What’s On in the North East in May 2026
From food festivals and concerts to theatre and family-friendly adventures, May is packed with exciting events across the North East. Here’s what to add to your calendar this month from our latest guide.
Like what you see? Check out more articles on our Explore the North East page, here.
Slice Wars
Friday 1st May – Saturday 2nd May
- Grandstand Rd, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne
Slice Wars returns for 2026, as local vendors battle it out to be this year’s best slice in the region.
Music of Ed Sheeran by Candlelight
Thursday 7th May & Friday 8th May
- Durham, DH1 3EH
Enjoy a night filled with Ed Sheeran’s greatest hits inside a candlelight Durham Cathedral starting from 7:30PM.
The Late Shows
Friday 8th May – Saturday 9th May
- Across venues in Ouseburn Valley, Gateshead, and central Newcastle.
Explore a range of North East historical sites, and museums from 6PM-10:30PM as the Late Shows return this month.
Legally Blonde the Musical
Tuesday 12th May – Sunday 19th May
- 100 Grey St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6BR
Make your way to Theatre Royal Newcastle as Legally Blonde the Musical takes to the stage this May.
Spring Artisan Market
Saturday 16th May – Sunday 17th May
- Church St, Murton, Seaham, SR7 9HU
Celebrate local creativity at the Spring Artisan Market at Dalton Park making for a perfect family weekend.
Seashore Safari
Sunday 17th May
- Coast Road, Whitburn, Tyne & Wear, SR6 7NH
COAST South Tyneside are hosting an exciting exploration session, where families can discover the wildlife living along the seashore.
Festival of Transport 2026
Saturday 23rd May – Sunday 31st May
- Stanley, DH9 0RG
Expect a wide range of vintage vehicles, classic cars, and buses at Beamish Museum’s Festival of Transport 2026.
If you enjoyed our What’s On in the North East in May 2026 article, then why not check out what else is happening in the North East? Find our Explore the North East page here.
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