10 things to look forward to in Newcastle and Gateshead in 2026

7 January 2026

2026 is set to bring a fresh energy to Newcastle, Gateshead and the wider North East England region. Brand-new venues, refreshed attractions and show-stopping events are all in the calendar this year.

With a remarkable year in the books for 2025, which saw the city host both the MOBO Awards and Mercury Prize, as well as Newcastle United Football Club take home the Carabao Cup, event planners and delegates can expect an elevated energy and experience in the city.

Check out our highlights and put Newcastle and Gateshead on your shortlist for 2026.

Phase 2 of Gotham Hotel

In 2026 we can expect the launch of phase 2 of Newcastle’s first five-star hotel, Hotel Gotham, to complete. Housed within a stunning Grade II-listed former fire, police and magistrates’ building, this next development will see magistrates court and police station transform into even more bedrooms as well as hugely unique event spaces.

The main hotel, bar, restaurant and private members club opened in November 2025, bringing a brand-new luxury offer to the city with signature Gotham quirkiness.

Opening of Freight Island

Spanning 60,000sq ft on the top floors of the former Debenhams site in Eldon Square, Freight Island brings the bright lights of Coney Island and Tivoli Gardens to the toon.

The exciting new space will offer global cuisines in the dynamic rooftop food hall and show-stopping live music and entertainment in the ‘Music Box’. This will be a brand-new offer for the city perfect for hosting corporate gatherings, art showcases, theatre performances, festivals and international tours.

STACK Newcastle re-imagined

Making way for the new HMRC office development on Pilgrim Quarter, STACK Newcastle was closed in 2022 but reopened in late 2025 further down the street in a new permanent home in grade II-listed, Worswick Chambers.

STACK’s newest food, drink and leisure container village destination has a capacity of 3,000 people and includes eight bars, eight street food traders, a coffee shop, and rooftop terrace.

Grainger Market regeneration

Newcastle’s historic indoor market where you can find the oldest Marks & Spencer shop, has undergone an £8.3m transformation with two new centre piece pavilions set to be unveiled later in the year creating a new space for cultural activities and night-time events in the market.

New space at Discovery Museum

Awarded £193,000 by the National Lottery Fund in 2025, Discovery Museum is set to open a brand-new flexible space to host high-profile temporary exhibits, experiences and events.

The Discovery Museum is a dynamic science and local history attraction housed in a large Victorian building, formerly the Cooperative Wholesale Society’s HQ.

Newcastle Pride

Newcastle Pride 2026 is set to take place from 25-26 July across Newcastle city centre in a celebration of our LGBTQIA+ community. Live music acts, performances, a March and candlelit vigils have all featured in previous years and showcase the city’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity.

Great North Run

In its 45^th year, the Great North Run is the world’s biggest half marathon event attracting more than 60,000 runners to the North East of England. For a bumper weekend with the city abuzz, coordinate your 2026 event in Newcastle and Gateshead with the Great North Run

Restaurant Week

NE1’s Restaurant Week in January and August are a must when visiting the city. The week sees over 100 city centre restaurants offering delicious deals that delegates will love.

National esports arena coming to Sunderland

Further afield, a game-changing 15,000 sq ft esports arena is set to open in Sunderland, featuring a 200-seat theatre and a 56ft-wide LED screen. Situated alongside the existing National Esports Performance Campus, the new arena will be a hub for players to practice under tournament conditions in this lucrative and rapidly expanding sector.

Radio 1’s Big Weekend

22-24 May 2026 sees Radio 1’s Big Weekend return to our neighbours in Sunderland. The music festival will bring world-leading acts to the North East and attract hundreds of fans. The full line-up is yet to be announced.

Interested in booking a venue or bringing your event to Newcastle and Gateshead next year? Get in touch with our expert team who can support you through the process. Contact conventionbureau@ngi.org.uk

---