Looking for something to do mid-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 Wednesday 13th to Saturday 23rd August.
Durham Children’s Book Festival – Durham city centre – Thurs 14th and Fri 15th Aug
We’re starting in Durham Market Place because it will be transformed into a book‑lover’s playground. Durham Children’s Book Festival is on Thursday 14th and Friday 15th August from 9:30am to 4pm. This free, family‑friendly fiesta brings stories to life with author and illustrator workshops, story‑themed trails, and plenty of playful inspiration for budding readers, writers, and artists. Little ones and teens alike can dive into creative activities designed to spark the imagination, and maybe pick up a pencil or two along the way! And the best bit is that you don’t need a ticket for any of this, just a love of books, but if you want any more info at all, take a look at the Durham Children’s Book Festival Facebook page.
Middlesbrough Mela – Albert Park – Sat 16th and Sun 17th Aug
Get ready for a vibrant weekend as Middlesbrough Mela turns 35 years old on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th August, taking over Albert Park with a kaleidoscope of culture, colour, and fun. This free and family-friendly festival is always hugely popular and for very good reason! The main stage will be buzzing all day with live performances and DJs, and there’s some brilliant activities to get involved with too, like Bollywood dancing workshops, storytelling, a climbing wall and so much more. And of course, there’ll be a range of stalls to browse, offering delicious food, henna painting, jewellery and accessories – the list just goes on. But the top highlight is celebrity headliner, Jay Sean, who’ll be performing on Saturday night in a ticketed evening show. The programme is absolutely jam-packed, so there’s definitely something to suit absolutely everyone and this truly is an event that welcomes all. Just head to Albert Park this weekend to join the fun or visit the Middlesbrough Mela website if you’d like to book Jay Sean tickets.
Bishop Auckland Family Festival – Jane Armstrong Park – Sat 16th and Sun 17th Aug
It’s going to be a brilliant weekend at Jane Armstrong Park in Bishop Auckland as the Family Festival returns for its second year on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th August. And the best bit is that it’s absolutely free with no advance booking needed. This year’s festival links to the LEGO®-inspired Brick Flicks exhibition at the Town Hall, so you can expect activities to match, like creative “make‑and‑take” LEGO print workshops and building competitions. But there’s so much more to see and do, like a giant marble run, mini golf, face painting, bouncy castles and a giant 13 foot puppet called Eko, who’ll be wandering the park on Saturday. It’ll be the first time a puppet of that size has been to Bishop Auckland, so that’s a big highlight of the programme. So take your imagination, your family, and a picnic blanket, and settle in for a day of fun over the weekend in Jane Armstrong Park.
Whitby Folk Week – multi-venue across the town – Sat 16th to Fri 22nd Aug
Whitby Folk Week is a fabulous week‑long celebration of traditional song, dance, music and storytelling, stretching across Whitby’s charming streets and venues from Saturday 16th to Friday 22nd August. There’ll be daily dance displays parading through town, lively parades on the opening Saturday and closing Friday, and a packed calendar of concerts, workshops in singing, dance and instruments, plus evening ceilidhs and social dances in the iconic Pavilion. There’ll also be a buzzing music and craft fair each day, stacked with instruments, handmade items and festival goodies. And for little ones? There are daily family-friendly activities, so this is a great festival for absolutely everyone. You can buy day, weekend or season tickets via the Whitby Folk Week website, so take a look and enjoy.
Much Ado About Nothing – Hexham Abbey – Sun 17th Aug
Don your comfiest blanket or camping chair and pedal your way to an unforgettable outdoor evening at Hexham Abbey, where the brilliantly eccentric HandleBards are bringing Much Ado About Nothing to life with everything they need pedalled in on bikes! On Sunday 17th August, expect love‑tangled antics, mischievous plotting, and a whirlwind of physical comedy as they race, romp, and banter through Shakespeare’s chaotic courtship caper in their signature chaotic style. Bring a picnic, dress for British weather and prepare for an evening of laughter amid ancient cloisters. You can buy tickets on the HandleBards website or you can find more info via Hexham Abbey.
Bat Out Of Hell – Sunderland Empire – Mon 18th to Sat 23rd Aug
We’re revving up for a turbo‑charged theatrical ride as Bat Out of Hell: The Musical tears into the Sunderland Empire from Monday 18th to Saturday 23rd August! Buckle up for a dystopian chase through Obsidian, where eternally youthful rebels led by Strat fall head‑over‑Doc‑Martens for Raven, daughter of a tyrant. It’s a rock‑opera love story set to Meat Loaf’s most epic anthems with powerhouse performances from Glenn Adamson and Katie Tonkinson. This reimagined production unleashes over 20 classic hits like Bat Out of Hell, I’d Do Anything for Love and Paradise by the Dashboard Light, all against a backdrop of blazing pyrotechnics and a live eight‑piece rock band. Expect heart‑thumping drama, wild romance, and unapologetic rock ‘n’ roll energy in this pedal to the metal musical. Get tickets now via the Sunderland Empire website.
Roller Discos – Stockton Globe – Thurs 21st to Sat 23rd Aug
You’re invited to lace up those skates and get your groove on at the Stockton Globe! From Thursday 21st to Saturday 23rd August, the theatre will be transforming into a spinning wonderland of roller disco delight, with sessions to suit every vibe. The Daytime Roller Disco is perfect for families and pop tunes, while the Party Disco Nights on the Thursday and Saturday nights will crank it up for the over 18s with live beats spun by DJ Ritchie and flashing lights. And on Friday, it’s all romance as the Date & Skate Disco sets the scene for love‑tinged spins and shared laughs. So whether you’ve got small kids or you’re a twenty-something or you just fancy doing something a little different, this is going to be a whole lot of fun. You can take a look at all the different sessions and book your tickets on the Stockton Globe website.
Ahoy at the Castle – Bamburgh Castle – until Sun 31st Aug
Calling all landlubbers and mini‑buccaneers! Until Sunday 31st August, Bamburgh Castle is undergoing a full‑on pirate takeover with Ahoy at the Castle – think swashbuckling fun, hidden treasure, and seafaring shenanigans, all set against the dramatic Northumberland coast. Families can join Ahoy Academy Pirate School, where rookie sailors learn to walk the plank, hoist anchors, belt out sea shanties or even fire a pretend cannon. Set sail on a treasure hunt, crack riddles, and claim the Bamburgh bounty. Little hands can get crafty with “Make Yer Mark” pirate-themed crafts, or dive into legends with Pirate Creatures revealing the furry or scaly sidekicks of the seas. And all of these activities are included with general castle admission, so you won’t need to spend any extra doubloons. Check out the Bamburgh Castle website for more info and to book your day tickets.
Make sure you check back next week for more amazing events!
