Looking for something to do at the end 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 Thursday 21st to Thursday 28th August.
Alnwick Town Festival – Thurs 21st to Sun 24th Aug
Alnwick town centre is turning into a lively paradise of food, music, market stalls and buzzing family fun over the August Bank Holiday weekend for the Alnwick Town Festival. From Thursday 21st to Sunday 24th, you can expect a huge selection of real ales – over 20 varieties from local and regional brewers, as well as ciders, wines, Prosecco, spirits, slushies and free soft drinks for designated drivers. Live local bands will perform across two stages (main and buskers), while the extended Bondgate Within market spills with artisan food and crafts, and there’ll be a family zone with kid-friendly activities. Pro tip: come early before the beer runs out! If you want any more info, take a look at the Alnwick Round Table website.
Food Battle Royale – Wylam Brewery, Newcastle – Fri 22nd and Sat 23rd Aug
Wylam Brewery’s Battle Royale is a two day street food extravaganza where tacos tussle with burgers, curries clash with pizzas, and your tastebuds call the shots. Entry’s free, just pick up tokens for £4 each for mini plates from vendors representing all your foodie faves, past and present Food Battles champs included. You’ll also find six bars, DJs, ice cream stalls, desserts, and all manner of sides to make a real day of it. It’s the summer’s scran‑fest you didn’t know you needed! It’s on Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd, and if you need any more info, take a look at the Wylam Brewery website.
GlastonAbbey – Hexham Abbey – Fri 22nd and Sat 23rd Aug
Did you miss Glastonbury or the Oasis reunion? GlastonAbbey at Hexham Abbey is your cheeky fix. Two nights of cover band glory, like Oasis 96 and StereoConics on Friday 22nd, and Sham Fender and Brightside Killers on Saturday 23rd. There’ll also be a house DJ, laser show, and food vans and a bar for refuelling. Tickets for this are limited, so I’d get your skates on if you fancy going. It’s the perfect blend of epic music and storied abbey vibes, but with a dash of fun cheekiness. You can find more info and buy your tickets via Hexham Abbey.
Sunderland Craft Beer Festival – Sunderland Fire Station – Fri 22nd to Sun 24th Aug
Unleash your inner beer detective at Sunderland’s Craft Beer Festival, staged in the gorgeous Fire Station. From the evening of Friday 22nd through to Sunday 24th afternoon, 15 indie UK breweries pour their finest into your souvenir tasting glass. Joining the liquid festivities are street food vendors, DJs spinning top beats, plus cider, wine, cocktails and low‑alcohol options to suit every palate. Tickets include your exclusive glass and a tasting programme, so if beer exploration is your thing, this is where your weekend flows beautifully. Book your tickets and find more info on the Sunderland Fire Station website.
Between The Tides Festival – Kirkleatham Museum & Gardens – Sat 23rd and Sun 24th Aug
Families, get ready because Redcar’s Between The Tides Festival will be transforming Kirkleatham Museum and Gardens into a fantastical playground of puppetry, theatre, dance, storytelling, and live music on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th. This event is totally free to attend and highlights include roaming performers, puppet adventures like The Caterpillar and the Turkey, BSL‑embedded storytelling (No Plan Bee), woodland silent discos, clay creature crafting, mask workshops, giant play food, and the inflatable Luminarium labyrinth (small charge applies). There’ll be street food too or you can take a picnic. It’s like stepping into a magical storybook, so just bring curiosity and comfy shoes! There are no tickets needed, but you can find more info on the Enjoy Redcar & Cleveland website.
Great North Feast – Bents Park, South Shields – Sat 23rd to Mon 25th Aug
Calling all food lovers! The Great North Feast at Bents Park is back from Saturday 23rd to Monday 25th with its sunny coastal vibes, street food brilliance, artisan traders, and live tunes, all set on the seafront. The main focus is the street food and there’ll be all kinds of deliciousness, like dirty smash burgers, woodfired pizzas and loaded naans. And alongside them, there’ll be artisan food traders, well-stocked bars and some live music, and to make it even better, it’s free entry too. These events have been running for a good few years and they’re always really popular, so I’d say to get yourself to Bents Park earlier rather than later to make sure nothing is sold out. But if you want more info, take a look at properfoodanddrinkfestivals.co.uk
Durham Classic Car Show – Durham city centre – Mon 25th Aug
On Bank Holiday Monday (25th), Durham’s historic streets will be flooded with over a hundred classic vehicles… think vintage motors, gleaming chrome, and polished curves in spots like the Market Place, along the bridges and Palace Green. From 11am to 4pm, you can wander the city centre, chat with proud vehicle owners, and maybe snap your new favourite ride. Kids also get special attention with fun activities around the Market Place. Best part? It’s completely free to watch the nostalgia‑on‑wheels roll by! If you want any more info at all, take a look at the Durham Classic Car Show website.
The Lightning Thief – Newcastle Theatre Royale – Wed 27th to Sun 31st Aug
Get ready to rumble with gods and monsters! The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical will be lighting up Newcastle Theatre Royal from Wednesday 27th to Sunday 31st with an incredible adventure. Percy discovers he’s a demigod, unleashes wild powers, and races to save the world from divine chaos, all with catchy tunes, flashing effects, smoke, and mythical creatures. It’s a high‑energy, family‑friendly thrill ride (ages 8+, includes strobe/smoke warnings), with evening and matinee shows, plus an accessible performance on Saturday 30th Aug. This would be a great way to see out the month, so don’t miss out on tickets!
Make sure you check back next week for more amazing events!
