If you’re looking for things to do in Teesside in June 2026, look no further than this list. From markets, to things for theatre lovers, 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 | theatre and live music | food events | at the museum | craft workshops | book events | quizzes | national days
Events to look out for
Billy No Mates x Padel Up Teesside Coworking – Wed 3 – Are you a freelancer or remote worker and fancy meeting some new mates? Let’s work together… Join the Billy No Mates for a friendly coworking meetup at Padel Up Teesside. No daunting networking here – just a relaxed meetup with other freelancers and remote workers. If you fancy a change of scenery and meeting new people, bagsy your free ticket.
Munro Festival at KU Stockton – Sat 6 – MUNRO Festival is quickly becoming one of Teesside’s must-know music weekends for indie fans who like their festivals loud, local and packed with future headline acts. Returning to KU Stockton in June after a sold-out year, the all-ages festival is bringing together bands including The Lilacs, Pentire, The Rolling People and My First Time for a full day of singalong indie, buzzing crowds and serious “small festival, big atmosphere” energy.
Redcar Kite Festival – Sat 6 and Sun 7 – Redcar Kite Festival returns to the skies above Majuba Beach, and there is so much going on! The tide times this year mean the kites will be in the sky from 12 noon to 6pm and, with even more beach arenas, the festival will be bigger than ever with even more kites in the sky flown by pilots from Northern Kite Group. Find out everything that’s going on on the Enjoy Redcar & Cleveland website.
Social Sea Watch in Saltburn with Tees Valley Wildlife Trust – Sun 7 – A relaxed social sea watch gathering – join Tees Valley Wildlife Trust volunteers, alongside experienced and new sea watchers and learn about the marine mammals present on our coastline. The meeting point at Saltburn’s Fossil Garden, beside the Victorian cliff lift on the top prom, offers wonderful views across Saltburn beach, the North sea and our Huntcliff Nature Reserve. No need to book. Attend the whole session or drop in when you can.
Crossing The Tees Book Festival – Thurs 11 to Mon 29 – Enjoy a vibrant programme of stories, ideas and inspiration, from author events and lively talks to hands-on workshops and even a murder mystery! Crossing the Tees Book Festival is supported by funding from Arts Council England and brought to you by the library services for Stockton, Middlesbrough, Hartlepool, Darlington and Redcar & Cleveland.
Hartlepool Pride – Sat 13 – Join us for an unforgettable celebration of Hartlepool’s LGBTQIA+ communities featuring live performances, music and drag shows, Pride market, creative workshops, family arts and crafts, a pop-up parade and so much more!
Saltburn Sea Festival – Thurs 18 to Sun 21 – Saltburn Smugglers presents Saltburn Sea Festival, four days to celebrate our coast with music, art and action!
Classics On Show at Stokesley Showfield – Sun 20 – Over 600 classic vehicles, including some of the rarest on the planet, will be on Stokesley Showfield on Sat 20th June, so make sure you are there. Gates open at 10am and the fun will continue until 4pm. Adults: £7.50, family (4): £20, under 5s: FREE.
Billy No Mates x Fourteen Drops Market Hall Coworking – Tues 23 – Are you a freelancer or remote worker and fancy meeting some new mates? Let’s work together… Join the Billy No Mates for a friendly coworking meetup at Fourteen Drops Market Hall in Yarm. No daunting networking here – just a relaxed meetup with other freelancers and remote workers. If you fancy a change of scenery and meeting new people, bagsy your free ticket.
Middlesbrough Storytelling Festival – Wed 24 to Wed 1 – The brand new Middlesbrough Storytelling Festival celebrates stories in all their forms, spanning literature, music, dance and more. People of all ages are encouraged to gather round to enjoy events being held across Middlesbrough from June 24th to July 1st. As part of the festival, a full day of events and activities will be held on Middlesbrough’s Centre Square on June 27th.
Little Terns and Seaton Carew Guided Nature Walk with Tees Valley Wildlife Trust – Sat 27 – Discover the wildlife on your doorstep with a relaxed, guided nature walk at Seaton Carew beach – the site of a nesting little tern colony. Little terns have been nesting at Seaton Carew since 2019. Little terns nest directly on open sand and shingle. Their eggs are perfectly camouflaged, but this also makes them vulnerable to people, dogs and predators like foxes and birds of prey. This is a free walk. No booking required – just turn up on the day and look forward to a lovely walk.
