What's On This Weekend in Jesmond & the North East
The Late Shows culture crawl, Little Shop of Horrors at Northern Stage, live music at The Cluny, and more — what to do this weekend in and around Jesmond.
A solid weekend ahead for Jesmond and the wider North East, with the annual Late Shows culture crawl taking centre stage on Saturday evening and plenty more besides. Here is what is happening on 9 and 10 May 2026.
The Late Shows — Saturday 9 May
The biggest event of the weekend by some distance. The Late Shows is Newcastle and Gateshead's free after-hours culture crawl, and Saturday night's programme sees venues across the city centre and Gateshead open their doors from 6pm to 10pm for one-off interactive events, installations, workshops, and performances.
Over 60 venues take part, from galleries and museums to studio collectives and landmark historical buildings. Free Stagecoach buses run between selected venues, so you can cover a lot of ground in one evening. All venues are free to enter and the vast majority are drop-in — no booking required.
Best for: The Late Shows is one of the best free events in the North East calendar. If you have not been before, this is the year to try it.
Jesmond Dene parkrun — Saturday 9 May, 9am
The weekly Jesmond Dene parkrun takes place every Saturday at 9am, starting from Millfield House in Jesmond Dene (NE7 7BQ). A free, friendly 5k through the Dene — walk, jog, run, or volunteer. Register at parkrun.org.uk before your first visit and bring your barcode.
Little Shop of Horrors — Northern Stage, 8-23 May
Northern Stage opens its new production of Little Shop of Horrors this week, a co-production with Derby Theatre running from 8 to 23 May. The cult favourite musical — deliciously dark and deliberately tongue-in-cheek — has charmed audiences for over 40 years. All performances include creative captions. Tickets from 12 pounds via the Northern Stage box office.
Matthew Bourne's The Red Shoes — Theatre Royal, final night Saturday 9 May
Saturday is the last chance to catch Matthew Bourne's The Red Shoes at Newcastle Theatre Royal. The acclaimed dance production, which tells the story of an ill-fated young dancer, has been running since 28 April. If you have not managed to get along yet, this is the final performance.
Smote at The Cluny — Sunday 10 May, 7pm
Newcastle heavy doom and psych outfit Smote play The Cluny in the Ouseburn on Sunday evening. Doors open at 7pm. Advance tickets are 17 pounds (15 pounds concession). Age restriction is 16+, with under-18s accompanied by an adult.
Quayside Sunday Market — Sunday 10 May, 9am-4pm
The Quayside Sunday Market runs every Sunday along the river from the Swing Bridge towards the Millennium Bridge, with over 140 stalls selling local crafts, artwork, jewellery, vintage fashion, and street food. Musicians and buskers add to the atmosphere. From Jesmond, it is a 15-minute walk downhill through the city centre or one Metro stop to Monument.
Best for: No Jesmond Food Market this weekend — the next one on Armstrong Bridge is Saturday 17 May. Worth putting in the diary now.
A good mix of free and ticketed events, with Saturday evening the obvious highlight thanks to The Late Shows. If you are staying closer to home, the parkrun on Saturday morning and the Quayside Market on Sunday are both reliable weekend staples that cost nothing.
Know something happening this weekend? Get in touch.