What To Do This Weekend
New openings, free family days out and the local markets you won't want to miss - here's what to do this weekend
What’s New
In Newcastle
Bookings are now live for trips on the newly refurbished Canny Lass, a luxurious 98-passenger catamaran offering guests the chance to see the River Tyne and its surrounding landscape from the water with Tyne Cruises. In Benfield Business Park, Jesmond coffee legends Local are opening Local HQ. The new space is huge and promises to be a must-visit destination for speciality coffee, natural wine, proper food and events. In Exhibition Park, the team behind Deep North have soft launched a new project and it’s a must-visit this weekend. Bandstand brings together great local food, speciality coffee, matcha, natural wine and cocktails, plus live music and events. Keep an eye out for the full unveiling over the coming weeks.
In Gateshead
Hii Grind has just opened inside Flannels in the Metrocentre, in the Lower Red Mall. Stop by the sleek new space for matcha, açai bowls, smashed avocado dishes and protein shakes.
In Sunderland
A sleek new Indian restaurant has just opened on Dykelands Road in Sunderland. Malabar can be found by the coast serving up excellent traditional tandoori dishes, small plates, curries and cocktails.
In York
Head to Fossgate for the newly opened Wonder, a colourful shop specialising in gifts, accessories and a curated range of homeware. Shop everything from cards and wall art to mugs, aromatherapy collections and more.
In Leeds
Kirkgate Market favourites Khao Gaeng Thai have opened a second location. You’ll find the new spot, Khao Gaeng Thai – Thai Kitchen, on Burley Road. From the menu, expect an eclectic mix of flavourful Thai street food dishes.
Family Fun
Summer holiday family fun on a budget
In Gateshead
Don’t miss the Metrocentre’s amazing Half Pipe Show taking place this weekend (Saturday 15th to Sunday 16th) where Olympic silver medalist Kieran Reilly will be showing off some amazing tricks. The free event will also see members from Team Extreme and Newcastle Eagles show off their skills.
In Stockton
Head to Stockton Globe for a fabulous Daytime Roller Disco today and tomorrow (13th–14th). Designed for families, enjoy your favourite tunes in the impressive art deco auditorium. Tickets start from less than £5 and are discounted when booked online.
In York
York BID’s Family Friendly Saturday returns this weekend (15th) with a free city-centre experience, as the Actual Reality Arcade returns to Parliament Street. The hands-on experience sees iconic retro games brought to life including a huge-scale laser run, a giant Tetris wall, and whack-a-mole with human volunteers.
In Sheffield
Get the kids out and about to discover the fabulous and free Pride of Yorkshire sculpture trail. Created to support Sheffield Children’s Hospital, 300 unique lion and lion cub sculptures have been placed across the city, as well as Rotherham, Barnsley, and Doncaster, just waiting to be discovered.
Football Crazy
Newcastle United fans won’t want to miss the new hospitality spaces at St James’ Park
After a fabulous refurbishment The Tidings, formerly The Magpie, is now available on a match-by-match basis throughout the season, launching this Saturday (15th). This sought-after space has Newcastle United at its heart and is the ultimate way to experience a match.
The suite includes premium seating in Leazes West corner, seasonal small plates available before the match, a live cooking station, an all-inclusive bar (with plenty of bubbly), and refreshments at half-time and after the match. Plus, guests can also enjoy live acoustic music post-match, pre- and post-match analysis with an NUFC legend, and a limited-edition match badge. You can book your spot at Tidings here.
Marvellous Markets
The local markets and fabulous festivals you won’t want to miss
At Dalton Park
Don’t miss Dalton Park’s Summer Artisan Market this weekend (15th–16th). Stop by for a weekend of artisan shopping, an excellent array of food and drink, and plenty of local creativity.
In Bishop Auckland
Bishop Auckland Family Festival returns to Jane Armstrong Park for its third year this Saturday (15th). Head to the Big Top for live acts, explore the kids zone, tuck into delicious street food and take part in amazing workshops.
In Bradford
Head to Darley Street Market for Live at the Courtyard (14th–16th), bringing three days of incredible live music to Bradford city centre. As well as great headline and support acts, there’ll be a great range of outdoor food and drink options too.
In Wakefield
Enjoy the Northern Green Gathering at Newland Park from today until Sunday (16th). This thoughtful eco-festival combines talks, workshops, live music and family-friendly activities focused on sustainability and community.
Summer of Art
Gateshead’s Baltic has an amazing line-up that you won’t want to miss this summer
Currently open at the Baltic’s Level 3 Gallery is the landmark exhibition Tish Murtha & Kuba Ryniewicz Close to Home. This marks the first time four major series by celebrated documentary photographer Tish Murtha will be shown together in the North East, as well as including a new body of work from Newcastle–based artist Kuba Ryniewicz.
In another first, Baltic is also currently showing the first major UK solo exhibition in a public institution of artist Chitra Ganesh. The exhibition Journey to the Great Below features amazing animations, sculptural work and wall drawings which are unique to the Baltic.
