Looking for something to do in the middle of October 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 10th October to Friday 17th October.
Durham Wine Week – Fri 10th to Sun 19th Oct
Raise a glass because Durham Wine Week is on from Friday 10th to Sunday 19th October! This city-wide celebration is perfect for wine lovers, from casual sippers to seasoned swirlers. Local bars, restaurants, and merchants across Durham are getting involved, so you’re never far from a glass of something delicious. All you need to do is buy a wristband from the Durham Wine Week website and check out all the places getting involved, then you can enjoy half price sips for the whole event. It’s a great opportunity to try somewhere new or get cosy at an old fave!
Twisterella Festival – Teesside Uni SU – Sat 11th Oct
If your playlist is packed with indie gems and emerging artists, Twisterella Festival is your dream day out. Taking over Teesside University Students’ Union on Saturday 11th October, this much-loved music fest brings a stacked lineup of cutting-edge talent to Middlesbrough. With multiple stages, an electric atmosphere, and that sweet “I saw them before they were big” bragging right, it’s one of the best grassroots festivals in the North. Expect a genre-blending day of indie, alt-pop, post-punk, and beyond. Plus, the SU is right in the town centre, so you can make a night of it afterwards too. Visit the Twisterella website to book your tickets.
World Anatomy Day with University of Sunderland – Fire Station Sunderland – Sun 12th Oct
Who knew learning about the human body could be this much fun? Celebrate World Anatomy Day with the University of Sunderland on Sunday 12th October at The Fire Station. This family-friendly, hands-on science event will make anatomy come alive. Expect interactive exhibits, fascinating play and learn experiences, and a chance to explore how our bodies work from the inside out. Budding scientists, curious kids, and anyone who’s ever wondered why knees creak or how the brain really works will be in their element. Bonus: it’s completely free and a great rainy-day activity! Reserve your free tickets via the Sunderland Fire Station website.
Horror Car Wash – Sunderland Live Arena – Sun 12th to Fri 31st Oct
Washing your car just got terrifying. The Horror Car Wash rolls into Sunderland Live Arena from Sunday 12th to Friday 31st October, and it’s not your average valet. Stay safely inside your vehicle as you drive through the pitch black car wash, where creepy creatures, clowns, and jump scares await. It’s spooky, silly, and a bonus is that your car gets cleaned! Great for thrill-seekers looking for a Halloween fix with minimal effort. Book your tickets via the Sunderland Live Arena website.
The Rock Orchestra By Candlelight – Newcastle O2 City Hall – Wed 15th Oct
Gothic drama meets head-banging anthems at The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight on Wednesday 15th October at Newcastle’s O2 City Hall. Picture a full live orchestra, cloaked in black, surrounded by flickering candles, playing symphonic versions of rock legends like Metallica, Nirvana, Led Zeppelin, and Muse. It’s all kinds of spine-tingling and show-stopping! Whether you’re a classical fan looking to spice things up or a rocker craving something theatrical, this is one gig you won’t forget. Book your tickets now via Newcastle O2 City Hall.
Psycho Path and Family Fright Fest – Lintz Hall Farm, Newcastle – on now until Sat 1st Nov
Dare to enter the North East’s most terrifying Halloween experience? Psycho Path at Lintz Hall Farm is not for the faint-hearted. Open now until Saturday 1st November, it’s packed with nightmarish walk-through haunts, live actors, and more than a few blood curdling screams. But if you’ve got little monsters in tow, don’t worry, the Family Fright Fest runs earlier in the day with spooky-but-sweet activities, pumpkin picking, and fairground fun. Come for the thrills, stay for the street food and creepy cocktails. Just don’t look behind you! Book your tickets now via the Psycho Path or Family Fright Fest website.
Pumpkin Garden – Alnwick Garden – on now until Sun 2nd Nov
Autumn has truly arrived at The Alnwick Garden and with it comes The Pumpkin Garden, open now until Sunday 2nd November. The garden is transformed into a seasonal wonderland where you can wander through vivid autumn colours while hunting for hidden treasures via their Autumn Scavenger Hunt. Dare to lose yourself in the Scarecrow Bamboo Labyrinth (if you can find your way out among the scarecrows!). Warm your hands with a pumpkin latte and dig into seasonal treats at The Pavilion Café. During the October half term (25th October–2nd November), fun harvest games like pumpkin bowling, hook-a-duck, and corn-hole are all part of the mix. Best bit? All this magic is free with garden admission, so book yours on the Alnwick Garden website.
Make sure you check back next week for more amazing events!