Darlington Community Carnival – Sat 27 – Join us for one of Darlington’s most-loved annual events as we celebrate our 2026 Carnival with a trip Around the World in 80 Days — this year, starting in North Lodge Park and ending at the spectacular new home of Hopetown Darlington!
Armed Forces Day in Redcar – Sat 27 – This event will take place Saturday June 27th, on the High Street in the area of the King Edward VII Memorial Clock. The event will commence at 10:15am with a parade of military personnel, both past and present, marching along the High Street – this will be followed by the official opening ceremony and the Raising of the Colours. There will be entertainment throughout the day with musicians and singers, military pipes and drums, cadet drill displays and competition, and children’s activities.
Alpaca Yoga with Kismet Yoga – Sun 28 – Get ready for the most un-baaa-lievable yoga experience of the summer! Join us on select Sundays at Prospect House Farm for a joyful hour of outdoor yoga surrounded by the gentle, curious company of our fluffy alpaca friends. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a total beginner, this lighthearted session is all about movement, laughter, and connecting with nature (and some adorable alpacas!).
Make & Mend Festival at Kirkleatham Walled Garden – Sun 28 – Make & Mend Festival is a day full of colour, creativity, positivity and wellbeing. It is the perfect introduction to a variety of crafts, giving you a chance to learn something new or enhance your existing skills. Each year we create a programme of wonderful workshops, designed to fuel your creative spirit and help you take valuable time for yourself. We curate a day where you can watch craft demonstrations, chill out with yoga, take part in drop-in activities, visit our maker marketplace offering a range of gorgeous products from local makers and of course, relax and enjoy some well-earned time for yourself.
Markets
Majuba Sunset Market – Fri 5 – 5 Esplanade, Redcar, TS10 3AA. From 4pm to 9pm.
Stokesley Market – Sat 6 – Stokesley High Street, TS9 5DG. From 9am to 2pm.
Darlington Eco Fair – Sat 6 – Darlington Town Centre, DL1 5PN. From 11am to 4pm.
Darlington Wool Fair – Sun 7 – Darlington Town Centre, DL1 5PN. From 11am to 4pm.
Hartlepool Market – Sat 13 – National Museum of the Royal Navy, TS24 0XZ. From 9am to 2pm.
Norton Green Market – Sat 13 – The Old Vicarage, The Green, TS20 1EQ. From 9am to 2pm.
Saltburn Market – Sat 13 – Station Square, TS12 1AQ. From 9am to 2pm.
Crathorne Hall Market – Sun 14 – Yarm, TS15 0AR. From 9am to 2pm.
Darlington Around The World Market – Sun 14 – West Row, Darlington, DL1 1NT. From 11am to 4pm.
Stokesley Northern Makers Market – Sat 20 – Stokesley High Street, TS9 5DG. From 9am to 2pm.
Ormesby Hall Love Local Market – Sat 20 and Sun 21 – Ormesby Hall, Ladgate Lane, Middlesbrough TS3 0SR. From 10:30am to 4pm.
Wynyard Hall Market – Sun 21 – Billingham, TS22 5NF. From 9am to 4pm.
Pinchinthorpe Hall Summer Market – Sun 21 – Pinchinthorpe Hall, TS14 8HG. From 11am to 3pm.
Hartlepool Maritime Market – Sat 27 – National Museum of the Royal Navy, TS24 0XZ. From 9am to 2:30pm.
Orange Pip Market – Sat 27 – Baker Street and Bedford Street, Middlesbrough, TS1 2LF. From 12pm to 6pm.
Stewart Park Foodie Market – Sun 28 – Ladgate Lane, TS7 8AR. From 9am to 2pm.
Makers Marketplace at Kirkleatham Walled Garden – Sun 28 – Plantation Road, TS10 4QT.m From 10am to 6pm.
Theatre & live music
Duke Special: Songs From The Deep Forest at The Waiting Room – Sat 6 – Playing the album in full… we’re delighted to welcome back Duke Special 20 years on from some of our most memorable nights and after-parties in the early days of Waiting for Sunday that coincided with the excitement of the release and excitement of Songs From The Deep Forest…
Forever Springsteen at ARC Stockton – Sat 6 – Forever Springsteen are a powerhouse seven-piece tribute to Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. From the thunderous drive of Born to Run and Badlands to the heartland soul of Thunder Road and The River, Forever Springsteen channel the spirit, swagger and storytelling that have made The Boss one of the greatest live performers of all time.
