Looking for something to do at the end of September or start of October 2024 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 26th September to Thursday 3rd October.
Middlesbrough Art Week – across the town – Thurs 26th Sept to Sat 5th Oct
We’re starting in Middlesbrough for the always incredible Art Week. This year’s programme will be running for 8 action-packed days from Thursday 26th until Saturday 5th October with all kinds of creative activities, free events and important conversations. There’s going to be big exhibitions in galleries like MIMA, Unit 1 in the Dundas Arcade and Platform A in the train station, as well as public artwork in spots like the Cleveland Centre and Linthorpe Road. There’s a whole bunch of workshops to join, like seed harvesting, printing and creative writing, and walks and talks to get a deeper look at the art on display. There’s even going to be a whole programme for kids called Summat For The Bairns with drawing, sculpture, design and so much more for them to get stuck into. The best bit about it all is that everyone is welcome, whether you’re an artist yourself or someone who has never visited a gallery, so if you want to take a look, you can find more info on the Middlesbrough Art Week website.
Newcastle Cocktail Week – across the city – Fri 27th Sept to Sun 6th Oct
This is a bit of a different ‘week’ to Art Week because this one is all about cocktails. Newcastle Cocktail Week is taking over the city from Friday 27th until Sunday 6th October, giving you 10 days to enjoy signature cocktails from just £5 at 50 venues. All you have to do is get a wristband and you’ll have to hurry because there aren’t many left, but once you’ve got yours, you can enjoy as many £5 cocktails as you like. The wristband also gets you discounts on food at some of the venues too, like 20% off at Motel Mexicana and giant pizza slices for a fiver at Twenty Twenty, so you could make a real event of it. This is a great one for all the cocktail connoisseurs out there, so if you want to get your wristband or any more info, head to the Newcastle Cocktail Week website.
The Gathering Sounds – across Stockton – Sat 28th Sept
Stockton has got itself such a reputation for hosting and promoting new and upcoming musical talent, and that’s what The Gathering Sounds is all about. Following the record-breaking success in 2023, the festival is back on Saturday 28th for its fifth year and taking over a number of venues across the town, like the ARC, KU and The Georgian Theatre. There’s over 40 acts on over the day and don’t worry, there’s a clash finder available online so you can make sure you get to see everyone on your list without a hitch. Headlining are Wrexham indie band, The Royston Club, the kind of punky, kind of dancy Fat Dog, and the hazy, anthemic Wings Of Desire, so that’s a real mixed bag before you’ve even delved further into the line up. So if you’re in the mood for live music this weekend, this could be a brilliant shout, so go to the Stockton ARC website to get your tickets.
Bishop Auckland Heritage Festival – across Bishop Auckland – Sat 28th Sept
Step back in time and immerse yourself in history, culture, and creativity at the Bishop Auckland Heritage Festival where you can explore the town’s rich past through a series of unique events happening across Saturday 28th. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re an art enthusiast, history buff or simply looking for a fun day out! There’s a vintage car show in the marketplace, storytelling in the town hall, workshops to make your own Bishop Boar postcards, art exhibitions and so much more. And the best part is that all of these events are free to go to, but you will need to reserve space to make sure you get in. It sounds like it’s going to be a great day out for all ages, so if you want to book your free tickets to any of the events, head to the Baccanalia website.
Bark in the Park – Raby Castle – Sun 29th Sept
If it’s a tail-wagging good time you’re after, then look no further than Bark in the Park at Raby Castle on Sunday 29th. This is a pawesome day out for dogs and their owners, all in the gorgeous castle grounds and with loads to see and do. There’ll be agility demonstrations from professional pooches, “have a go” sessions where your dog can try out some new skills, a Fun Dog Show with awards from the coolest pup to most like their owner, and lots of amazing trade stands where you can pick up everything you could need or want for your four legged friend. There might even be some stands offering treats for owners too, so no one’s getting left out. You can book a ticket for this through the Raby Castle website and that will get you entry to the deer park and gardens too, so you can make a day of it.
Ghost Stories by M.R. James – Newcastle Castle – Tues 1st Oct
We’re so close to moving into October, which is definitely the spookiest month of them all, so I wanted to bring some frightful events to the table for the start of October, kicking things off with Ghost Stories by M.R. James at Newcastle Castle. The Great Hall of the Castle Keep will play host to this eerie theatre performance where the audience chooses the stories they hear. This is on Tuesday 1st October and there are two performances, and because the audience is in control, both shows will be completely different. I think this is an amazing way to get into the Halloween spirit right from the first day of the month, so if you’re in the mood for something a little spooky, a little spine-tingling, then this could be a great shout and you can get tickets on the Newcastle Castle website.
An Inspector Calls – Darlington Hippodrome – Tues 1st to Sat 5th Oct
Maybe you’re not after something scary this October and maybe you’d prefer something a bit more thriller-y – then this is the perfect thing for you. An Inspector Calls is on at the Darlington Hippodrome from Tuesday 1st to Saturday 5th October after a record-breaking sell out tour in 2022. When Inspector Goole arrives unexpectedly at the prosperous Birling family home, their peaceful dinner party is shattered by his investigations into the death of a young woman. His startling revelations shake the very foundations of their lives and challenge us all to examine our consciences. This is a classic, multi award-winning play and an absolute must see, so if you fancy it, get your tickets on the Darlington Hippodrome website.
Spookydorei at Alnwick Garden – from Wed 2nd Oct to Sun 3rd Nov
I’m sure there’s going to be plenty of Halloween events over the next few weeks for the kids to enjoy, but to round off this week’s list, we’ve got Spookydorei at the Alnwick Garden. The gigantic Lilidorei playground village is being transformed for the month, with a spooky side and a not so spooky side. A quest will be given out to all visitors that leads them on an adventure to solve riddles and find hidden objects as they explore. There’s also going to be the second annual Spooky Scarecrow Contest where you can vote for your favourite, and trick or treat bags to buy, where you can answer questions and play games around the village to earn your sweets. This sounds like a great way to get littles in the Halloween spirit, so it’s on from Wednesday 2nd October to Sunday 3rd November, and you can get tickets on the Alnwick Garden website.
Make sure you check back next week for more amazing events!
