Looking for something to do towards the end of September 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 19th to Friday 26th September.
Ghost Train – Darlington town centre – Sat 20th Sept (and Sun 28th in Stockton)
On Saturday 20th in Darlington (and again on Sunday 28th in Stockton), prepare for Ghost Train: The Departure (Darlington) and Arrival (Stockton), a theatrical, large‑scale outdoor performance celebrating 200 years of the Stockton & Darlington Railway. The show features moving art installations (including a replica of Locomotion No.1), performers, mechanical wonders, sound, music – and a twilight procession through streets finishing in grand style. Free to attend, inventive and full of history with a dramatic flair!
Space Safari Drone Show – Newcastle Racecourse – Sat 20th Sept
On Saturday 20th, Newcastle Racecourse transforms into a sky‑canvas for Space Safari, Newcastle’s first major drone light show. Over 500 eco‑powered drones will dance overhead, creating animated stories under a cinematic soundtrack narrated by Michaela Strachan. The evening begins around 5pm with fairground rides, VR stalls, food & drink, and more, then the main show starts about 8pm. It’s a magical blend of lights, story and atmosphere, perfect for families and stargazers alike. Get your tickets on Eventbrite.
Middlesbrough Comic Con – Middlesbrough Sports Village – Sat 20th Sept
If sci‑fi, cosplay and comic‑geekery are your thing, swing by Middlesbrough Comic‑Con on Saturday 20th at Middlesbrough Sporting Village. Expect props, retro gaming zones, traders with collectibles, photo‑ops, guest talks, lots of cosplayers, and competitions. Celebrity appearances include Dani Harmer, Colin Baker, and Phil Fletcher and Hacker T Dog! There’s something for all ages, from kids dressed as superheroes to serious collectors. If you’ve ever wanted to don a cape, snap pics on an “Iron Throne”‑style seat, or see classic movie or TV props in real life, this is your day! Book your tickets now via Eventbrite.
Festival of Thrift – Billingham – Sat 20th and Sun 21st Sept
Over the weekend of 20th and 21st September, the Festival of Thrift returns to Billingham and John Whitehead Park. This is all about sustainability, creativity and community in the form of upcycled crafts, eco stalls, second‑hand fashion, food that doesn’t cost the earth, live music and family‑friendly activities. It’s free to attend, but parking costs £4 per car and can be booked through the website. It’s the perfect event for a relaxed weekend outing where you can browse, sip something tasty, maybe pick up a quirky bargain, and feel good about doing good.
Inspiration: Railway200 Exhibition Train – Locomotion, Shildon – Sat 20th Sept to Wed 1st Oct
From Saturday 20th Sept to Wednesday 1st Oct, Locomotion in Shildon hosts Inspiration, the Railway200 exhibition train. Step inside its interactive carriages to explore “Railway Firsts,” a Wonderlab‑on‑Wheels, and “Your Railway Future” exhibits. You’ll learn how rail once was, how it is now, and where it might go, via hands‑on displays and behind‑the‑scenes insight. It’s a chance to travel through time (without leaving the platform!), especially fun for families, train lovers, and curious minds alike. It’s free to visit, but requires a ticket, so book via the Locomotion website.
Last chance for Heritage Open Days – North East-wide – until Sun 21st Sept
Don’t miss your opportunity to take part in Heritage Open Days, the UK‑wide festival of local history and culture, before it wraps up on Sunday 21st. Buildings, guided tours, exhibitions – often things not usually open – all free or low cost. Whether you fancy castle walls, hidden churches, historic homes or industrial heritage, this is your chance to see corners of your area you might never have visited. Bring comfy shoes and an appetite for discovery! Visit the Heritage Open Days website and search by location to see what’s happening nearby.
FRIENDS! The Musical Parody – Sunderland Empire – Tues 23rd to Sat 27th Sept
From Tuesday 23rd to Saturday 27th, FRIENDS! The Musical Parody takes over the Sunderland Empire. This is a delightfully irreverent, music‑filled tribute to the iconic TV show Friends, packing in hilarious new songs, nods to classic moments, and plenty of 90s nostalgia. If you ever laughed at “We were on a break,” or think Central Perk sounds like a fun place to hang, this is your show. Expect big laughs, sing‑along potential, and a feel‑big evening with Ross, Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe on stage (in parody form!). Book your tickets now via the Sunderland Empire.
Make sure you check back next week for more amazing events!
