Looking for something to do at the end of October or start of November 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 24th October to Sunday 3rd November.
Last few days to visit The Glittering North – Raby Castle – Sat 26th & Sun 27th Oct, then Wed 30th Oct to Sun 3rd Nov
We’re starting at Raby Castle for the gorgeous Glittering North event. Now I mentioned this a few weeks ago and it’s been drawing the crowds in throughout the month, but we’re getting into the final days of the event now, so it’s your last chance to grab some tickets. It’s a fabulous autumnal event with lights, music, puppetry and fire performances, and is perfect for all the family to enjoy. It celebrates the North East’s Viking and Norse heritage, so you can expect to hear stories of gods and shapeshifting beasts, an eight legged horse called Sleipnir, fire foxes in the Northern Lights and so much more. I’ve been along to this and it’s a real feast for the senses, and an amazingly unique thing for the region, so I really recommend it. The remaining dates are Saturday 26th or Sunday 27th, and then Wednesday 30th to Sunday 3rd November, so run to the Raby Castle website to get your tickets.
North Pennines Stargazing Festival – various venues and events across the North Pennines – Fri 25th Oct to Sun 3rd Nov
If you love looking to the skies and doing a bit of star spotting, you’ll love the North Pennines Stargazing Festival. This is running from Friday 25th October until Sunday 3rd November and is bringing a whole host of events to County Durham and Teesdale, and there really is to suit astronomers of all levels. There’s going to be stargazing suppers at the High Force Hotel where you’ll get a three course meal and time at High Force waterfall to take photos and use binoculars to hunt for constellations. There’ll be family-friendly astronomy at the North Pennines and Grassholme Observatories, there’ll be lantern making and night time mine trips at Nenthead Mines, and Star Camp weekend at Doe Park Caravan Site, with telescopes, astronomy talks and a bottle rocket competition. There’s honestly loads on, so you can find the full list on the North Pennines website with info on how to book.
Super Natural October half term – Washington Wetlands Centre – Sat 26th Oct to Sat 2nd Nov
Washington Wetlands Centre are fusing all things ooky, gooky and spooky with nature for October half term to bring you a Super Natural week from Saturday 26th October to Saturday 2nd November. They’ve put together a range of creative and nature-themed activities that have a bit of a Halloween edge, like fungus walks, potion making, owl pellet dissecting, willow wand making and so much more. And the best bit is that all of these are included with entry, so you can make the most of the centre, like seeing the resident otters and flamingos. AND if you visit on Halloween, dressed in your best and spookiest fancy dress, and share a photo on Facebook, you could be in with a chance of winning a goody bag. You can see the full list of events and book your entry on the Washington Wetlands Centre site.
Treat & Trail in the Park – Saltwell Park, Gateshead – Sun 27th Oct
Halloween isn’t complete without a bit of trick or treating and if you want to take your little ones out to collect some sweet treats in a safe and fun way, you might like Treat & Trail In The Park. This is on in Saltwell Park on Sunday 27th October and invites you to venture along the trail to meet a series of characters to get photos and treats for your bag. There’ll be a mix of superheroes, princesses, Halloween characters, and Mickey and Minnie in their best spooky dress. This is a ticketed event and you’ll be given a Kingdom Pass, so the characters know who is and isn’t on the trail, and it’ll make sure that you get the hard earned sweets. It should be a really cute event, so if you want to get your tickets, take a look at the Let It Snow Productions Facebook page for more info.
Autumn Adventures – Ushaw House – Sun 27th Oct to Sun 3rd Nov
October half term is coming around really fast, so if you need any more options to keep little ones entertained, you might be interested in Autumn Adventures at Ushaw House. They’ve got a whole week of activities planned in, starting from on Sunday 27th October until Sunday 3rd November. Some of things you can get up to include decoupage leafy lantern making, autumn print making, hunting for leaf shapes on the indoor and outdoor trails, and hedgehog crafts. There’s also a monster bash with Activate Theatre where you’re invited to dress up and get involved with games, dancing and maybe a surprise or two. Most of these activities are included with a day pass or membership for Ushaw House, but there are a few that need to be booked separately, so make sure you take a look at the Ushaw website to find out more.
Chicago – Newcastle Theatre Royal – Mon 28th Oct to Sat 2nd Nov
If it’s a trip to the theatre you’re after over the next week, Chicago is on at the Newcastle Theatre Royal. This razzle-dazzle enriched musical is on from Monday 28th October to Saturday 2nd November, and features Corrie’s Faye Brookes, Loose Women’s Brenda Edwards, and Strictly’s Kevin Clifton. Chicago is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. It’s a firey, sensational show and of course, includes a show stopping score including songs like Cell Block Tango and All That Jazz. With 6 Tony Awards, 2 Olivier Awards, a Grammy and thousands of standing ovations, it’s a phenomenal musical and definitely one to get on your list. If you want to get some last minute tickets, have a look at the Newcastle Theatre Royal website.
A Reunion With Murder – Stockton Globe – Thurs 31st Oct
If you’re looking for a grown up evening out on Halloween, I think this could be a fantastic shout. This is A Reunion With Murder at the Stockton Globe on Thursday 31st, which is a murder mystery that will unfold against the backdrop of the art deco theatre. Put your detective skills to the test as you embark on an immersive experience to help four friends reunite with Emma, who went missing 20 years ago. The evening will start with a guided tour of the Globe, followed by drinks and canapes on the stage, then the murder mystery will begin. You’ll analyse clues, ask important questions and ultimately guess whodunnit! This sounds like such a brilliant event and a bit of an alternative idea for adults this spooky season. If you fancy it, take a look at the Stockton Globe website to book your tickets.
Whitby Goth Weekend – Fri 1st to Sun 3rd Nov
Whitby Goth Weekend is back post-Halloween from Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd November, and Dracula’s seaside town will be transformed into a wonderland of gothic, steampunk and macabre fashion. This biannual weekend is a celebration of the culture with an alternative market of more than 100 stalls, DJ nights and pilgrimages up the steps to the gothic Whitby Abbey. Hundreds upon hundreds of people come to the town for this event, whether they’re part of the goth culture or not, dressed up to the nines in their best outfits or to see the eclectic, eccentric and exciting swarms. Even if you only get to Whitby for one day over the weekend, I recommend it because it’s a fab day out.
Make sure you check back next week for more amazing events!