Midsummer Family Ceilidh at St Hilda’s Church, Hartlepool – Sun 7 – Our next event, Midsummer Ceilidh, Sunday 7th June, 2:30 pm, St Hildas Church, live band – The Hooliemen. Bar and raffle. Children welcome.
SoundScape with Obi Studios at ARC Stockton – Fri 12 – A quiet, low-pressure space where you can sit, unwind, and listen to music on vinyl. There’s no expectation to talk, interact, or take part – just come as you are and experience the music in your own way. Music played on vinyl, centred around Fleetwood Mac – Rumours, with additional records throughout the evening.
Miss Americana at the Stockton Globe – Fri 12 – Step into the unparalleled world of Taylor Swift in this ENCHANTED tribute show featuring the incredible Xenna as Taylor. A celebration of the iconic pop sensation’s music, style, and unrivalled stage presence. Audiences will be transported through Taylor’s world as they sing along to timeless classics from “Love Story,” “Blank Space,” and “Shake It Off,” to “Fortnight” and “The Tortured Poets Department”, with dancers and replica costumes, showcasing Swift’s distinctive looks.
We Will Rock You: The Queen Tribute Experience at Middlesbrough Empire – Sat 13 – A live tribute to Queen. We Will Rock You: The Queen Tribute Experience is a spectacular live show honouring the legendary music of Queen and the iconic showmanship of Freddie Mercury.Sing along to the legendary hits that filled stadiums around the world.
Boiler Room Six: A Titanic Story at Darlington Hippodrome – Sat 13 – Witness the impossible true survival story of Titanic Stoker Frederick Barrett. Working in the boiler rooms of the maiden voyage, Barrett’s fight for survival is one of the most devastating accounts of Titanic’s last few hours.
Billingham Tribute Festival at the Synthonia Cricket Club – Sun 14 – Working alongside Billingham Synthonia Cricket Club and YOUTS we are thrilled to bring a new tribute festival to Billingham. Billingham Tribute Festival will bring a fun filled day for all, with great acts, food trucks, an inflatable park, fairground rides and much much more.
Adriana Brownlee: Death Zone at Middlesbrough Town Hall – Wed 17 – Adriana Brownlee is a leading British mountaineer, certified paragliding pilot and adventure athlete. She is the youngest woman to have climbed the world’s second-highest and arguably most-notorious peak, K2, and the youngest woman to climb all 14 of the 8000m peaks. Adriana will take you on a journey through one of the most hostile environments in the world, where no life can survive, and share stories of near death experiences, highs and lows of her mountaineering journey and everything in between.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Billingham Forum Theatre – Wed 17 – Enter a world where love is unpredictable, fairies rule the night, and chaos reigns supreme. Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a spellbinding comedy that whisks audiences into an enchanted forest where mistaken identities, mischievous magic, and outrageous humour collide.
Amy Macdonald at the Stockton Globe – Fri 19 – To celebrate the release of the upcoming new album ‘Is This What You’ve Been Waiting For?’, Amy MacDonald will tour the UK this year, heading to Stockton Globe! Amy’s gift for crafting positive, uplifting songs from relatable stories of triumphs, struggles and hope have made her one of the UK’s most beloved artists.
Jools Holland at Darlington Hippodrome – Fri 19 – As the UK’s most popular pianist and bandleader, Jools Holland OBE has performed and recorded with some of the most talented musicians and songwriters in the world, including Eric Clapton, the late George Harrison and Luther Vandross, Sting, BB King and Paul Weller.
Decades Day Disco at KU Stockton – Sat 20 – After a massive first edition, Decades is back for volume 2 taking over KU and The Social Room and turning back the clocks to celebrate the 70s, 80s and, 90s in style with 3 dedicated rooms of DJ’s, performers and dancers.
Storytelling With The Book Fairy at Middlesbrough Town Hall – Sat 27 – Come and visit the Book Fairy at Middlesbrough Town Hall! Hear magical stories of folklore and fairies and let your imagination wander! There will be poetry, singing, storytelling, photo opportunities & even the opportunity to cast a fairy spell!
Food events
Soosh Sushi School at Earthbeat Centre Saltburn – Sat 6 and Sat 20 – 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.
ABBA Tribute at Gisborough Hall – Sat 13 – Sing along to all your favourite hits and hit the dance floor as our incredible tribute act brings the magic of ABBA to life. Enjoy a delicious two-course meal, then dance the night away to the songs you know and love.
Great Ayton Food Festival – Sun 14 – Come and enjoy a variety of eateries and traders, plus an inflatable obstacle course and live entertainment!
