May 2025: 10 Unmissable Events in Newcastle
Catch up on the unmissable Newcastle events for this May
Spring is in full swing and while the weather might not always recognise it, there’s plenty to do come rain or shine in Newcastle this May.
With the return of Wylam Brewery’s beloved Slice Wars, Blackfriars’ debut Beer Festival, and the sophomore year of Newcastle Food & Drink Festival at Leazes Park, the Toon will definitely be well-fed this month. Oh, and don’t forget some incredible theatre productions, live music, and another edition of Tyneside Cinema’s behemoth All-Nighter screening. It’s a busy calendar if we’ve ever seen one!
Something in the Water @ Theatre Royal
Local legend (and beloved by the NE1 office) Joe McElderry takes to the Theatre Royal stage this May… and no, the Christmas panto hasn’t come back early! Instead, he’ll be joined by Steph McGovern for Something in the Water – a celebration of the remarkable unique talent that can only be found in the North East. Sonny Tennet, Jill Halfpenny, Rosie Ramsey and Groovetrain are already on the bill, with more guest stars to be announced. We’re sure you’ll be in for a toe-tapping time regardless!
Sunday 18th May 2025, From £33
…Earnest? @ Tyne Theatre & Opera House
Ahead of their eagerly anticipated West End run, …Earnest? Arrives at the Tyne Theatre & Opera House this May. This hilarious spin on Oscar Wilde’s work sees the lead actor (a.k.a. Earnest himself) fail to arrive on cue – forcing an audience member to take to the stage in his stead! Jam-packed with impromptu games and spontaneous solutions as the show’s director fights to see the production through to the bitter end. Make sure your acting chops are up to scratch before booking tickets, who knows when they’ll be called upon!
Wednesday 7th & Thursday 8th May 2025, From £23.50
Kylie: Tension Tour @ Utilita Arena
Her biggest tour since 2011, popstar royalty Kylie brings the Tension Tour to Newcastle’s Utilita Arena this month. Get dressed in your finest glitz and glam for this one, since she’ll be playing fan favourites from 2023’s Tension album like Padam Padam and Things We Do For Love – as well as certified bangers like Can’t Get You Out of My Head and On a Night Like This.
Saturday 17th May 2025, Prices vary
Beer Festival @ Blackfriars
This May Bank Holiday, join Blackfriars to raise a glass to their first-ever Beer Festival, and hope for many more to come! Hosted in their cosy Cloister Garden – complete with fire pits and festoon lighting for the ultimate festival vibe, of course – you’ll sample beers from eight brilliant local breweries, including their very own St. Dominic’s Brewery. But if pints aren’t your tipple, then fret not! There Blackfriars BBQ will be working overtime, and there’ll be wine, cocktails, and soft drinks from the classic bar too. And with live music on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, we can’t think of a much better way to soak up the sun!
Friday 23rd – Sunday 25th May 2025, From £9.50
The Late Shows @ Multiple Venues
Or, if you’re after something a little more low-key, then why not see the city in a different light with late-night cultural crawl The Late Shows? Now in its seventeenth year, the award-winning event sees music venues, art studios, galleries and museums across Newcastle and Gateshead open their doors after-hours for some special events. From torchlit churchyard tours of Newcastle Cathedral, to a large-scale collaborative art project at the Great North Museum: Hancock, there’s really something for everyone to get stuck into.
Friday 16th & Saturday 17th May 2025, Free
Slice Wars @ Wylam Brewery
Wylam Brewery’s claiming the high ground on the first May Bank Holiday, with the return of Slice Wars. The (jedi) masters of pizza will be going head-to-head in a mission to be crowned the best in the galaxy, but they’ll need your help to get there! Visitors buy tokens to get some slices, try ‘em out, and decide which one they enjoyed the best. There’s vegan and vegetarian options always available, with dogs and family welcome as well. And if you’ve got some stormtrooper armour to dust off… fancy dress is encouraged too!
Friday 2nd – Saturday 3rd May 2025, Free entry / Tokens £4 each
Newcastle Food & Drink Festival @ Leazes Park
Following their incredible debut last year, Newcastle Food & Drink Festival returns for 2025! This time around, they’ll be filling Leazes Park with more international street food than you can fill your plate with – and over eight independent bars to keep you hydrated throughout the weekend. And as if that wasn’t enough, there’ll be live chef demos, fine artisan markets, live music and children’s entertainment on offer too – so the whole family can really get involved in the fun, whether they’re foodies or not! Plus, they’ll be supporting Tyneside and Northumberland Mind, helping local mental health charities in the region. Food, drink and music, all for a good cause… what’s not to love?!
Saturday 31st May – Sunday 1st June 2025, From £6.95
Magic Weekend @ St. James’ Park
Sporting superfans – this one’s for you! Magic Weekend makes a welcome return to Toon this month, seeing six huge Super League clashes on the St. James’ Park pitch. As well as catching the best of the action, Strawberry Place is set to be transformed into an incredible Fan Zone, complete with live entertainment, special guests, competitions, and food and beverage stalls. Regardless of whether you love the sport or not, it’s worth booking tickets with family and friends just to take in the electric vibes that the city is sure to be buzzing with.
Saturday 3rd – Sunday 4th May 2025, From £30 (adults) / From £22.50 (concessions) / From £15 (kids)
Gregory Porter @ O2 City Hall
One for the music lovers now, as GRAMMY award winning artist Gregory Porter arrives at O2 City Hall Newcastle. The singer, songwriter and musician has garnered critical acclaim for his signature blend of jazz, soul and gospel – causing him to even be compared to the likes of Nat King Cole and Stevie Wonder. Expect to hear tunes from the likes of 2013’s Liquid Spirit and 2016’s Take Me to the Alley.
Monday 12th May 2025, From £52.70
Twin Peaks: Red Room All-Nighter @ Tyneside Cinema
Fans of Tyneside Cinema’s legendary All-Nighter events, rejoice! You don’t have to wait until All Hallows' Eve this year to enjoy a night in at the cinema, since our beloved indie picture house will be hosting a Twin Peaks: Red Room All-Nighter this May! Relive all the action from season one of the iconic David Lynch TV show, as Agent Cooper begins his investigation into the death of Laura Palmer. Grab some coffee and cherry pie, you’ll be in for a damn fine time.
Saturday 24th 2025, From £30
May is certainly shaping up to be a busy month in the Toon, so make sure you’ve got all these dates in the diary so you don’t miss a moment!
Main image: Slice Wars at Wylam Brewery
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