- Play Hard
- 28th May 2025
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18 things to do this weekend


Pond Dipping – Washington Wetland Centre
When: Friday May 30th 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Where: Washinton Wetland Centre
Price: free (included with general admission)
Explore the underwater world with a fun pond-dipping session at Washington Wetland Centre.
Grab a net and search for wildlife such as water snails, great diving beetles and their formidable larvae. A guide will show you how to safely catch and ID these creatures before returning them to the water.
Performance: Speak the Truth – Newcastle Contemporary Art
When: Friday May 30th 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Where: Newcastle Contemporary Art
Price: free
Speak the Truth is a performance piece tied to artist Delaine Le Bas’s earlier works ‘Zigeuner Sauce’ and ’Beware Of Linguistic Engineering’, which were performed in London and Berlin.


Free Art Show – All Cats are Beautiful
When: Friday May 30th 6:00pm – Sunday June 1st 6:00pm
Where: Mog on the Tyne
Price: free
Join us for a gallery format art show in the former cat cafe “Mog On The Tyne” with “A.C.A.B All Cats are Beautiful”
There will be a full art exhibition with 20+ artists. Merch Stalls, Workshops and Live Art.
HEPPLE CLASSICS @ HOUSE OF TIDES
When: Friday May 30th 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Where: House of Tides
Price: £40
Hepple Spirits & Newcastle Cocktail Kitchen proudly bring to you a night of classic cocktails in the bar of House of Tides.
There’ll be a welcome drink on arrival followed by a selection of snacks from the Michelin Starred team as Anna from Hepple delves into the history of the company.


Midsummer Murder Mystery Dinner – Blackfriars Restaurant
When: Friday May 30th 7:00pm – 10:00pm
Where: Blackfriars Restaurant
Price: £85
Get your detective brain into gear with this thrilling night of medieval mystery at Blackfriars’ 13th-century Banquet Hall.
Fuelled by an arrival drink and a 3-course meal, you’ll help to unravel a mystery and uncover the dark truth…
Optics Demo Day: 15% discount – Washington Wetland Centre
When: Saturday May 31st 10:00am – 2:00pm
Where: Washinton Wetland Centre
Price: free
Whether you’re looking to get your first pair of binoculars or want an upgrade, the experts at Washington Wetland Centre will be on hand to present a range of popular options and brands.
You’ll also be able to purchase your chosen option on the day with a special 15% discount!


Newcastle Food & Drink Festival – Leazes Park
When: Saturday May 31st 10:00am – Sunday June 1st 7:00pm
Where: Leazes Park
Price: free
Explore a plethora of international dishes, local flavours and scrummy treats over the course of two days – plenty of time to try a bit of everything!
There will also be independent bars to keep you hydrated, live music, chef demos, a fun fair and inflatable land, a petting zoo and lots more family-friendly fun!
Baltic Yard Sale – BALTIC
When: Saturday May 31st 10:00am – 4:00pm
Where: BALTIC
Price: free
BALTIC is hosting a one-off yard sale to give pre-loved furniture and items a new home. There will be some designer chairs on sale, so get there quick!
All proceeds will go back to the BALTIC, helping it to stay a free-entry gallery.


Children: Join the Victorian Workforce – Raby Castle
When: Saturday May 31st 10:00am – 11:00am
Where: Raby Castle
Price: from £10
Step back in time to 1900 and experience the life of Victorian workers at Raby Castle. Discover the hidden stories of castle life and step into the shoes of maids, servants and other staff.
This family-friendly adventure offers a unique learning experience and gives you an insight into what your life could have looked like more than a century ago!
Charcoal Portrait Workshop
When: Saturday May 31st 10:30am – 12:30pm
Where: Shieldfield Art Works
Price: SOLD OUT
Come and learn how to draw preparatory portrait sketches with charcoal led by artist Kim Fewell.
The workshop is aimed at beginners and those who want to be able to produce a simple tonal study in preparation for a portrait painting.


Pilates and Brunch at Kip & Nook with Kate Elizabeth
When: Saturday May 31st 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Where: Kip & Nook
Price: £76.55
Led by Kate, enjoy a dynamic 45-minute Pilates session that will leave you feeling strong, aligned, and energized.
This retreat is designed to leave you feeling balanced, revitalized, and connected—both with yourself and with others. We can’t wait to welcome you for a day of movement, mindfulness, and nourishment.
Minibeast Hunting – Washington Wetland Centre
When: Saturday May 31st 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Where: Washington Wetland Centre
Price: free (included in general admission)
Go on the hunt for mini beasts as you explore hidden worlds beneath soil, leaves and dry wood. You’ll be equipped with a dusting brush, magnifying glass and observation trays so you can take a better look at your finds, which might include stink bugs, millipedes and more.


Make Your Own Keyring/Bag Charm – Flaura Rose
When: Saturday May 31st 2:30pm – 5:00pm
Where: Flaura Rose
Price: £18
In this laidback workshop at Flaura Rose, you’ll learn the basics of punch needle and create some cute creations with your new knowledge.
You’ll be given everything you need to make a keyring or bag charm using vibrant yarn and ribbons.
Beyond the Black Death by D.G. Fitzgerald – Newcastle Castle
When: Saturday May 31st 6:00pm – 7:15pm
Where: Newcastle Castle
Price: from £8
Join expert D.G. Fitzgerald for this exploratory talk into historic disease epidemics. While most people know about the Plague, many are not so informed about the Spanish Flu or Smallpox.
D.G. Fitzgerald will delve deeper into these spine-chilling diseases and look at what we can learn from terrible outbreaks of the past.


The UK’s Biggest Thrift Market: Newcastle – Vertu Motors Arena
When: Sunday June 1st 11:00am – 5:00pm
Where: Vertu Motors Arena
Price: from £5.58
This huge pop-up thrift shop has something for everyone, with a curated collection of more than 100 sellers offering a huge range of styles and items.
When you need a break from shopping, you can enjoy tasty food, drinks, activities, music and more at the venue.
Summer Tyne Bank Wedding Showcase – Tyne Bank Brewery
When: Sunday June 1st 11:00am – 2:00pm
Where: Tyne Bank Brewery
Price: free
Find unique inspiration for your big day at Tyne Bank Brewery’s Summer Wedding Showcase.
Chat to lots of suppliers who can give you exciting ideas, as well as a dedicated team of wedding co-ordinators who are there to bring your dreams to life. There will be twinkling lights and DJ music, mouthwatering catering samples to try, and all-round upbeat vibes!


Charlotte Tilbury Makeup Masterclass – The Alnwick Garden
When: Sunday June 1st 1:30pm – 3:00pm
Where: The Alnwick Garden
Price: £55
Learn the secrets to flawless, long-lasting makeup in this Charlotte Tilbury masterclass at The Alnwick Garden.
A Charlotte Tilbury makeup artist will teach you how to achieve your dream look, whether that’s a natural glow or something more glam.
Ladies Of Laughter – The Stand
When: Sunday June 1st 7:00pm – 10:00pm
Where: The Stand Comedy Club
Price: £55
Enjoy acts from ‘Ladies of Laugher’ like Noreen Khan, Annette Fagon, Louise Young and Shazia Mirza.
These brilliant women are ready to leave you in stitches and help you forget your worries, at least for a little while.

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