May Day Bank Holiday: 10 Fun Things to Do in Newcastle
Our top picks of Newcastle happenings this May Day bank holiday
From music lovers and self-professed cinephiles, to keen foodies and wannabe adventurers, there’s quite literally something for everyone this May Day bank holiday in Newcastle.
We’re rocking out with some stellar gigs, laughing the night away at The Stand, and dancing into the night at Digital. Oh, and that’s not forgetting a small journey through Middle Earth, as The Lord of the Rings returns to Tyneside Cinema. So – are you coming with us?
Family Friendly Sessions @ Point Blank
Point Blank’s family-friendly sessions return to the city centre venue this May Day bank holiday, and they’re a great way to get the gang together for something a little different! Your aim, speed, and – most importantly! – zombie survival skills will be put to the test in your own private simulated shooting range, with food and drink available to be served while you play. And with over 100 games to choose from, bank holiday boredom won’t know what’s hit it!
Monday 5th May 2025, From £10 per person, per hour
Magic Weekend @ St. James’ Park
The legendary Magic Weekend also returns to St. James’ Park this May! For the uninitiated, it’s an incredible rugby league festival that sees six fixtures take place over the bank holiday weekend, including St Helens v Leeds Rhinos and Wigan Warriors v Warrington Wolves. Their unique pass-out system makes this great for families with little ones, offering the chance to explore the atmospheric Fan Zone – jam-packed with live entertainment, special guests, rides and food and beverage stalls – before heading back to your seats to catch the next match.
Saturday 3rd – Sunday 4th May 2025, Prices vary
The Great British Tribute Fest @ Times Square
Next up, we’re groovin’ over to Times Square for The Great British Tribute Fest. With over fourteen bands paying homage to some of the biggest names in the industry, it promises to be one humongous weekend of music! From Beatlemania and Fu Fighters, to Sam Offender and The Runaway Killers, the line-up is stacked with some great acts. Fingers crossed that a sunny weekend joins that bill very soon…
Saturday 3rd – Sunday 5th May 2025, From £15 per person
Bank Holiday Show @ The Stand
You can always rely on The Stand for a hilarious night out, and their Bank Holiday Show promises to be no exception. Carl Hutchinson’s expected to headline, alongside Ada Campe, Al Stevenson, Cal Halbert, and one more act to be confirmed. Grab your pals and those tickets, you’ll be in for some top-notch comedy!
Sunday 4th May 2025, From £15 per person
Slice Wars @ Wylam Brewery
Grab your lightsaber – er, we mean fork! – as Slice Wars makes its triumphant return to Wylam Brewery this May. You’ll be transported to a galaxy far far away as some of the region’s best pizza pushers battle for your vote and the chance to be crowned the very best. There’s always vegan and vegetarian options available too, so no-one has to miss the out-of-this-world experience.
Friday 2nd – Saturday 3rd May 2025
Bongo’s Bingo @ Boiler Shop
Feeling lucky? The legendary Bongo’s Bingo returns to the Boiler Shop this May Day bank holiday for a night of boisterous bingo, featuring rave intervals, awkward dance-offs and ridiculous prizes. Not really the kind of bingo your nana plays, but definitely a good laugh with your pals.
Saturday 3rd May 2025, From £21 per person
Ocean Colour Scene @ O2 City Hall
Britpop icons Ocean Colour Scene take to the O2 City Hall stage this month. With three Top Five albums and a run of Top 20 singles under their belt, it’s probably no surprise that their live shows boast plenty of sing-a-longs and all the raucous you’d expect from modern rock. There’ll be supported by English psychedelic rock band Kula Shaker too – so you’ll be catching two fantastic acts in just one night!
Sunday 4th May 2025, Prices vary
The Lord of the Rings (Extended Edition) @ Tyneside Cinema
The hobbits are going to Isengard! Wait no, we read that wrong - they’re actually going to Tyneside Cinema! The Newcastle landmark hosts their annual May bank holiday tradition screening the extended editions of Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings back-to-back. It’s a healthy dose of fantasy escapism for anyone who fancies cosying up in the venue’s Electra screen – and the perfect chance to remind everyone you go with that Viggo Mortensen’s scream was very much real because he did in fact break his toe kicking that rock!
Saturday 3rd – Sunday 4th May 2025, Prices vary
Olly Murs @ Utilita Arena
X-Factor royalty Olly Murs is bringing the party to Newcastle’s Utilita Arena this May Day Bank Holiday, with a setlist jam-packed with loads of fan-favourite hits. Plus there’ll be support from 2000s boy band icons Blue – making this a must-see double bill. Don’t be a Troublemaker, get ‘em tickets! We don’t take any responsibility for their musical earworms being stuck in your head all night long afterwards though…
Sunday 4th May 2025, Prices vary
Clubland Reborn @ Digital
Something a little different to end this round-up with, as Clubland Reborn take to the Digital decks this May. The UK’s only Clubland Live band will be bringing their energetic dancers and DJs to the Toon as well, promising an unforgettable live show full of classic tunes and feel-good factor. Neon outfits and sparkly jackets optional – but always appreciated.
Sunday 4th May 2025, From £19.80
Phew! Safe to say that Newcastle’s pretty busy this May Day bank holiday weekend. But if you’re looking for more inspiration on how to spend the rest of the month, then don’t forget to catch up on our unmissable events for the rest of May!
Want to be in the know about everything that’s happening in Newcastle city centre? Sign up to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok.
Main image: Magic Weekend