Glastonbeery Beer Festival at The Georgian Theatre – Fri 26 to Sun 28 – Although Glastonbury is taking a fallow year Glastonbeery is not! Back for our second year, we welcome Three Brothers Brewing Company to The Georgian Theatre to collaborate on Stockton’s only beer festival, featuring 20+ Cask Beers & Keg Beers, Lagers, Ciders, Spirits, Wines and Prosecco. There will be drinks for all!!!
Limitless Lunch at Gisborough Hall – Sat 27 – Join us in The Glass House for a relaxed Saturday lunch experience with stunning views and 90 minutes of limitless drinks. Choose your favourite dish from the menu, then enjoy unlimited cocktails including Passionfruit Martinis and Aperol Spritz, alongside prosecco, wine, beer and cider.
Ultimate Girl Dinner at The Truffled Hog – Sat 27 – After such a fun and unforgettable evening at our first Ultimate Girl Dinner, we’re so excited to invite you to round two. Saturday 27th June @ 7pm, grab your besties and join us for the ultimate girl dinner, a night all about girlhood, friendship, and seriously great food! We’re serving up the elite girl dinner, Chicken Ceaser Salad, crispy Truffle Fries, moreish Garlic Bread and our dreamy homemade Tiramisu. It’s time to reach out to those long overdue catch-ups as we host you for a night of connecting, celebrating girlhood, and allll of the indulging.
Sounds By The Sea at Tomahawk Saltburn – Sat 27 – Escape to our Sounds by the Sea! We’ll be serving up ibiza classics with live DJs. The drinks will be flowing and we’ll also have our own pizza oven.
At the museum
Party On The Platform at Hopetown Darlington – Fri 19 – Join us for a night of nostalgia where we’ll be hosting an adults’ silent disco event to kick off the summer! Get your babysitters booked, because this is an evening designed for the Big Kids (18+)! North Road Station Museum will be transformed into time machine transporting you back to either the 80s, 90s, or 2000s depending which channel you choose! Grab a glowstick, a pair of headphones and get dancing and singing.
Talk: Medicine of the First World War with Andy Volans at Land Of Iron – Fri 19 – Join Historian Andy Volans examines how the First World War transformed medical care for soldiers. Explore how casualties were treated, the innovations driven by the conflict, and the ways medical practices evolved between 1914 and 1918. Discover the story of care, survival, and progress on the front lines.
Dino Day at Hopetown Darlington – Sun 21 – Climb aboard for a T‑Rexcellent family journey back in time as (almost) real dinosaurs take over the railway. This year’s event is fully on track to deliver laughs and lots of gasps. Meet our larger‑than‑life dinos as they roam the site, enjoy pre-hysterically funny entertainment, and get ready for Jurassic hijinks that are truly off the rails. Catch the interactive, comedic, and educational show ‘How To Train Your Dinosaur’! Because even the fiercest beasts need to learn to stay on track!
Mini Pride at Preston Park Museum – Sat 27 – Ignite your imagination by taking part in fun activities from colourful arts and crafts to empowering storytimes with the Curious Arts team. Drop in activities with no booking required.
Becoming La Voix Exhibition at Preston Park Museum – until Sun 28 – Preston Park Museum is proud to present ‘Becoming La Voix’, a spectacular exhibition celebrating the extraordinary career of internationally acclaimed performer La Voix, one of Stockton-on-Tees’ most successful and beloved entertainers. Catch it before it leaves the museum on Sunday 28th.
Craft workshops
Fused Glass Tealight Holders at From Loft To Loved – Sat 6 – Enjoy a few hours of creativity making up to 4 tealights in your own creative style. Everything you need to make your tealights is provided, just come along and have fun. This workshop is suitable for beginners or experienced crafters.
Handpainted Wooden Mobiles at Thrive Hive CIC – Mon 8 – Join us for a relaxed and creative Creative Club session where you’ll paint, decorate and assemble your own rustic hanging mobile using natural bark-edged wood rounds, beads, cord and a handmade wool tassel. Create beautiful botanical, moon, rainbow or abstract designs in earthy boho tones inspired by nature and handmade artisan decor.
Girls Who Know Club at Fourteen Drops Market Hall – Wed 10 – For our debut meetup, we are tackling a topic that is all over our feeds, but rarely looked at through the lens of history and neuroscience: The Evolution of Manifesting: Science vs. Superstition. This isn’t a lecture, and it’s definitely not another night of passive scrolling. We’re moving past just consuming information to actually chatting, debating, and sharing opinions with a room of friendly, curious minds.
