theatre Royal
The mischievous musical based on Roald Dahl’s beloved book comes to Newcastle Theatre Royal this bank holiday. The Enormous Crocodile is weaving his way through the Toon looking for his lunch, and it’s down to the other brave jungle creatures to foil his plans. You’ll want to snap some tickets up soon for this one!
Thursday 21st – Sunday 24th May 2026, From £13
Blackfriars Beer Festival @ Blackfriars
Blackfriars is hosting the second edition of its 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 – sounds like an ideal way to while away the weekend.
Friday 22nd – Sunday 24th May 2026, From £9.50
The Saturday Show @ The Stand
Where can you catch five top-notch comedians, all in the space of one night? The Stand’s Saturday Show, of course! Their mixed line-up is certain to have something to make everyone chuckle, whether you’re a regular at this weekly get-together, or it’s your first time. Plus, you’ll be able to grab a bite to eat from Bryan Does Food in the bar and terrace until thirty minutes before showtime.
Saturday 23rd May 2026, From £20
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 22nd & Saturday 23rd May 2026, Free entry
Across the Universe @ Northern Stage
Come Together at Northern Stage, as Across the Universe returns to the stage. Celebrating The Beatles’ “studio years”, this awesome production brings recordings back to life with incredible detail and accuracy thanks to the hard work of talented vocalists and world class orchestrations from live strings and brass.
Sunday 24th May 2026, From £30
Bank Holiday Paint & Sip @ Slug & Lettuce Quayside
Grab a cocktail and get those creative juices flowing with a Bank Holiday Paint & Sip at the Slug & Lettuce Quayside. Hosted by Get Crafty NE, with all painting materials provided, all you’ll need to bring is your pals, your imagination, and your good energy! And who knows? You might discover a brand-new hidden talent…
Monday 25th May 2026, From £24.54
The DIVA Show… Let’s Go Girls! @ Wylam Brewery
After past sell-out performances, The DIVA Show… Let’s Go Girls! Is back at Wylam Brewery this bank holiday for an unforgettable, empowering party. Expect to hear plenty of uplifting and singalong anthems performed live by a seven-piece band with full horn section – plus support from DJ Tommy Caulkner too. So whether you prefer to groove away along to Diana Ross or Chaka Khan, this is one you won’t want to miss.
Sunday 24th May 2026, From £15
Under the Radar: An Indie Showcase Event @ Think Tank?
Ever wished you’d caught your favourite band live before they got big and started selling out arenas? Well, now’s your chance to catch some of indie music’s up-and-coming stars, with Under the Radar at Think Tank? Featuring Scottish band Dictator, local band Wool, and acoustic sets from James Whitham and Alf Hill, it’s set to be a brilliant night.
Saturday 23rd May 2026, From £10
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: Blackfriars Beer Festival
Want to be in the know about everything that’s happening in Newcastle city centre? Sign up to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok.
