Looking for something to do towards the middle of August 2025 in the North East? I’ve got you covered with this list. As part of my feature on BBC Tees and Newcastle, I select my top picks of things happening across the North East, and here’s what I’ve chosen for Friday 8th to Friday 15th August (and an event on August Bank Holiday because I couldn’t resist!).
Summer activities at Locomotion, Shildon – until Sun 31st Aug
We’re starting at Locomotion in Shildon for their summer activities. Until Sunday 31st, you can expect a whole host of fun with a different theme each week, but of course, it’ll all be centred around trains and the railway. So for example, in their Pulling Power week, budding engineers can design engines with railway stencils, print loco-inspired art, or build a take-home jigsaw train. In the Engineering week, you can think K’NEX creations, Meccano builds, and paper model kits of classic trains. Add in steam rides, a pop-up seaside with sand, deckchairs, churros and ice cream, and you’ve got a summer of fun for the whole family. All of these activities and entry to the museum are free, so just head along to Locomotion to get stuck in or visit their website to see all the details.
NE1 Summer in the City – across Newcastle – until Sun 31st Aug
Newcastle’s Summer in the City brings over 75 free activities to the Quayside and beyond, with something for all ages to enjoy. From yoga and kids’ music workshops to cake decorating, guided tours and kayaking on the Tyne, it’s a totally mixed bag. They’re all on until Sunday 31st but one of the highlights is the Quayside Carnival, which is happening on Saturday 9th. Taking over the riverfront, all the way from Newcastle City Marina to past Pitcher & Piano, there’ll be tons of family-friendly activities, like meet-and-greets with your favourite characters, circus workshops, arts and crafts, and so much more! And again, it’s all totally free, so you can head to the Quayside on Saturday to join in or visit the NE1 website to find out more about the carnival and the other activities going on over the summer.
Twice Brewed Beer & Music Fest – Twice Brewed Inn, Hexham – Fri 8th to Sun 10th Aug
Nestled beneath Hadrian’s Wall at the Twice Brewed Inn, the Beer & Music Festival will be on from Friday 8th to Sunday 10th, combining award‑winning craft ales with hearty tunes and scenic Northumbrian views. With up to 30 beers on tap, including Twice Brewed favourites like Sycamore Gap, Steel Rigg, Vindolanda IPA and guest brews, plus a gin, wine and spirits bar, there’s plenty to sip. There’ll be live music all weekend, from acoustic sets to blues, folk and rock lineups, and the Sunday will be a family‑friendly finale with planetarium shows, bouncy castles and afternoon tunes. Tickets include a branded glass and one drink token, with kids’ tickets and camping available as well, so this is a fab option for the whole family. Check out Twice Brewed Inn’s website to book your tickets and find more info.
Saltburn Folk Festival – Fri 8th to Sun 10th Aug
Saltburn Folk Festival is back from Friday 8th to Sunday 10th, bringing a whole weekend of folk music, storytelling, ceilidhs and family fun to the Teesside coast. Whether you’re a longtime folk fan or simply love music, dance and community, there’s something for everyone on their multi-venue programme. Of course, the main focus is a music line up which is packed with nationally acclaimed folk artists alongside emerging voices from across the country, with names such as the Martin Simpson Trio, Nick Hart & Tom Moore, and The Wilson Family, but it’s chockfull with different artists and bands to see. Festival workshops, singarounds, free outdoor bandstand shows and storytelling sessions will add a bit creative charm, so it’s going to be brilliant. If that sounds up your street, you can buy your tickets and find more info on the Saltburn Folk Festival website.
Sedgefield Show – Sedgefield Showground – Sat 9th Aug
The Sedgefield Show returns on Saturday 9th at the town’s showground. This classic British country show is always a really fun day out, whether you’re you’re entering a prize vegetable or just enjoying a pint and people‑watching on a sunny Saturday! From 9am to 6pm, you can expect to see cattle, horse and dog competitions, vintage tractors, home crafts and so much more. There’s also plenty of street food and produce stalls to browse, and rides for the kids, so it’s a great one for families. Entries to the competitions have now closed, but you can absolutely still go along and just enjoy a day there, and tickets can be bought on the Sedgefield Show website.
Whitby Regatta – Sat 9th to Mon 11th Aug
The Whitby Regatta is back from Saturday 9th to Monday 11th bringing a full weekend of yacht and rowing races, and free entertainment to the seaside town. This regatta has a history of over 180 years and it’s still going strong to this day. This three day seaside extravaganza features classic rowing races across Whitby Bay, a Sandsend-to‑Whitby swim on Saturday, a Regatta Fun Run, and plenty of free family entertainment including tombola, face painting, bouncy castles and character appearances. Vintage vehicle fans will also love the classic car, scooter and motorbike rallies, and everything will wind down on Monday evening to end in a spectacular firework display. This is a free event and you don’t need a ticket so just head to Whitby from Saturday to Monday to join in or have a look at the Whitby Regatta website if you need more info.
SIX – Newcastle Theatre Royal – Tues 12th to Sat 23rd Aug
Brace yourselves because SIX is returning to the Newcastle Theatre Royal! From Tuesday 12th to Saturday 23rd, this global hit will reimagine the six wives of Henry VIII as pop princesses remixing five centuries of drama into an 80‑minute explosion of girl power with no interval and no mercy. Expect chart‑topping tunes, bold costumes, fierce lyrics, and sassier lipstick than Tudor portraits ever dared. Awarded over 35 international prizes including Tony and Whatsonstage accolades, this sell‑out sensation packs historic heartbreak and empowerment into one unforgettable stage bash. It’s one of my personal favourites and something I highly recommend, so snatch up some of the last tickets on the Theatre Royal’s site while you can.
Fourteen Drops Rose Wine Festival – Fourteen Drops Market Hall, Yarm – Sat 23rd and Sun 24th Aug
Get ready to sip, swirl, and sparkle at the Fourteen Drops ‘Drink Pink’ Rosé Festival, a whole weekend of laidback luxury celebrating the world’s most stylish sip. Taking over the Fourteen Drops Market Hall on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th August, this boutique bash features 40 hand-picked rosés from Provence to the New World, paired with gourmet treats like oysters, charcuterie cones and artisan toasties. Each ticket includes a Rosé Fest wine glass, festival tote, tasting passport, and £20 credit to splash on food and drink. And as if that wasn’t enough, your ticket also grants you access to the after party with Counter Culture from 7pm on the Sunday. Whether you’re wine-curious or rosé-obsessed, this is summer’s pinkest highlight, so check out the Fourteen Drops Rosé Festival website to book your tickets.
Make sure you check back next week for more amazing events!