Embroidered Bookmarks at Acklam Community Hub and Library – Thurs 11 – Using pages from old books, combined with hand embroidery you will create your own unique bookmark(s). The book pages will provide inspiration for embroidered words, patterns and images – no drawing skills needed. You’ll learn how to combine papers together to create a background for your bookmark and a range of hand embroidery stitches to bring your design to life. We will be embroidering directly into the papers.
Glass Painting with Palette & Pop at Acklam Hall – Thurs 11 – Join us for a beautifully elegant evening of creativity in the stunning surroundings of Acklam Hall. Think delicate florals, pretty wine glasses, relaxed conversation, candles glowing and a gorgeous evening creating something special to take home.
Ceramic Vase Workshop at Creative Village CIC – Thurs 11 – In this workshop you will be guided step by step to make your own ceramic vase from stoneware clay. You will learn techniques including slab building, cross hatching to attach a funky handles (optional) and painting with underglazes. Director Lucy will make-a-long with you from rolling out your clay to building your vase before leaving you to paint your own design using underglazes.
Soap Making at From Loft To Loved – Thurs 11 – Learn to make luxurious, fragrant soaps for yourself, friends and family. In our Beginner’s Workshop you will be guided step-by-step through how to make your own soap bars using the melt and pour method. You will be given the opportunity to be creative and create your own bespoke bars with our choice of soap moulds, fragrances, botanicals, and colourings.
Paper Stencil Screen Printing with Hey Ho Print Co – Sat 20 – Join this introductory course, learning the creative and enjoyable process of stencil screen printing. Print your own colourful design onto a cotton tea towel, tote bag or t-shirt. You will be taken step by step through creating your design, making your stencils, and then screen printing the image onto a tote bag or tea towel (provided by us). You may also bring your own t-shirt or fabric item to print on to if you wish.
Watercolour Bloom Lanterns at Thrive Hive CIC – Mon 22 – Join us for a beautifully calming afternoon of creativity as we create our own illuminated floral lanterns using watercolours, paper flowers, ribbons and delicate warm white fairy lights. Inspired by wildflowers and botanical illustrations, you’ll paint and assemble hanging floral designs inside decorative jars to create a magical glowing lantern.
Embroidered Bookmarks at Ormesby Library – Wed 24 – Using pages from old books, combined with hand embroidery you will create your own unique bookmark(s). The book pages will provide inspiration for embroidered words, patterns and images – no drawing skills needed. You’ll learn how to combine papers together to create a background for your bookmark and a range of hand embroidery stitches to bring your design to life. We will be embroidering directly into the papers.
Highland Cow Sip & Paint with Palette & Pop at The Spa Saltburn – Thurs 25 – Join us for a cosy and creative evening painting a gorgeous floral Highland cow at Palette & Pop. Whether you’re a complete beginner or already love getting creative, this workshop is designed to be relaxed, friendly and fun. You’ll be guided step by step throughout the session, so no experience is needed at all.
Jesmonite Coasters at The Elmwood Community Centre – Thurs 25 – A community craft workshop where you will make 2 coasters out of jesmonite. You will be shown how to mix the jesmonite, add your choice of dyes to make your unique piece and pour the mix into your choice of mould. Your item will be ready to take home with you at the end of the session.
Cocktails On Canvas with Palette & Pop at The Rings Community Centre – Fri 26 – This is the perfect way to spend a Saturday evening with friends, celebrating, laughing and doing something creative together. Paint at your own pace, sip your favourite cocktail and leave with a piece of art you’ll be proud to take home.
Needle Felting: Otter at ARC Stockton – Sat 27 – Join local artist Carol Lonsdale for a relaxing and creative Needle Felting Workshop, where you’ll learn how to make your very own adorable felted Otter! Carol will guide you step-by-step through the process, and all the materials you need are provided. You’ll take home your handmade otter at the end, plus your needles and any leftover materials, in case you’d like to keep felting at home.
Marbled Bowl Workshop at From Loft To Loved – Sun 28 – Explore a new craft and create a beautiful marbled bowl using Jesmonite, a water-based resin material. It is solvent-free and has no VOC’s making it safe to use and environmentally friendly. By the end of the class, you’ll have a gorgeous bowl to call your own and some newfound skills under your belt too!
