Looking for something to do in the middle of June 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 Thursday 12th June to Friday 20th June.
Northumberland Miners’ Picnic – Woodhorn Museum – Sat 14th June
We’re starting off at Woodhorn Museum in Ashington for their Northumberland Miners’ Picnic on Saturday 14th. This is set to be a fabulous day that’s absolutely jam-packed with lots to see and do, and the best bit is that it’s free admission. There’s a programme of live music across the whole day, pop up street theatre performances, family-friendly art activities, musical instruments to experiment with and so much more. And of course, it’s a picnic, so you can take your own food along or you can enjoy a bite from one of the street food stalls. Like I say, this is a free entry event, but parking is £5 per car, so that’s something to keep in mind, but otherwise, just visit Woodhorn Museum on Saturday 14th to get involved or check out their website to see the full run down of the day.
Dads Go Free at Whitehouse Farm – Sat 14th and Sun 15th June
Of course, it’s Father’s Day weekend and I’ve got a couple of places doing special offers for dads. So the first is Whitehouse Farm near Morpeth and they’re doing a dads go free deal or if you’re a dad with a seasonal pass, you’ll get a free hot drink and sweet treat when you visit on Saturday 14th or Sunday 15th. There’s always so much to do at this farm, like small animal handling, bird of prey meet and greets, meerkat talks and goat grooming. And that’s just the animal side of things – they’ve also got indoor racing cars, adventure playgrounds and a huge toboggan slide. It’s a real mixed bag, so it would be a lovely one for families this weekend. You can get your tickets on the Whitehouse Farm website, just follow the prompts for the Father’s Day special.
Father’s Day Weekend – Raby Castle – Sat 14th and Sun 15th June
Another place that’s got a brilliant deal on for Father’s Day weekend is Raby Castle, which is always such a lovely place to explore. They’re letting dads go free into the castle with a park and gardens ticket, as well as enjoy free tractor and trailer rides in the deer park. I have it on good authority that there are baby deers there at the minute, so this would be a lovely way to spot them. There’s also going to be a Father’s Day weekend barbecue on both Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th, so it’s going to be lush, especially when you tie all of this in to a mooch in The Coach House for some gift shopping and a cuppa in The Vinery. You can either buy your park and gardens tickets online or when you arrive, then show them at the castle portcullis for your free entry.
Redcar Kite Festival – Majuba Beach – Sat 14th and Sun 15th June
Redcar Kite Festival is back on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th after a smash hit of a debut last year. This family-friendly festival will welcome some of the largest and most spectacular kites in the world, celebrating the natural windy environment of Majuba Beach to fill the sky with colour. Each day, there’ll be kite flying displays including stunt kites, kite ballet, Chinese dragons and rainbow deltas that kids can fly. There’ll also be walkabout performers, free arts and crafts workshops, live music and street food, so it’s going to be a lovely weekend by the sea. This is a free event, so just head to Redcar on Saturday or Sunday and enjoy.
James Bond Concert Spectacular – Tyne Theatre & Opera House – Sun 15th June
If you love the James Bond movies, then you’re love the James Bond Concert Spectacular at the Tyne Theatre & Opera House on Sunday 15th. This is the world’s finest and most critically acclaimed tribute to the music of the spy movies, and it’s celebrating more than 20 years as the first original and pioneering Bond concert. They’re known for their adrenaline-fuelled performances, mixed with superb musicianship and flair. The show features all the Bond songs such as Goldfinger, Live and Let Die and Nobody Does It Better, and Caroline Bliss, who played Moneypenny in The Living Daylights and Licence To Kill, will guide you through the concert as compere. This isn’t one to miss for fans of the films, so head to the Tyne Theatre & Opera House website to get the last of the tickets.
Sun Records: The Concert – Darlington Hippodrome – Tues 17th June
This is one for people who love the early days of rock and roll, like Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash. In Sun Records: The Concert, you’ll be transported back to this golden age of music and to the Sun Record Company where the distinctive sound was crafted by the visionary that was Sam Phillips. By fusing gospel, blues, country, boogie and western swing, he brought us songs like Great Balls of Fire, I Walk the Line and Blue Suede Shoes, and that’s what this show celebrates. Featuring musical instruments of the era, starring a multi-talented cast of singers and a supporting cast of amazing musicians, the sound of Sun is brought to life live on stage. This on on Tuesday 17th and tickets are running low, so if you fancy it, head to the Darlington Hippodrome website to book yours.
Hamilton – Sunderland Empire – Tues 17th to Sat 26th June
The last thing I’m mentioning at the theatre is the massive Hamilton at Sunderland Empire from Tuesday 17th to to Saturday 26th. This is a multi award-winning masterpiece by Lin Manuel Miranda is the story of America’s Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington’s right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and helped shape the very foundations of modern America. The score blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B and Broadway – the story of America then, as told by America now. It’s a hugely popular show, so you won’t be shocked to hear that the tickets are running very low, so you’ll have to head to the Sunderland Empire website ASAP if you fancy going.
The Hoppings – Newcastle Town Moor – Fri 20th to Sun 29th June
Europe’s largest funfair is back for 2025 – yes, The Hoppings returns to Newcastle’s Town Moor from Friday 20th to Sunday 29th. There’s going to be over 400 of the country’s biggest and brightest attractions, from traditional favourite funfair rides to the latest jaw-dropping thrill rides. Reach new heights with the Star Flyer, sending riders nearly 200 feet into the air. Touch speeds of 80mph on The Mach Bomber, the UK’s favourite G4 listed attraction or enjoy panoramic views of Newcastle on the famous giant observation wheel. Entry to the site is free and no ticket is needed, so just head along on your chosen day, but remember to keep cash on your card on you as all the rides are individually priced. If you need any more info at all or want to find out about the other rides, you can check out The Hoppings website.
Make sure you check back next week for more amazing events!
