Festivals, festivals, more festivals and some other foodie, theatre and creative happenings. August 2026 in the North East will be huge!
There’s always something going on in the region but this month promises to be the perfect ending to the summer season…
Seaham Food Festival
When: 1-2 August
Price: Free entry
I can’t think of a better way to start the month than by taking part in some food-related festivities, and Seaham Food Festival is just the place to do it. Expect over 150 food and drink traders, chef demonstrations, live entertainment and, hopefully, good weather!
Bents Park Live
When: 2 August
Price: £5.50
An annual favourite, this event promises to be just as big this year. While it’s ticketed this time, it’s well worth attending. Expect musical performances from Judge Jules, Ultrabeat and more!
Made Up North Market at The Boiler Shop
When: 2 August
Price: £2
You know I love a good mooch around the market, and this one is highly anticipated (by me and plenty of other locals, I’m sure). Wallets at the ready to support over 60 local traders selling handmade goodies. The best part? 10% of ticket sales will be donated to a local charity. Be there or be square!
Newcastle Restaurant Week
When: 3-9 August
Price: Offers from £15
This one needs no introduction. I’ll just say this: if you’ve been eyeing up a restaurant, the first week of August is the perfect time to try it. With over 100 venues taking part this year, everyone’s bound to find something they like.
Burlesque The Musical at the Sunderland Empire
When: 6-22 August
Price: From £18.20
If you’ve seen the film of the same name starring Christina Aguilera and Cher and loved it, you simply must see this production coming to Sunderland Empire. It follows Ali, who arrives in New York and enters a world of sequins, seduction, shimmer, feather boas and insanely good songs.
Outdoor Cinema Dirty Dancing at at Herrington Country Park
When: 7 August
Price: £17.37
Is there anything more romantic than watching Dirty Dancing in the summer air? I don’t think so! Grab your date and head to Herrington Country Park for a night of music, romance and iconic dance moves.
Novum Festival
When: 7-9 August
Price: Free
The most creative festival in the North East is back! Offering plenty of free events, outdoor performances, artist workshops and musical acts, it’s not one to miss. There’ll be a huge dominoes display running all through the city, pshysical theatre with performers doing jaw-dropping acrobatics and a bird rave celebrating bird-inspired performances and rave music, of course.
NE1’s Quayside Carnival
When: 22 August
Price: Free
Back for another year, this one is a great, family-friendly event with silent discos, circus performances, live stage entertainment, arts & crafts zones, river tours and mocktail-making sessions. Little tip: leave your car at home for this one.
Noughty 90s Festival
When: 29 August
Price: £39.99
Time to travel back in time this August Bank Holiday weekend. The Noughty 90s Festival is taking place at Leazes Park, and it’s a throwback party featuring some of the best hits from the 90s. Expect performances from Vengaboys, Basshunter, Andy Whitby and more!
Newcastle Mela at Exhibition Park
When: 29-31 August
Price: Free
August 2026 seems to be the month of festivals, and this one is the perfect conclusion to an exciting month in the North East. Taking place at Exhibition Park, it’s a chance to experience Pakistani, Bengali, Indian and other South Asian cultures by listening to lively music, trying delicious food and enjoying captivating entertainment.