Is it just me, or is time actually flying? Summer is in full swing, and July is packed with amazing activities in the North East…
Spoiler alert – July is officially the month of festivals in the North East, and there’s plenty going on to keep your calendar full…
South Tyneside Summer Parade
When: 5 – 6 July
Price: Free
South Tyneside’s biggest party is back, and this year it’s all about the environment and sustainability.
Expect eco-conscious costumes, floats, and performances as schools, groups and performers turn the route into a green celebration. The parade kicks off at 1 pm from the South Shields Market Square, making its way along King Street and Ocean Road towards the seafront, where the fun really begins: live music, street acts, food, rides – the lot.
The Ouseburn Festival
When: 5 – 6 July
Price: Free
Clear your weekend, as this year’s Ouseburn Festival is really coming through.
Saturday is packed with things like free boat rides down the Tyne (yes, really), horse and dog shows, live art, and so much more! Ideal for wandering around with a coffee in one hand and something deep-fried in the other.
Then, Sunday is all about the music, markets and family fun. Think workshops, face painting, storytelling and more. Plus, over 80 makers and vintage stalls if you fancy a browse.
Second Bite Food Festival at Wylam Brewery
When: 6 July
Price: Tokens are £10 each
If you’re a foodie who loves a bit of variety, then the Second Bite Food Festival is right up your street. Not only will it showcase some of the best chefs in the region, but the event organisers are also raising money for Cancer Research UK.
Last year they raised a jaw-dropping £82,063, and this year the lineup looks even more exciting. Think Gareth Ward from Ynyshir, Chet Sharma from BiBi, Ian Waller from Pine, and loads more incredible chefs who are donating their time and talents to the cause. Don’t miss it!
Mouth of the Tyne Festival
When: 10 – 13 July
Price: Varies depending on the day and musical performance
The Mouth of the Tyne Festival is one of those feel-good summer events that really brings Tynemouth to life. This year, it’s packed with great live music, from legends like UB40 and Elbow to fresh acts you’ll want to keep an eye on.
The festival also features free family entertainment, live jazz music, and even a silent disco, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Besides, who could say no to that seaside view?
Craft & Flea Market at Boiler Shop
When: 13 July
Price: £2.50
The Craft & Flea Market at Boiler Shop is a truly perfect way to spend a Sunday. Expect a mix of vintage fashion, quirky homewares, sustainable designs and artisan craft items, including ceramics, illustrations, terrariums, candles, jewellery, and all the good stuff you never knew you needed until you saw it.
Make & Mend Festival
When: 13 July
Price: £45
Now this one sounds like a dream! 13 July is set to be a joy-filled mix of creativity, calm, and crafty fun in beautiful Middlesbrough. There will be a lineup of vibrant workshops, from Japanese mokuhanga printmaking, brush-lettered plates, macramé, terrariums to willow weaving, monoprints, and even mosaic sessions.
Tickets are £45 and give you full access to the festival grounds, including the Makers Market, all the drop-in arts and wellbeing sessions (like yoga and breathwork!), plus one workshop of your choice.
Durham Brass Festival
When: 13 – 20 July
Price: Most events are free, but some require tickets
From 13–20 July, expect brass bands popping up all over Durham – on the streets, in parks, and even on boats. Headliner Bill Ryder-Jones is playing a special one-off show with NASUWT Riverside Band this year – you simply can’t miss it.
Plus, there’s plenty more happening, from lively street performances to the ever-popular Party In The Park, making it the perfect way to soak up some brilliant music and summer energy this July in the North East.
Newcastle Pride
When: 19 – 20 July
Price: From £10
Newcastle Pride is always a fun time and this year, there’ll be a huge main stage packed with amazing acts all weekend, plus a second stage for dance and cabaret lovers. Bars are stacked with drinks, and you can grab some tasty street food from local vendors to keep you going.
If you want to treat yourself, there’s a VIP area right at the front with its own bar, toilets, and even meet-and-greets with some of the performers. The lineup’s pretty exciting – Pixie Lott, Gok Wan, Livin’ Joy, and RuPaul’s Drag Race finalist Michael Marouli are just a few of the stars you’ll see. Oh, and don’t miss the big Pride March on 19 July!
NE1’s Screen on the Green
When: 21 July
Price: Free
NE1’s Screen on the Green is officially back from 21 July, with at least two films screened each day, at 12 noon and 3 pm, until 31Â August. Over 100 free films will feature in the line-up, ranging from iconic family classics to brand-new blockbusters.Â
For younger viewers, Tuesdays will be devoted to Toddler Takeovers with weekly 10:30am screenings of short animated films, perfect for little ones and their families.
On Wednesday evenings, the Tyneside Cinema will be hosting its Tyneside Takeovers. Starting at 6 pm each week, these special screenings will showcase six films that capture the essence of the Tyneside Cinema experience, each hand-picked by the city’s much-loved independent cinema. Blockbuster Thursdays will also return this summer with big-screen, chart-toppers. What a time to be alive!
Newcastle Fringe Festival
When: 22 July – 8 August
Price: From £4
With 110 shows across 8 venues, Newcastle Fringe Festival is quickly becoming one of the city’s biggest and best arts events, and honestly, it’s brilliant!
Expect everything from comedy and music to theatre, cabaret, drag, family fun, and so much more. Whatever you’re into, there’s something in the mix for you.
Ladies Day
When: 26 July
Price: From £39
Do I even need to introduce this one? Ladies Day at Newcastle Racecourse is hands down one of the biggest July events in the North East.
It’s your chance to show off your best hats and outfits, sip on bubbles, and soak up the summer energy as the races unfold. And when the racing stops, the party keeps going with Bongo’s Bingo bringing karaoke, dance-offs, and some amazing prizes to keep the fun alive all evening.