What's On This Bank Holiday Weekend in Gosforth
From roller disco and live music to bat walks and improv comedy, here's everything happening in and around Gosforth this May bank holiday weekend (1–4 May).
The May bank holiday weekend is here — and there's far more going on in Gosforth and the surrounding area than you might expect. Whether you're after live music, outdoor adventures, family activities, or just a good pub with a beer garden, here's your guide to the long weekend.
Friday 1 May
China Crisis — Warped Tour 2026 at Gosforth Civic Theatre, 7:30pm. Synth-pop legends China Crisis bring their Warped Tour to Gosforth. Classic hits from one of the definitive 1980s bands.
Beltane at The Cumberland Arms, Ouseburn, from 6pm. Celebrate the ancient festival of Beltane with music and community spirit at one of Newcastle's best folk pubs. Free entry.
Conscious Pilot + Big Girls Blouse at The Cumberland Arms, 7:30pm. Live music presented by Wandering Oak.
Millie Manders & The Shutup at The Cluny, 8pm. High-energy punk and ska on the main stage, presented by Eastside Events.
Granny's Attic at Cluny 2, 8pm. Award-winning English folk trio.
Bank Holiday Weekend at The Brandling Arms — the High Street pub is running a long weekend of great drinks and good times from Friday through Monday.
Bank Holiday Student Racenight at Newcastle Racecourse, High Gosforth Park. Student-focused racing event.
Skate Island at Newcastle Racecourse — the roller disco is open Thu–Sun through May. Family sessions, student nights, and themed discos. Book online.
Saturday 2 May
Town Moor parkrun, 9am. Free weekly 5K — all welcome. Meet at the Exhibition Park entrance. Register free.
Folkish Explosion at The Cluny, 8pm. A vibrant folk ensemble on the main stage.
Skate Island continues at Newcastle Racecourse — family sessions from 9am, Retro Roller from noon (fancy dress encouraged).
Sunday 3 May
Ouse Burn Way: Community Litter Pick at Gosforth Nature Reserve, 10am. Get involved with the community clean-up — a great way to enjoy the reserve and give something back. Free.
Ouse Burn Way: The Big Pond Dip at Gosforth Nature Reserve, 10am. Family-friendly pond dipping session — discover what's living beneath the surface. Free.
Drag Castle Presents: Shake It Out at The Cluny, 8pm. An evening of drag performance, lip sync, and entertainment.
The Smokin' Spitfires at The Cluny, 8pm. Energetic live show on the main stage.
Skate Island continues — Sunday is Family Skate Day, 9am–9pm, from £7.50.
Monday 4 May (Bank Holiday)
Ouse Burn Way: Bat Walk at Gosforth Nature Reserve, 8:40pm. An evening bat walk as dusk falls over the reserve. A genuinely special experience right on Gosforth's doorstep. From £5. Book via Eventbrite.
The Suggestibles at The Cumberland Arms, 8pm. Newcastle's favourite improv comedy troupe — always different, always hilarious.
All Weekend
Skate Island at Newcastle Racecourse runs Thursday to Sunday with 90-minute sessions from £7.50 (family) to £15 (Retro Roller). The Beach Club is free for non-skaters — food, drinks, karaoke, and arcade games.
Beer gardens — if the weather plays ball, the High Street pubs will have their gardens open. See our summer pub crawl guide for the best sun-chasing route from The County to The Queen Victoria.
Gosforth High Street — the cafes, restaurants, and shops are open as usual. Baby Grey, Gosforth Traders, and Cafe 1901 are all great for a bank holiday brunch.
Worth the Trip
These aren't in Gosforth itself, but they're close enough to reach easily — and they're some of the biggest events of the weekend.
Newcastle Food Festival at Exhibition Park (right next to the Town Moor — walking distance from Gosforth). Saturday 2 – Monday 4 May, 10am–8pm/7pm/6pm. Over 180 exhibitors, 30+ cuisines, street food, artisan markets, live music, chef demos, and family activities. Tickets from £6.95 per adult, with loads of free entertainment including live music, comedy, kids' activities, and a foodie scavenger hunt. This is the big one for the weekend.
Newcastle-Gateshead Marathon, Half Marathon & 10k on Sunday 3 May. The marathon starts at 9am, half and 10k at 9:25am, juniors at 1pm. The route passes iconic landmarks including the Tyne Bridge, Millennium Bridge, and BALTIC, finishing at Gateshead International Stadium. Even if you're not running, it's worth knowing about for road closures across Newcastle and Gateshead.
Slice Wars at Wylam Brewery — Friday 1 – Saturday 2 May. Newcastle's pizza makers battle it out to be crowned champion. Free entry, great beer.
Matthew Bourne's The Red Shoes at Theatre Royal — Friday, Saturday, and Monday. The acclaimed ballet company's dazzling production, from £22.
Taylormania at O2 City Hall — Saturday 2 May. A Taylor Swift tribute act with a full live band and dancers. One for the Swifties.
Lord of the Rings Extended Trilogy at Tyneside Cinema — Sunday 3 & Monday 4 May. All three films, extended editions, back to back — 10:45am to just after 11:15pm. An endurance event in its own right.
The Great Dinosaur Escape at Life Science Centre — Saturday 2 & Sunday 3 May. Dinosaur trails, fossil shows, and craft activities for families.
Check our [full events listing](/events) for more details, times, and booking links. Have a great bank holiday weekend.