If you’re looking for things to do in Teesside in September 2025, look no further than this list. From amazing events, to things for foodies, to ideas for kids, there’s something everyone in this list. Take a look at the list below for everything you need to know.
Jump to: events to look out for | markets | food events | theatre and live music | at the museum | craft workshops | ideas for national days
Events to look out for
Last Train Home Festival – Sat 6th – Join TRACKS for six stages of amazing independent music and comedy. Taking over The Forum Music Centre, The Hullabaloo Theatre and even Darlington Hippodrome’s beautiful auditorium, Tracks are bringing over 40 of the finest in local and national talent to town, all on a single ticket.
The Billingham Show in John Whitehead Park – Sat 6th and Sun 7th – The Billingham Show returns to John Whitehead Park, featuring horticulture, crafts, strongman events, dog shows, carnival rides and trade stalls and much more.
Norton’s Big Weekend – Fri 12th and Sat 13th – Norton businesses are coming together to put on a weekend of events for all to enjoy. The line up includes daytime events and activities that are suitable for families and will lead to the night time scene with further promotions, live music, and entertainment.
Darlington Rhythm & Tunes Festival – Sat 13th – Running for over 30 years, this ever-popular, free music event will return to Darlington town centre once again with another huge schedule of live bands over the weekend.
Tees Cottage Pumping Station Steampunk Weekend – Sat 13th and Sun 14th – The volunteers will be running the Beam Engine, Gas Engine, Blacksmith Shop, Small Engines and Boilers. The cottage cafe will be supplying some savoury and sweet food & drinks. The site will be filled with wonderful, imaginative and creative Steampunk costumes and stalls for you to enjoy.
Stokesley Show – Sat 20th – This year will be the 166th year of one of the largest one day shows in the country. There are many competition classes to enter and see, plus animals, stalls and food.
An Evening With Lucy Rose at Billingham Library – Thurs 18th – Join DRAKE The Bookshop for an evening of frights and delights as we discuss The Lamb with author, Lucy Rose. A folk tale, a horror story and a love story.
Women X Film Festival – Fri 19th to Sun 21st – A film festival that’s all about spotlighting the incredible talents of women and gender nonconforming filmmakers, bringing their diverse and groundbreaking stories to the big screen. Whether you’re into tear-jerkers, laugh-out-loud comedies, or mind-bending narratives, there’s something captivating here for every film lover.
Ghost Train: The Departure in Darlington town centre – Sat 20th – Ghost Train is a two-part outdoor performance taking place in Stockton and Darlington. The procession will begin in Darlington Market Square, where a replica of Locomotion No. 1 will be installed on a large plinth, its cogs and wheels moving as they did 200 years ago. The locomotive will lead six large-scale structures, each mounted on a customised Nissan Micra, through the town. Performers travelling with the convoy will bring each moving structure to life using sound, music and mechanical inventions, marking a journey that highlights some of the world’s most significant innovations as it travels to Hopetown.
Festival of Thrift – Sat 20th and Sun 21st – Festival of Thrift, a celebration of sustainability, creativity, and community spirit, is set to return to Billingham. Festivalgoers will be treated to performances, activities, culinary delights, live music and shared community experiences.
Redcar Running Festival – Sun 21st – Get ready to race as the Redcar Running Festival returns for 2025! Featuring a 3km, 10km and half marathon race, all taking place on 21st September. Whether you’re signing up to race or spectating, it’s sure to be a day to remember!
Middlesbrough Art Week – Thurs 25th to Sat 4th Oct – Middlesbrough Art Week is the North East’s leading annual contemporary art festival, with a free public programme of art exhibitions, workshops, talks and interactive installations.
The Gathering Sounds – Sat 27th – The Gathering Sounds returns for it’s 2025 edition with 7 stages of all new music! Featuring headliners Somebody’s Child, KEO, The Covasettes, Brògeal, Grandmas House, Sunbeam and Labyrinthine Oceans alongside tons of all new acts from around the UK and Ireland.
Middlesbrough Pride – Sat 27th – Presented by LGBTQIA+ arts charity Curious Arts, in association with Middlesbrough Town Hall, Middlesbrough Council and Orange Pip Market, Middlesbrough Pride will celebrate the Tees Valley’s LGBTQIA+ community through a variety of free and low cost activities. Their event will offer an “array of rainbow fun for all ages”.