Lamp Shade Painting at Creative Village CIC – Tues 30 – Join us to paint your own lampshade to use in your home. You will get a white paper sphere lampshade which can be painted with any pattern or design you choose. Perfect for matching your home decor & adding a bit of colour & creativity into your living space.
Book events
Meet The Author & Book Signing with Mike Edwards at DRAKE The Bookshop – Sat 6 – To mark the publication of Mike’s second children’s novel, VOICE IN THE FLAMES, we are thrilled Mike is joining us for a chat and book signing.
Books & Brews with Teesside Turning Pages at The Six Medals – Wed 10 – Come and join us on Wednesday 10th June for Books & Brews, our cosy reading session. Bring whatever you’re currently reading, settle in, and enjoy some quiet time with like-minded book lovers. Grab a spot of lunch, sip on a coffee, and unwind in good company.
An Evening With Ben Kane at Hartlepool Community Hub Central – Thurs 11 – Ben Kane is the best selling author of more than twenty historical adventure novels. Join us as Ben presents an exciting talk about the fourth book in the Hannibal series, A Land Aflame.
Better Feel With Books at Thornaby Central Library – Fri 12 – Literature has the power to help us express emotions, process feelings, and deepen our connection to ourselves and the world around us. In this workshop, published poet and certified Biblio/Poetry Therapy practitioner Dr Natalie Scott will guide you through gentle expressive writing activities designed to support emotional wellbeing.
An Evening With Jo Murray at Billingham Library – Fri 12 – Join Jo Murray in conversation with Francoise Harvey as they introduce Jo’s debut novel Dissection of a Murder and discuss Jo’s career as a criminal barrister. A breathlessly compulsive courtroom drama with expertly-crafted twists that you won’t see coming, Dissection of a Murder is the razor-sharp debut novel from Teesside based author Jo Murray.
Explore These Isles With Brian Groom at Norton Library – Sat 13 – Writer and journalist Brian Groom, author of the bestselling Northerners: A History, will tell the story of Britain and Ireland from the first human footsteps, based on his new book These Isles: A People’s History of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Better Feel With Books at Redcar Library – Mon 15 – Literature has the power to help us express emotions, process feelings, and deepen our connection to ourselves and the world around us. In this workshop, published poet and certified Biblio/Poetry Therapy practitioner Dr Natalie Scott will guide you through gentle expressive writing activities designed to support emotional wellbeing.
Girls To The Front at Stockton Central Library – Mon 15 – Join author Lucy Nichol, broadcaster Bob Fischer and musician Lottie Turner for a night of fiction and music. Lucy’s novel Girls to the Front is a found-footage feminist revenge thriller set against the backdrop of the 90s alternative music scene.
Midsummer Magic at Thornaby Central Library – Tues 16 – Beyond the everyday shelves of our libraries, there are hidden gems to be discovered. Join Reader-in-Residence Claire Jennings as we celebrate all things Midsummer and enjoy the opportunity to explore Stockton-on-Tees Libraries’ unseen Folklore collection.
Stone Lands With Fiona Robertson at Darlington Library – Tues 16 – From the folkloric stone circles of the Land’s End to the windswept silvery giants of the Isle of Lewis, Britain is full of marvellous ancient places. Sharing photos from her many megalith-hunting trips, Fiona speculates about the motivations of the ancient builders as well as exploring the profound appeal the stones still exert on us today, from their enchanting legends to the way they act as metaphors for our own strength and endurance.
Old Photos, New Ideas: Making Zines From The Archives at Hartlepool Community Hub Central – Wed 17 – Join Hartlepool’s Crossing the Tees Reader-in-Residence, Theodore Forcer, for a relaxed, beginner-friendly zine workshop! Discover the art of zine-making in this creative, hands-on workshop inspired by archival materials from Hartlepool. Perfect for all skill levels, this session offers a fun and accessible way to connect with Hartlepool’s heritage while expressing your own ideas through print.
Her Secret Service With Claire Hubbard-Hall at Seaton Carew Community Hub – Thurs 18 – Since the inception of the Secret Service Bureau back in 1909, women have worked at the very heart of British secret intelligence – yet their contributions have been all but written out of history. From encoding orders and decrypting enemy messages to penning propaganda and infiltrating organisations, the women of British intelligence played a pivotal role in both the First and Second World Wars.
Terry Deary: Actually I’m A Corpse at ARC Stockton – Fri 19 – Terry Deary, creator of Horrible Histories, has written for all ages, including the No. 1 Sunday Times bestseller A History of Britain in Ten Enemies. A lifelong fan of murder mysteries, his 350th book, Actually, I’m a Murderer, marks the start of the Actually Murders series.
