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- 5th Mar 2025
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Pilates retreat, food festival & 80s gig: 15 things to do in Darlington this spring/summer
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FOR YOUR MIND SOUL AND BODY…
PILATES AND BRUNCH WITH KATE ELIZABETH, KIP & NOOK
Saturday 29th March 2025
Cost: £65.71
Enjoy a mini Pilates retreat in a beautiful countryside setting. Start with Harry’s health shot, then unwind with a fireside drink. Energise with Kate’s Pilates, relax in meditation and tuck into a nourishing brunch with mocktails and treats. Connect, move and embrace wholesome vibes in a refreshing escape.
ECO FAIR 2025, DARLINGTON MARKET SQUARE
Saturday 7th June 2025
Cost: free
Focusing on sustainable living this year? Explore how you can make a difference with fun science, nature and craft activities. Chat with experts, browse eco-friendly stalls and discover simple ways to live greener.
DARLINGTON 10K, DARLINGTON TOWN CENTRE
Sunday 3rd August 2025
Cost: £14 for kids and £23 for adults
Want to join the Darlington Fun Run, 3K, or 10K? Sign up now. The 10K offers big cash prizes, veteran and team awards, plus a £150 bonus for a course record. The Junior 3K has medals for different age groups. Places are filling up fast so don’t miss out – register today.
TO BE ENTERTAINED…
ROCKY HORROR SHOW, DARLINGTON HIPPODROME
Monday 31st March to Saturday 5th April 2025
Cost: from £20
Let’s do the Time Warp again. Richard O’Brien’s legendary Rocky Horror Show hits Darlington on its world tour. Join Brad and Janet as a car breakdown leads them to the flamboyant Dr. Frank’n’Furter’s mansion. Expect fun, frolics and iconic hits – it’s the ultimate feel-good night.
EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE, DARLINGTON HIPPODROME
Wednesday 30th April to Saturday 10th May 2025
Cost: from £16
Meet Jamie, a 16-year-old from Bishop Auckland with a big dream – to be a drag queen. But first, he must find the courage to be himself. With the love of his mum and best friend, he faces bullies and doubts to shine in his own spotlight. Don’t miss this inspiring musical presented by DarlingtonOS.
80S CALLING!, DARLINGTON ARENA
Sunday 24th August 2025
Cost: from £56.70
Get ready for 80s Calling! – the ultimate summer music event. This one-day festival brings The Human League, Bananarama, Tony Hadley and more to one stage for an unforgettable throwback. Gates open at noon for a full day of iconic 80s hits, nostalgia and non-stop fun.
FOR THE FOODIES…
DARLINGTON FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL, DARLINGTON MARKET SQUARE
Friday 2nd to Monday 5th May 2025
Cost: free
Foodies this one’s for you. Darlington Market Square is turning into a foodie paradise with a range of delicious street food stalls, lively bars and great entertainment. East Row and Horsemarket will be packed with everything from freshly baked treats to artisan drinks.
FOR FEEL-GOOD VIBES…
DANCE FESTIVAL, DARLINGTON MARKET SQUARE
Saturday 10th May 2025
Cost: free
Dancing queens, grab your best dancing shoes and head to Market Square for Darlington’s Dance Festival. Local groups and schools unite for a massive “Groovy Train” dance, joined by Urban Kaos and top pros. Don’t miss this exciting afternoon of movement, music and fun where everyone’s welcome to celebrate dance together.
GROOVEFEST 25, DARLINGTON TOWN CENTRE
Friday 16th to Sunday 18th May 2025
Cost: free
Groovefest25 is coming to Darlington for a weekend of disco, soul and Motown. Enjoy live performances from DJs, artists and musicians at venues across the town. The weekend kicks off with a Motown hits show and quiz night, with a packed program available to guide you through.
DARLINGTON PRIDE, TOWN CENTRE
Saturday 9th August 2025
Cost: free
Celebrate Darlington’s LGBTQIA+ community at this inclusive Pride event. With live music, fun activities and informative resources, there’s something for everyone. Whether you want to learn, connect or just celebrate love and equality, this vibrant, welcoming day is all about empowerment, fun and joy for all.
FOR SOME FAMILY FUN…
MOTHER’S DAY CABARET, THE VAULT DARLINGTON
Sunday 30th March 2025
Cost: £54.88
Get ready for a night of glamour with your mum hosted by Ebony Silk, the North East’s Caramel Burlesque Queen. With over ten years of experience, Ebony’s performances have graced stages across the UK and internationally. Formerly with Headline Honeys and now part of The House of Trixie Blue, you’re in for a real treat this Mother’s Day.
DARLINGTON BY THE SEA, DARLINGTON MARKET SQUARE
Saturday 19th to Wednesday 23rd July 2025
Cost: free
Keeping the kids entertained over the summer holidays can be hard work, but Darlington by the Sea has you covered. This beach-themed event brings free sandcastle building, face painting, fun activities and more to Darlington Market Square. No need to book a beach trip—just head down to Darlo for a day of family fun.
FAIRY TALES & LEGENDS DAY, DARLINGTON TOWN CENTRE
Thursday 21st August 2025
Cost: free
By royal command, you’re invited for Fairy Tales & Legends Day, Dress to impress and meet characters like Alice, the Mad Hatter, Cinderella and more across town. Enjoy crafts, storytelling, competitions and even a pamper and slime party from Get JAZZY.
CELEBRATE DARLINGTON’S HERITAGE…
RAILWAY PIONEERS AT HOPETOWN DARLINGTON
Friday 4th April to Sunday 22nd June 2025
Cost: free
History lovers and train lovers, check out this exhibition exploring the engineering innovations that inspired George Stephenson, the “Father of Railways”. Discover the stories behind the Stockton & Darlington Railway’s creation in 1825. See three iconic locomotives: Pen-y-Darren, Steam Elephant and Locomotion No.1.
DARLINGTON COMMUNITY CARNIVAL, STANHOPE PARK DARLINGTON
Saturday 28th June 2025
Cost: free
All aboard the Carnival Express. The Darlington Community Carnival is an exciting all-day event at Stanhope Park, Darlington, starting with a fantastic procession through the town. This year, in celebration of S&DR’s bicentenary, the carnival will honour Darlington’s railway heritage and pay tribute to its railway roots.
Rachael Ellis
Creative Solutions Manager
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
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