Rail Fans’ Author Panel and Q&A with Tom Chesshyre and Nige Tassell at DRAKE The Bookshop – Sat 27th – Join travel writer and self-confessed “train nut” Tom Chesshyre as he celebrates 200 years of passenger railways on a zigzagging tour around the UK – where trains (proudly) began in Slow Trains Around Britian and Nige Tassell sets out to ride Britain’s railway network all the way to its lesser-travelled-to corners, its seldom-visited outposts in Final Destination.
Ghost Train: The Arrival at Stockton Riverside – Sun 28th – An epic outdoor performance that features a reimagining of Locomotion No. 1, accompanied by six illuminated carriages. The after-dark show includes a specially composed musical score, live music, projection, and a 75-strong cast of national and local performers. It tells the human story behind the birth of the passenger railway and explores the impact it had on the region. The performance will combine storytelling, music, and physical theatre with fire, water and pyrotechnic effects.
Teesside Comic Con – Sun 28th – Pay on the door at Teesside University Students’ Union, cash only. There’ll be special guests, photo opportunities, a huge geeky market and more.
Markets
Darlington Lights Out Night Market – Thurs 4th – Darlington Indoor Market, DL1 5PL. From 5pm to 9pm.
Stokesley Farmers Market – Sat 6th – Stokesley High Street, TS9 5DG. From 9am to 2pm.
Sedgefield Market – Sun 7th – Rectory Row, TS21 2AE. From 8:30am to 12pm. From 12pm to 4pm.
Hartlepool Farmers Market – Sat 13th – National Museum of the Royal Navy, TS24 0XZ. From 9am to 2pm.
Norton Green Market – Sat 13th – The Old Vicarage, The Green, TS20 1EQ. From 9am to 2pm.
Saltburn Farmers Market – Sat 13th – Station Square, TS12 1AQ. From 9am to 2pm.
Darlington Autumn Market – Sat 13th – Darlington Indoor Market, DL1 5PL. From 10am to 4pm.
Crathorne Hall Farmers Market – Sun 14th – Yarm, TS15 0AR. From 9am to 2pm.
Stokesley Northern Makers Market – Sat 20th – Stokesley High Street, TS9 5DG. From 9am to 2pm.
Wynyard Walled Garden Farmers Market – Sun 21st – Billingham, TS22 5NF. From 9am to 4pm.
Hardwick Hall Autumn Market – Sun 21st – Hardwick Hall, Sedgefield, TS21 2EH. From 11am to 3pm. Click the link to book your free tickets.
Kirkleatham Walled Gardens Moon Market – Thurs 25th – Kirkleatham, Redcar, TS10 4AS. From 6pm to 9pm. Click the link to book your free tickets.
Autumn Froggy Goes To Market – Sat 27th – Worsall Village Hall, Yarm, TS15 9QB. From 10am to 3pm. £1.50 entry, kids free.
Hartlepool Maritime Market – Sat 27th – National Museum of the Royal Navy, TS24 0XZ. From 9am to 2:30pm.
Saltburn Record Fair – Sat 27th – Albion Terrace, TS12 1JW. From 10am to 4pm.
Stewart Park Farmers Market – Sun 28th – Ladgate Lane, TS7 8AR. From 9am to 2pm.
Food events
New 1825 Menu at Saltfish, Darlington – throughout September – Saltfish at Houndgate Townhouse are celebrating the bicentenary of the Stockton & Darlington Railway with an 1825-inspired menu.
Spanish Wine Dinner at The Spotted Dog, Darlington – Thurs 4th – Enjoy an unforgettable evening of Spanish flavours and fine wines in partnership with Berkmann Wine Cellars. There’ll be a deliciously curated menu featuring tomato and chilli gazpacho, tapas selection, seafood paella and churros.
Fizz & Chips at The Cheese & Wine Shop – Fri 5th – The delicate sparkle of fine fizz meets the golden crunch of perfectly fried chips — a pairing that’s both surprising and irresistible. The crisp bubbles lift the richness, the salt enhances the freshness, and together they create a harmony of comfort and sophistication.
Hedonic pop up at Fourteen Drops Market Hall – Fri 12th – Hedonic will be taking over the kitchen and offering a range of seasonal small plates. Book your tables through Fourteen Drops Market Hall.