Between The Salt And The Ash With Jake Morris-Campbell at Hartlepool Community Hub Central – Fri 19 – After inheriting the miner’s safety lamp that belonged to his great-grandfather, Jake Morris-Campbell sets out on a pilgrimage across his homeland. Travelling from the Holy Island of Lindisfarne to Durham Cathedral, he asks what new ways might be made through the old north. Jake’s book Between the Salt and the Ash asks what stories the North East can tell about itself in the wake of Christianity and coal.
Planting Poetry Workshop at Darlington Library – Sat 20 – Grow your words in this ‘Plantable Poetry’ workshop. Create your own seed filled plantable paper out of recycled materials and create short lyrical verses with the support of Lizzie Lovejoy from the STRIKE collective.
An Evening With Wes Markin And Helen Cox at Darlington Library – Mon 22 – Enjoy an evening delving into the world of crime writing with Helen Cox and Wes Markin in conversation with Fiona Erskine. Helen Cox is a novelist and poet who lives by the sea in Sunderland. She is best-known for the Kitt Hartley Yorkshire Mystery series and can often be found writing about art and film on Substack. Wes Markin is a bestselling British crime writer known for dark, fast-paced thrillers that refuse to pull their punches. He is the author of four gripping series: the DCI Michael Yorke novels set in Salisbury, Whitby’s Forgotten Victims, the brutal Yorkshire Murders, and the internationally set Jake Pettman thrillers based in New England.
Planting Poetry Workshop at Seaton Carew Community Hub – Tues 23 – Grow your words in this ‘Plantable Poetry’ workshop. Create your own seed filled plantable paper out of recycled materials and create short lyrical verses with the support of Lizzie Lovejoy from the STRIKE collective.
Afternoon Tea With Caroline Roberts at Saltburn Library – Tues 23 – Enjoy an afternoon tea with Northumberland author Caroline Roberts as she introduces The Second Chance Supper Club. When Cath starts a supper club after her husband’s betrayal the healing power of community allows Cath to believe in love and joy once again. Caroline says the book was inspired by thinking about making a new start in mid-life and people coming together over great food.
Whose Crime Is It Anyway? at Middlesbrough Central Library – Tues 23 – Join five writers from the Northern Crime Syndicate as they come up with a best seller in an hour – with your help! You can add a plot twist, name a character who comes to a nasty end or throw in a murder weapon or two – and maybe even come up with the title. Anything can happen in this hilarious, improvised session which built up a big following online before venturing out into the real world to great acclaim!
Hagtale: A Macbeth Origin Story With Sally O’Reilly at Acklam Community Hub and Library – Wed 24 – Hagtale is a dark fairy tale. In eleventh-century Scotland, feral wolf-child Wulva is brought up by witches but sent to live at a Scottish castle where she falls under the spell of ambitious and cruel Lord Macbeth.
The Boro Lion at MIMA – Wed 24 to Sat 28 – Rooted in Middlesbrough’s local identity, the project centres on the creation of a large-scale cardboard lion inspired by the town’s historic crest and mascot, reimagined through collective imagination. On 27th and 28th, the Boro Lion will be completed as we welcome children (and adults!) to make the components to finish the Boro Lion’s Mane!
The Write Stuff: Can Literature Change Your Life? at Ormesby Library – Thurs 25 – Whether it’s a new exercise class, searching for a dream job, or going on a diet promising unbelievable results, we are always looking for the best way to change our lives for the better. But what if literature holds the answer? Join internationally acclaimed, North-East based screenwriters and authors Ishy Din, Carina Rodney and Harry Man as they go in search of answers.
Tall Tales Present Murder On The Menu at South Bank Library – Fri 26 – Join Tall Tales for a fun murder mystery evening. Imagine a cross between Bake Off and Midsomer Murders. Celebrity judges Jayne Fondant and Mario Mascarpone have arrived at the village fete to judge the cake competition, but someone has put murder on the menu, and one of them has made their last celebrity appearance.
Historic Stories Of Middlesbrough at Middlesbrough Central Library – Fri 26 – Join the Rekindle Research Group as they share newly created digital walks that you can enjoy around Middlesbrough, learning the stories of our area’s history whilst making the most of the summer weather!
