What not to miss at The Late Shows this year
Free late-night culture crawl The Late Shows: Newcastle and Gateshead is back for another year – here’s our pick of what to see.
Newcastle and Gateshead’s famous after-hours culture crawl is back.
Award-winning, late night and completely free, The Late Shows takes over the Toon on Friday 19th May and Saturday 20th May – meaning museums, art galleries, heritage venues and private workshops will all come together to offer special activities, behind-the-scenes tours, performances and parties.
Whether you’re from the area or not, The Late Shows offer the perfect way to sample the very best of Newcastle and Gateshead’s cultural offering in short taster visits – without you needing to spend a penny.
The Late Shows: Friday 19th May – Saturday 20th May
Venues across Ouseburn, Gateshead and Newcastle upon Tyne
IN OUSEBURN…
HOTEL DU VIN
Allen House, City Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 2BE
Friday only
Open: 7pm – 11pm
Enjoy an enchanting evening in the courtyard of this grand Edwardian building on the banks of the River Tyne, which was originally home to the Tyne Tees Steam Ship Company.
Soak up live music performed by James Headley and sample some complimentary canapes.
MORE INFO
FLEA CIRCUS
210 Warwick Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 1BB
Friday only
Open: 7pm – 11pm
A shop like no other, Flea Circus is a melting pot of creativity, with seven resident artists and seven artisans selling among the vintage clothes, records, and furniture.
Explore it all after hours while Spinning Superiority are on the decks to bring the party atmosphere and get you dancing in the aisles.
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THE BISCUIT FACTORY
16 Stoddart Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 1AN
Friday only
Open: 7pm – 11pm
Join in large mural painting with Dan Cimmermann, enjoy live folk music from Miggins Fiddle, poetry from Harry Gallagher and pop-up scenes from local plays from Peoples Theatre.
Meet top Northern authors who’ll be popping by The Book Room to sign their books, and stay refreshed with local craft beers and doughnuts from scratch bakery, Deep North.
MORE INFO
OUSEBURN FARM
Ouseburn Road (off Lime Street), Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 2PA
Friday only
Open: 7pm – 10.30pm
Strap yourselves in for Bend of the River: an Ouseburn Farm Western this Friday.
Enjoy a themed night of music, food, drink and a celebration of the great old West in the farmyard, with the Byker Hillbillies and a bar and barbecue on site.
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TOFFEE FACTORY
Lower Steenbergs Yard, Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 2DF
Friday only
Open: 7pm – 11pm
Take your partner by the hand as you join Toffee Factory and The Cumberland Arms for all the fun of the ceilidh.
The Cumberland Arms are bringing all their charms and traditions down to Toffee for one night only – in a feast of food, workshops, spirited dancing, rappers, and clogs!
MORE INFOIN GATESHEAD…
SHIPLEY ART GALLERY
Prince Consort Road, Gateshead NE8 4JB
Saturday only
Open: 6pm – 10pm
The Shipley will be using their Late Shows slot to host a night of crafting and creativity led by local makers and creatives.
Expect everything from quilting and weaving demonstrations and nature-inspired activities to music workshops led by the staff from Sage Gateshead.
MORE INFO
BENSHAM GROVE
Sidney Grove, Gateshead NE8 2XD
Saturday only
Open: 6pm – 10pm
Gateshead’s beautiful, listed building is opening its doors to the public this weekend, welcoming guests with live music from Beatroot Jam performed in their garden.
Try your hand at Raku ceramic firing and glass painting, and discover the new Human Library project from the volunteer guides who keep the Centre at the heart of its community.
MORE INFO
ORBIS COMMUNITY: HIGH STREET
65 High Street, Gateshead NE8 2AP
Saturday only
Open: 6pm – 10pm
Explore the latest addition to Gateshead’s cultural scene – a multi-site project bringing together Ampersand Inventions, Atlas North East, Maker Space, Vane gallery and 586 Records.
Better yet, bring your dancing shoes for a Night Dancing music event in the central courtyard, along with open studios and exhibitions to browse through and Gingerino’s providing the pizza.
BALTIC CENTRE FOR CONTEMPORARY ART
South Shore Road, Gateshead NE8 3BA
Saturday only
Open: 6pm – 10pm
Gamers will enjoy what BALTIC have in store these Late Shows, with a Gaming Room acting as part of the brand new exhibition – Larry Achiampong: Wayfinder – and Gosforth Civic Theatre’s Gaming Social taking over Baltic’s Front Room. Get playing on a large range of consoles, including Mega Drive, Spectrum NES, VR and PS5.
MORE INFOIN NEWCASTLE…
NEWCASTLE ARTS CENTRE
67 Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1SG
Saturday only
Open: 7pm – 11pm
Get involved with the collection of drawing machines in the gallery spaces of Newcastle Arts Centre, which have been created by staff especially for The Late Shows.
You can work them, draw them, or take away DIY instructions to create your own machines at home, before exploring these open studios and meeting the artists in residence.
MORE INFO
DISCOVERY MUSEUM
Blandford Square, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4JA
Saturday only
Kids of all ages will enjoy the fun and games on offer at the Discovery Museum this weekend. After all, it’s not every day this popular Newcastle museum is turned into a theme park…
Help the team create a marble rollercoaster and get involved in the other games and music. Grown-ups can enjoy refreshments from the bar onsite, too.
MORE INFO
DANCE CITY
Temple Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4BR
Saturday only
Open: 7pm – 11pm
If you love dance, there’s only one place that should be on your agenda this weekend: Dance City.
Head down to Newcastle’s dance hub and watch live performances in their studio and theatre, or catch dance film works being screened on the night, while a bar will keep the refreshments flowing.
MORE INFO
LAING ART GALLERY
New Bridge Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8AG
Saturday only
Open: 7pm – 11pm
For the tranquillity seekers this weekend, Laing Art Gallery has got you covered.
Sit back and enjoy some mindful illustrating, inspired by the monks of Lindisfarne who took art and spirituality to another level.
Take time to fill and decorate you own monogrammed letter, explore the icons of the galleries, embellish your own portrait or decorate the cover of an art book to take home – no prior experience is necessary and all sessions are drop in.
MORE INFO
GREAT NORTH MUSEUM: HANCOCK
Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4PT
Saturday only
Open: 7pm – 11pm
Become an adventurer for the night and put your bravest foot forward in the new and original fantasy adventure, Myth Quest: Monsters and Mortals – completing a variety of quests within the museum to earn your reward.
Myth Quest draws on many of the amazing and unique artefacts from the collections, including many that are not usually on display, and is led by Mary Hancock: bringing to life the history of the museum itself.
MORE INFOThe Late Shows: Friday 19th May – Saturday 20th May
Please note: In as many venues as possible, there will be dedicated quiet spaces available for any visitors who need a place to relax. Ear defenders are also available.
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