Cafe Etch Tapas Evening – Fri 19th – Roll up, roll up and join Cafe Etch for an evening of music and tapas. You can expect delicious nibbles, a vinyl DJ playing 60s and 70s bangers, a record and clothes sale, and beer and wine. It’s a free entry event with donations to Cancer Research welcome.
The Big Fat Greek Fest at Hardwick Hall – Sat 20th – Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of a Greek taverna right here in the North East. This immersive event will transport you to the fictional island of Kalokairi, offering an afternoon filled with mayhem, Greek food and non-stop entertainment.
The Truffled Hog Supper Club – Thurs 25th – Expect one of the eaterie’s favourite cocktails on arrival, six delicious dishes, designed and loved by the team, all served to share. All you have to do is gather your friends, your other half or your family and get yourself comfy.
North East Oyster Festival at Hardwick Hall – Fri 26th – A notoriously superb afternoon event! Where the all inclusive price includes a fantastic seafood menu, oyster stalls and free flowing Guinness, wine, beer and lager.
Soosh Sushi School at Earthbeat Centre, Saltburn – Sat 27th and Sun 28th – Try your hand at making your very own sushi. Led by expert James, you’ll be shown how to do various rolls with a plethora of ingredients. And the best bit is you get to take absolutely everything you make away with you.
Theatre & live music
The Drifters at the Princess Alexandra Auditorium Yarm – Sun 7th – The Drifters are back on tour in the UK performing all their classic hits including ‘Saturday Night at the Movies’, ‘You’re More Than A Number,’ ‘Come on Over to My Place’, ‘Under the Boardwalk’, ‘Kissin’ In The Back Row’ and many more!
The Shawshank Redemption at Darlington Hippodrome – Tues 9th to Sat 13th – Based on Stephen King’s 1982 novella, this thrilling stage production examines friendship and hope behind the claustrophobic bars of a maximum-security facility. Despite protests of his innocence, Andy Dufresne is handed a double life sentence for the brutal murders of his wife and her lover. Incarcerated in the notorious Shawshank facility, he quickly learns that no one can survive alone.
Steam, Wheels ‘n’ Rails at ARC Stockton – Thurs 11th to Sat 13th – The S&DR200 Community Players present a new play Steam, Wheels ‘n’ Rails. The extraordinary story of the birth of the railways. A period costume drama, with music, telling the tale of how it all began Introducing the key characters, dramatising the high points and the lows they encountered, before achieving their great success.
Kyle Falconer (The View) at NE Volume Music Bar – Sat 13th – Scottish indie legend Kyle Falconer, best known as the charismatic frontman of The View, is heading to Stockton! From the anthemic sing-along of ‘Same Jeans’ to his heartfelt solo material, Kyle’s sets are always bursting with energy, nostalgia, and unforgettable moments.
Gary Meikle: Neurospicy at Middlesbrough Town Hall – Thurs 18th – “On 23rd January 2024, I was diagnosed as being neurodivergent which was kind of a surprise to me, funny enough not to anyone that knows me. Although surprising this pretty much answered my full life and why I am the way I am. So come join me in a show where I’ll give you a first hand insight from my delusional eyes to what goes on in my ever expanding mind with stories of how I’ve manage to survive through a life of total confusement to how and why I now prefer to be alone, mostly!”
Showstopper! The Improved Musical at Darlington Hippodrome – Thurs 18th – A brand new musical comedy is created from scratch at each performance of this award-winning show as audience suggestions are transformed on the spot into all-singing, all dancing productions with hilarious results. These incredible performers are guaranteed to impress as they create shows packed with drama, dazzling dance routines and catchy melodies – and it’s all made up on the spot!
Punkrocket Fest at The Georgian Theatre – Fri 19th – This one day festival is dedicated to upcoming punk artists, including Pizza Tramp from Wales, Her Heads On Fire from the US, Back Teeth from Birmingham and more. Tickets are only available on the door – £10 OTD, cash only.
Tim Peake: Astronauts at Stockton Globe – Wed 24th – With fewer than 650 people having reached Earth’s orbit, nobody is more qualified than Tim Peake to celebrate the historic achievements and human endeavours of space exploration. Up until now, Tim has brought his own incredible journey to life through unparalleled storytelling and extraordinary archive footage. In this new show, Tim will share the remarkable stories of some of his fellow astronauts and explore the spectacular evolution of space travel.
