Here’s a pick of highlights of theatre, music and events happening in and around Newcastle to book now for 2026
With the 2025 party now over, being wrapped up in style in Newcastle with a new HogmanHOWAY 5K and two firework displays, it is time to get those new diaries out and make a note of some highlights to come in the New Year. Before the January blues have a chance set in, we have rounded up just some of the upcoming treats to look forward to.
As always, the North East has a wide programme of entertainment to look forward. In 2026, these will include some stand-out events and shows.
We focus here mainly upon Newcastle with some suggestions of visiting shows to book but there are plenty more to come across the region, so keep an eye out here. Following those are reminders of annual events that are guaranteed to always cheer us up.
Our list below ranges from a visit by a Formula One legend to a first ever run of Mrs Doubtfire the Musical, whose star visited Newcastle in the summer to promote the show. Happy New Year!
An Evening with Damon Hill – Tyne Theatre, Newcastle, The F1 legend will be in Conversation with Tom Clarkson on January 29: see here
Mamma Mia! – Theatre Royal, Newcastle, February 11-28, see here
Mean Girls – The Musical – Sunderland Empire, April 6–11. see here
Priscilla Queen Of The Desert – Theatre Royal, Newcastle, April 6-11, see here
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Season 7 Tour – Tyne Theatre, Newcastle, April 25, see here
Moulin Rouge the Musical – Sunderland Empire: as reported, the show will make its North East debut on its first world tour from June 5-27, see here
Mrs Doubtfire the Musical – Theatre Royal, Newcastle, from September 23 to October 11, 2026. See here
The Late Shows – the annual culture crawl organised by North East Museums, which sees cultural venues in Newcastle and Gateshead open after-hours for free, will run May 8-9: see here
The Hoppings – the famous funfair will be back on the Town Moor in Newcastle next summer from June 19-28: see here
Plate Day – the traditional racing spectacular will take place at Newcastle Racecourse, Gosforth Park, in Newcastle, on June 27: see here
Ladies Day – the second highlight of the city’s racing and social calendar will be back at Newcastle Racecourse on July 25: see here
Kynren – an Epic Tale of England – the outdoor theatre extravaganza which, as reported, will be opening a new daytime attraction in 2026, will play out on its 7.5-acre stage site at Bishop Auckland, County Durham, on Saturdays from July 18 to September 12: see here
Great North Run – the famous Newcastle to South Shields half-marathon, which Sir Brendan Foster says will be unmissable, will have tens of thousands gearing up for action again on September 13: see here
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