18 things to do this weekend

A young girl with blond hair and wearing a pink coat peers through a magnifying glass into a small clear dish. She is taking part in pond dipping at Washington Wetland Centre.

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.

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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.

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Red letters have been stitched onto a white embroidery hoop. They say Speak the Truth. This is part of Delaine Le Bas's performance work.
All Cats Are beautiful - Free Art Show

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.

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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.

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A darkened image of the Cloister Garden trees at Blackfriar's Restaurant. White text overlaying the image says: Midsummer Murder Mystery Dinner.

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…

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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!

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A person with short dark hair and a leather jacket looks through a pair of binoculars. They stand behind a window in a bird hide at Washington Wetland Centre.
Photos of people laughing and enjoying themselves at Newcastle Food Festival.

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!

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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.

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Two designer chairs in clear orange and green plastic are positioned against a brick wall next to a big monstera plant. These chairs are on sale at BALTIC's yard sale.
Two white bells hang from thick ropes. One has the words Housekeeper painted onto it. The other features the word Maid.

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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Two little girls in rain coats crouch down in the grass. They use tools to carefully examine the bugs on a piece of log at Washington Wetland Centre.
A pink peace sign key ring and an egg bag charm made using punch needling.

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.

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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.

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A person dressed as a plague doctor tips their black hat at the camera. In their gloved hand, they hold another brown leather plague mask.
The UK's largest thrift market at Vertu Motors Arena.

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.

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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!

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A bride in a white wedding dress holds a bouquet of pink flowers. White text overlays the image. It says: Tyne Bank Summer Showcase. 1st June 2025.
A rose gold lipstick stands upright against a dusty pink backdrop. Next to it, more makeup products like compact powder and setting spray are arranged against a cream backdrop. Below these images, a purple strip displays the white words: Charlotte Tilbury.

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.

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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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Cutouts of Noreen Khan, Annette Fagon, Louise Young and Shazia Mirza against a neon purple background with palm fronds.
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Nula Jewel Power

creative writer and photographer

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