Writer Day: An Introduction To Novel Writing And Publishing at Middlesbrough Central Library – Sat 27 – Always wanted to write and publish your own novel? Join writer and publisher Gillie Hatton for a full day of friendly and informal sessions giving an introduction to the basics of novel writing and publishing. By the end of the day, you will be familiar with the importance of plot structure, character development, point of view and tense, and will have the basic knowledge to publish, distribute and promote your own novel.
A Palette Of Stories in Middlesbrough Centre Square – Sat 27 – Working alongside local artist, Sarah Falconer, you have the opportunity to design an image to capture your own personal story and transfer it to our book bench sculpture to create a legacy for the inaugural town’s Storytelling Festival.
The Happy Space in Middlesbrough Centre Square – Sat 27 – Enjoy an imaginative storytelling experience for children and families, centred around the theme Stories of Home. Step inside The Happy Space (an inflatable pop-up dome) and visit a magical, colourful ‘home’ that gathers stories from different people, places and cultures!
The Rag Dragon in Middlesbrough Centre Square – Sat 27 – Join Whippet Up to create a fabulous Rag Dragon and hear stories of how it came to be.
The Pop-Up Cardboard Museum Of Natural History From The Future at MIMA – Sat 27 – The Pop-Up Cardboard Museum of Natural History from the Future – Museum Talks are live, interactive performances embedded within the Pop-Up Cardboard Museum of Natural History from the Future.
Book groups at DRAKE The Bookshop – keep your eyes on this page to see all of the upcoming groups at DRAKE The Bookshop.
Pin Drop Club at Koselig Guisborough (every Mon) and Koselig Saltburn (every Thurs) – Every Monday evening in Guisborough and every Thursday evening in Saltburn we open up our cosy space to host our Silent Book Club. Grab a hot drink, a bake and pull up a chair. Come alone for some peace and quiet or with friends, old or new.
Quizzes
World Cup Football Quiz at Play Middlesbrough – Thurs 4 – Test your knowledge of the World Cup! From unforgettable goals to legendary players, classic matches, and iconic moments that defined the competition.
80s and 90s Music Bingo at Darlington Market – Sat 6 – After the huge success of last month’s Music Bingo, we’re doing it all again… this time with an 80’s & 90’s themed bingo night! Get ready to sing along, reminisce, and have a laugh with all the biggest throwback hits.
Friends Quiz at Play Middlesbrough – Thurs 11 – Think you know your Chick from your Duck, your Phoebe’s from your Ursula’s, your Joey’s from your Mike Adams’? Then get off the Coffee Shop sofa, round up your friends and challenge your super fan status by taking on our ‘Friends’ quiz.
Music Quiz at Play Middlesbrough – Thurs 18 – Test your knowledge on all things music. We’re talking icons, divas, one-hit wonders, the forgettable and everything in between. All to win weird and wonderful prizes you never knew you wanted!
Stranger Things Quiz at The Blue Bell Middlesbrough – Thurs 25 – Get ready to test your knowledge of the Upside Down at the Blue Bell Hotel Middlesbrough in Middlesbrough! Join us for an epic STRANGER THINGS QUIZ night filled with trivia, challenges, and prizes!
Movie Quiz Night at The Regent Redcar – Sun 28 – Join us in the bar for an evening of film quizzing goodness! Only £1 per ticket with prizes up for grabs!
Jukebox Jam and Music Quiz at Cookfella’s – Sun 28 – Do you love music? Need a mate date? Join us once a month from 4:30pm to 9pm for our Jukebox Jam. We have a music quiz with prizes, followed by a DJ set by Andy Williams.
National days
Pride Month – all of June – buy from a local LGBTQ+ business – there are plenty to choose from, but some examples are Hobo Coffee House, Polyester Saltburn and Who Ray!
Great Big Green Week – Sat 6 to Sun 14 – take a look at what you can do to contribute to our environment. Could you nail your recycling? Make some swaps to buying local fruit and veg instead of from the supermarket? Could you spare some time to go and do a beach litter pick?
International Day of Play – Thurs 11 – check out some local kids’ play spaces. The Hullabaloo has free play sessions and The Nook in Saltburn is one of the newest play cafes.
Summer Solstice – Sun 21 – celebrate the longest day of the year by spending time outside. Hike up Roseberry Topping, head to your local park, pay a visit to the beach or simply make the most of your garden or outdoor space.
Father’s Day – Sun 21 – shop local for your Father’s Day gifts!
This list will be kept up to date with any other events that I find for June 2026, so keep checking back!
