September 2024: 10 Unmissable Events in Newcastle
Get set for a fun-packed September with our round-up of the city's best events
It’s that time of year again – the leaves are just starting to turn orange, Pumpkin Spice is somehow already in the coffee shops, and the kids are back at school, but that doesn’t mean that Newcastle’s slowing down!
In fact, the city is as busy as ever this September. We’re heading back to high school with Heathers the Musical at the Theatre Royal, getting the gardening gloves on with Newcastle’s Allotment & Garden Festival at Exhibition Park, and lacing up our trainers for the legendary AJ Bell Great North Run.
So whether you know the city like the back of your hand, or you’ve just moved for university (in which case, welcome!), NE1’s got the ultimate calendar of unmissable events for September 2024.
Newcastle Dragon Boat Race @ Newcastle Quayside
NE1’s annual Dragon Boat Race returns to the Quayside this month, seeing adventurous teams take on the challenge down the River Tyne to raise money for the Newcastle Hospitals Charity and the fantastic work they do for patients, staff and communities of Newcastle Hospitals. While the sailors battle it out for first place, there’ll be loads of activities along the Quayside for spectators to enjoy – promising a fun-filled day for all the family!
28th September 2024, Packages from £650 / Free for spectators
Newcastle Allotment & Garden Festival @ Exhibition Park
Whether you garden is in full bloom, or you can’t be trusted with a houseplant, Newcastle Allotment & Garden Festival guarantees to provide plenty of inspiration! Taking place in Exhibition Park, there’ll be loads of activities, workshops and live music for everyone to enjoy. Plus, entry is free!
15th September 2024, Free Entry
AJ Bell Great North Run Weekend @ Newcastle City Centre
It’d be impossible to share a September round-up without mentioning the AJ Bell Great North Run. Yes, the world’s biggest half marathon returns to the North East for its 43rd year this September, but there’s a whole host of events building up the hype to that famous 13.1 mile route!
The AJ Bell Great North 5k sets the pace for Friday, while on Saturday an impressive 10,500 young runners will be taking to the Quayside for the AJ Bell Junior and Mini Great North Run - we’re sure there’ll be some future record-breakers in that pack! And of course, the main event takes place on Sunday, as thousands will be challenging their personal best from Newcastle to South Shields. Whether you’ll be cheering on from the sidelines, or taking part in the big day, the city will be buzzing with all that Great North Run goodness throughout the weekend.
6th - 8th September 2024
Newcastle Festival of Jazz & Improvised Music @ The Globe & The Lit & Phil
Now celebrating its eighth year, Newcastle Festival of Jazz & Improvised Music returns to the toon, bringing the city alive with a roster of incredibly talented musicians from across the UK and the world. Expect everything from thought-provoking workshops to unforgettable performances. Who knows? You might even be inspired to pick up an instrument of your own…
27th - 29th September 2024, Prices vary
Heathers the Musical @ Newcastle Theatre Royal
September first, 1989. Dear diary… Heathers the Musical is coming back to Newcastle this September! Based on Winona Ryder and Christian Slater’s cult teen movie, this rock musical adaptation brings Westerberg High School to the Theatre Royal’s stage. With a catchy soundtrack, darkly comedic jokes and stand-out costumes, this is the first day of senior year that you’ll never forget.
3rd - 7th September 2024, From £18
Family Silent Disco Party @ Newcastle Cathedral
Get into the groove with Newcastle Cathedral’s Family Silent Disco Party! With a lively mix of 90s and 00s classics, modern hits and all the kids favourite tunes, it’s the perfect way to dance the afternoon away with all your family and friends.
28th September 2024, From £9
Newcastle Cocktail Week @ Multiple Venues
Whatever your tipple, the first-ever Newcastle Cocktail Week has something for everyone to enjoy! Loads of the city’s bars and restaurants will be taking part and offering £5 drinks over ten days – so check out the full list of venues and book your wristband ASAP!
27th September - 6th October 2024, Wristbands priced from £7.95
Royal Photographic Society Documentary Photography Awards 2024 Exhibit @ Newcastle Arts Centre
Photography fans won't want to miss out on this touring exhibition when it makes a stop-off at Newcastle Arts Centre this September. Featuring documentary photography works from both student photographers and more seasoned snappers, the exhibition covers a vast range of themes including migration, mental health and the impact of conflict and war and promises to inspire and engage.
7th – 28th September 2024
Mali Morris: Returning @ Hatton Gallery
Having previously studied at Newcastle University’s Fine Art Department in 1963, what better place for Mali Morris to return to than the university’s own Hatton Gallery? Her new exhibit, Returning, offers visitors the opportunity to experience the artist’s vibrant work, with around 40 exhibits on display.
14th September 2024 – 11th January 2025, Free
Heritage Open Days @ Multiple Venues
England’s largest free festival of history and culture returns to the Toon this September with another jam-packed programme to take advantage of across the city! So whether you want to make your own film poster in Tyneside Cinema’s screen-printing workshop, or go on a backstage tour of Tyne Theatre & Opera House, there’s plenty for everyone to see, do and learn.
6th - 15th September 2024, Free
Summer may be over, but with such an exciting September ahead of us who could stay sad for too long? Take your pick from the events above and make the most of the start of autumn in our amazing city!
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