Swan Lake at Middlesbrough Theatre – Fri 26th – Crown Ballet is thrilled to return to the UK with a stunning production of the greatest of all romantic ballets. Widely regarded as the most iconic ballet of all time, Swan Lake is a masterpiece of Tchaikovsky’s genius. Featuring some of the most memorable music and breathtaking choreography, this production brings to life a timeless tale of love, betrayal, and redemption.
Banff Mountain Film Festival at the Princess Alexandra Auditorium Yarm – Sat 27th – The Banff Mountain Film Festival is back with a brand-new line-up of captivating short films packed with extreme journeys, intriguing characters and stunning cinematography. Join the world’s top outdoor filmmakers and adventurers as they climb, ski, paddle, run and ride through the wildest corners of the planet!
In Pour Taste: A Comedy Wine Tasting Experience at Theatre Hullabaloo – Sun 28th – Comedians Sweeney Preston and Ethan Cavanagh will be joined by an illustrious wine expert to guide you through tasting five wines and at least five jokes. Everyone from savvy sauvignon swiggers to clueless chardonnay chuggers will find something to make their glass half-full, as the wine industry’s hardest-hitting questions are answered.
At the museum
Sailors & Suitors: A Jane Austen Regency Weekend at NMRN Hartlepool – Sat 6th and Sun 7th – Travel back in time to Regency England and celebrate the 250th anniversary of beloved novelist Jane Austen. Explore Austen’s naval connections through themed hands-on activities, displays, and talks.
Corridors at Preston Park Museum – Sat 13th – Corridors is a breathtaking new installation at Preston Park Museum by internationally acclaimed artist Rebecca Louise Law. Suspended delicately from the ceiling, thousands of preserved flowers, many of which have been grown in the museum’s own Walled Garden, come together in an immersive display which takes inspiration from the fact that the original Stockton and Darlington Railway line ran through Preston Park.
Heritage Open Day: Free Access to Land Of Iron – Sat 13th and Sat 20th – Access to Land Of Iron’s exhibition normally costs £6 but on Saturday 13th September and Saturday 20th September, visitors will be able to visit free of charge and without booking.
Hopetown Darlington Heritage Weekend – Sat 13th and Sun 14th – Throughout the weekend, guests can participate in hands-on workshops, learning directly from skilled artisans. Whether you’re interested in metalwork, willow weaving, clay modelling or textile weaving, there’s something to spark everyone’s curiosity. Expert exhibitors will also be on-site, demonstrating their techniques and sharing insights into the rich traditions behind their crafts.
Night at the Museum at Hopetown Darlington – Sat 20th – Explore the museum, enjoy food and drink from our wonderful Clocktower Cafe, and even play in a fully illuminated Wagon Woods! There’ll even be a silent disco playing locomotive themed tunes.
Titans of Steam at Hopetown Darlington – Sat 20th to Sun 5th Oct – As part of this year’s S&DR200 celebrations, Hopetown Darlington will be front and centre of the festival as the home of the modern railway plays host to a free-to-visit thunderous gathering of iconic steam legends. Standing proudly side by side, each locomotive is a roaring monument to Britain’s engineering might.
Skinningrove Bat Walk at Land Of Iron – Fri 26th – Join the team at Land of Iron for an evening of bat spotting. Using specialised equipment, visitors will learn when, where and how to spot these elusive creatures of the night!
Craft workshops
Clay Vase Workshop with Palette & Pop at Hemlington Barn Community Room – Thurs 4th – Back by popular demand, it’s time for another clay-filled evening of creativity! You’ll learn the basics of wedging, coiling and slab building to make your very own amazing vase.
Soy Candle Workshop at From Loft To Loved – Sat 6th – This workshop is for the absolute beginner and anyone who is interested in learning a new skill. Learn about candle waxes, fragrance oils, wicking and the science behind candle making in this relaxed workshop.
Beginners Ceramics Classes at Sea View Pottery – from Thurs 11th – Join Sea View Pottery for Beginner’s Ceramics Classes this autumn – a cosy, creative escape into the world of handmade ceramics. Whether you’re looking to try something new or find a mindful hobby, our welcoming studio is the perfect place to start.
Nature Journalling at Guisborough Forest – Sun 14th – A gentle, welcoming nature journaling session designed for everyone, regardless of experience or ability. You will slow down and use simple tools that will be provided to connect with the forest and nature in your own way.
