Looking for something to do on Halloween or at the start of November 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 31st October to Friday 6th November.
Halloween Late Opening – Life Science Centre – Fri 31st Oct
Head to the Life Science Centre in Newcastle on Friday 31st October, from 12pm to 7pm, for a family-friendly Halloween treat! Dive into spine-tingling fun with a brand new 360° immersive dome show “Bump in the Night”, learn about “secret slimes in your body” with hands-on slime activities, bust out your best moves at a spooky disco and explore the mysterious “Feely Wall”. Costumes are encouraged, so dress up, share your pics and you could win a free annual membership! Everything’s included with your entry ticket, and pre-booking is strongly recommended on the Life Science Centre website.
Halloween Family Fun Day – Hopetown Darlington – Fri 31st Oct
Enjoy a day of spooky surprises and ghost-busting giggles at Hopetown Darlington on Friday 31st October, from 10am to 5pm. Highlights include their first ever Family Fun Run, and costume competitions with petrifying prizes for age groups 0-5, 6-17, adults and even pets. You’ll also find face painting, live music, a spooky juggling illusionist and the return of the FitLab x Spooktown dance-along. Entry is free of charge, though pre-booking is recommended. Bring your little monsters (and big ones too), dress to impress, and get ready for a frightfully fun day for the whole family. Book your free spaces on the Hopetown website.
Sunderland Spooktacular Fireworks – Barnes Park – Fri 31st Oct
End Halloween night with a bang at the Sunderland Spooktacular Fireworks on Friday 31st October! Barnes Park will light up the night sky with dazzling displays choreographed to spooky tunes and family favourites. Wrap up warm, grab a hot chocolate or toffee apple, and enjoy an evening of community fun. There’ll be food stalls, fairground rides, and plenty of eerie atmosphere. Whether you’re five or fifty, it’s the perfect way to round off your Halloween celebrations – just don’t forget your gloves and your ghostly grin! Book your tickets on the My Sunderland website.
Halloween Steam Train Weekend – Aln Valley Railway – Sat 1st and Sun 2nd Nov
Step back in time for a steam-powered spooky adventure at Aln Valley Railway on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd November! Families can hop aboard the Halloween Express for a journey filled with ghostly goings-on, fancy dress, and treats for brave little passengers. Expect cobweb-covered carriages, costumed staff, and maybe even a ghostly conductor or two along the line. There’ll also be a bat trail around the station, as well as the popular playground and tea room. Book your tickets now via the Aln Valley Railway.
Comic Con North East – Newcastle Utilita Arena – Sat 1st and Sun 2nd Nov
Calling all heroes, villains, and pop-culture fans! Comic Con North East lands at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd November for a weekend of pure geeky joy. Expect celebrity guests, cosplay galore, collectibles, gaming zones, and panels covering everything from sci-fi to anime. Whether you’re there to meet your favourite star, show off your costume, or hunt for rare merch, there’s something for every fandom. So grab your cape (or lightsaber) and get ready for an unforgettable weekend. Book your tickets now on the Comic Con North East website.
Shildon Brick Show – Locomotion – Sat 1st and Sun 2nd Nov
Get ready for a spectacular weekend of bricks and imagination at Locomotion in Shildon on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd November from 10am to 4pm. Hosted in partnership with the Brick Alley LEGO User Group, this fun-filled exhibition features incredible LEGO creations, trade stands, and hands-on zones for builders of all ages. Explore bug-eyed models, join a minifigure-spotting trail, dive into brick-pits, and hunt for that elusive piece you’ve been after. Pre-booking is advised to secure your spot. Whether you’re a serious fan or just curious, it’s the perfect family outing for builders big and small. Book now via the Locomotion website.
Sunny Afternoon – Sunderland Empire – Tues 4th to Sat 8th Nov
Relive the swinging sixties with Sunny Afternoon at the Sunderland Empire, running from Tuesday 4th to Saturday 8th November. This Olivier Award-winning musical tells the story of The Kinks and their rise to fame, packed with classic hits like Waterloo Sunset, You Really Got Me, and Lola. Expect sharp suits, big guitars, and irresistible energy as the story of Ray Davies and his band bursts onto the stage. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just love great live music, this show will have you tapping your feet and singing along all night! Book your tickets on the Sunderland Empire website.
Whitby Literature Festival – Thurs 6th to Sun 9th Nov
Celebrate stories by the sea at the Whitby Literature Festival, taking place from Thursday 6th to Sunday 9th November. This charming coastal celebration of words welcomes authors, poets, and book lovers for four days of readings, workshops, and lively discussion. Enjoy talks in atmospheric venues, from historic halls to cosy cafés, and discover new voices alongside celebrated names. Whether you’re a budding writer or an avid reader, it’s the perfect autumn escape full of inspiration ad conversation. Take a look at the full programme and book your spots on the Whitby Lit Fest website.
Make sure you check back next week for more amazing events!
