Go Big at summer events
Make the most of summer with some of the North East's best events. From music festivals and cultural celebrations to family-friendly days out, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Keep up to date with what's happening on our 'Things to Do' page, and discover some of the events we're most excited about below.
NOVUM Festival | 7 - 9 August | Newcastle City Centre
NOVUM Festival brings creativity, spectacle and unforgettable shared experiences into Newcastle City Centre. Co-created with local communities and brought to life by regional, national and international artists, it encourages everyone to explore and see Newcastle differently.
As part of the Council’s 10-year cultural events programme, NOVUM will grow year by year into a must-visit annual festival that celebrates the city’s creativity and welcomes audiences from across the UK.
Plan your journey to NOVUM here
Kynren | 18 - 12 September | Bishop Auckland
Kynren in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, is a massive live-action historical show. The 2026 season runs from July 18 to September 12 and now features both the famous night show, An Epic Tale of England, and a brand-new daytime historical theme park, The Storied Lands.
The daytime park is open from Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays) between 10:30 AM and 4:30 PM
Plan your journey to Kynren here
Twice Brewed Inn Stargazing Kids Events | 6 events in August | Northumberland
Space Kids Events typically take place at an earlier time, before the sun goes down. In some cases when it's clear you can still observe objects such as the sun, the moon, and bright stars / planets depending on the time of year.
These events are focused around engaging kids in astronomy and the surrounding topics in a hope that it will spark their curiosity and foster their enthusiasm.
Plan your journey to Twice Brewed Inn here
The Battle Royale 2026 | 28 - 29 August | Newcastle
On the final bank holiday weekend of the year, Wylam Brewery and Food Battles are hosting their summer food battle 'The Battle Royale' where the best of the best, across all genres will complete. Expect food battles more eclectic roster of street food traders yet. Enjoy the grounds, the terrace and get some seriously good eating on the go.
Plan your journey to Wylam Brewery here
Newcastle Mela | 30 -31 August | Newcastle
The multicultural extravaganza that is Newcastle Mela has been a fixture on the North East’s event calendar for over 25 years, and it’s returning to Exhibition Park this August bank holiday weekend!
Organised by Newcastle Asian Arts and Music, it’s a free and family-friendly festival that celebrates Pakistani, Bengali, Indian and other South Asian cultures and attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year – and it’s not hard to see why it’s so popular.
The festival of culture kicks off with Mela in the City – a series of performances and activities centred around Grey’s Monument on Saturday 29th August – before moving to Exhibition Park where you’ll find stalls selling everything from delicious food to clothes and jewellery and performances from musicians, circus acts and dancers.
Plan your journey to Newcastle Mela here
International Street Circus | 8 August | Gateshead
Part of Gateshead's Summer of Fun, head to Trinity Square to enjoy the international street circus show. Taking place 11:00 - 15:00, expect amazing acts, family fun and WOW moments for all ages.
Plan your journey to Trinity Square here
Love the 90s Festival | 22 August | Sunderland
Keel Square in Sunderland becomes the ultimate throwback playground as Love The 90s Festival brings a huge all-star lineup!
Get ready for iconic performances from Claire Richards (Steps), Eternal, Natasha Hamilton (Atomic Kitten), DJ Sammy, Amelle (Sugarbabes), N-Trance DJ v MC Set & so many more! Expect massive production, neon visuals, roaming entertainers, fire shows, street food and wall-to-wall nostalgia from day to night.
Plan your journey to Keel Square here
Wherever you go this summer, leave the car, take the bus. With Go North East, you can Go BIG, then Go Home.
It's only £2.50 for an adult single, £1 for 21s and under, and kids go FREE.