Silver Ring Workshop at Creative Village CIC – Sat 20th – In this workshop you will learn silversmithing techniques including texturing metal, shaping and forming, measuring, soldering, polishing and finishing to make the perfect silver ring(s).
Create a Ceramic Ram’s Skull at Sea View Pottery – Sat 20th – Step into the macabre. Unleash your inner artisan. This Halloween, ditch the plastic props and create something truly haunting – a gothic-inspired ceramic ram’s skull. Perfect for your crypt, altar or eerie autumn decor.
Blacksmithing Workshop at Land Of Iron – Sat 20th – You will be guided through the process with support throughout, enabling you to create your very own beautifully crafted candle holder by the end of the session. Heat the iron in the flames of the forge, hammer and bend, twist and notch into shape on the anvil, and learn cooling techniques to finish your piece. You can then take your finished piece away, a truly individual and unique gift, or to have as a special keepsake in your own home.
Make a Sea Glass or Gemstone Pendant at The Little Silver Kiln – Sun 21st – Learn the fundamental silversmithing skills required to make a sterling silver bezel setting and leave with your very own handmade jewellery. Choose from the available genuine gemstones or sea glass collection on the day, or take your own!
Living Lamp Terrarium Workshop with House Of Foliage at Talking Tides, Marske – Wed 24th – This hands-on event combines creativity and fun as you craft your very own Living Lamp terrarium. Leah, HOF’s Plant Queen will guide you through the step by step process to create your very own mini ecosystem. While you’re creating, enjoy the lively atmosphere with drinks flowing and a delicious pizza buffet to keep you fuelled.
Snip & Sip Collage Night at Vixen Bar, Hartlepool – Wed 24th – Get snipping and sipping at Vixen Bar. Whether you’re a seasoned collage artist or just looking to unwind and try something new, this night is all about creativity and good vibes.
Crystal Infused Autumnal Wreath Workshop with Melissa Jane Floral at The Little White Feather, Hartlepool – Thurs 25th – This is set to be an evening filled with autumn goodness and crystals… what’s not to love?
Canvas & Cocktails with Palette & Pop at The Spa Hotel, Saltburn – Thurs 25th – Join Palette & Pop for a relaxed and creative evening at the stunning Spa Hotel Saltburn. Perfect for total beginners (no experience needed at all!). A 3 hour session where you’ll follow steps to paint a cocktail canvas.
Autumn Wreath Workshop with Melissa Jane Floral at The Scruffy Duck – Fri 26th – Create your own autumnal masterpiece with Melissa Jane Floral! Ticket also includes a glass of fizz.
Autumnal Wreath Workshop at House Of Foliage – Sun 28th – Explore an array of dried and fresh autumnal foliage, berries, and other seasonal decorations to craft your very own unique wreath. Whether you prefer a traditional look or something modern and bold, your expert host, Leah, AKA Mrs HOF will guide you through every step of the process.
Ideas for national days
Second Hand September – have a browse in your local charity shops to see if there’s anything you could give a second home to. Swap high street retail for Vinted and consider adding some of your own wardrobe to the site to sell.
National Read A Book Day on Sat 6th – visit a local bookshop, like DRAKE The Bookshop, Book Corner Saltburn, Back of Beyond Bookshop in Sedgefield or The Book Dragon in Stockton.
National Cinema Day on Sun 7th – visit a local cinema (and there are so many options). The larger cinemas include Odeon Luxe Middlesbrough, Showcase Cinema De Lux Stockton, Vue Darlington and Vue Hartlepool. If you like a smaller feel, try The Regent Redcar or Roxy Movies Middlesbrough.
Heritage Open Days from Fri 12th to Sun 21st – Every September thousands of volunteers across England organise events to celebrate our fantastic history and culture. It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – all of which are FREE to explore. Take a look at the website to see which local venues are taking part.
National Quiet Day on Sun 14th – try your hand at a quiet hobby, such as cross stitch, embroidery, sketching or painting. Or pick up a new book and read a few chapters!
Great British Beach Clean on Sat 20th – head to the Teesside coast to do your bit and volunteer to clean. Visit Saltburn, Redcar, Marske or Seaton Carew.
World Tourism Day on Sat 27th – be a tourist in your hometown. Take a look at my Teesside staycation post to see lots of inspiration of things to do.
This list will be kept up to date with any other events that I find for September 2025, so keep checking back!
