Full line-up revealed for The Late Shows 2026

One of the biggest events in Newcastle and Gateshead’s cultural calendar, The Late Shows returns on Friday 8 and Saturday 9 May 2026, bringing a lively programme of arts, heritage and culture. This year, over 60 venues will open their doors in the evening for free, inviting audiences to explore the region’s creative scene after hours.

The much‑loved event, facilitated by North East Museums (formerly Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums) and generously supported by Creative Central NCL and Stagecoach North East, will once again celebrate the area’s eclectic mix of artist studios, galleries, heritage sites, museums, music and performance spaces across Newcastle and Gateshead.

The first edition of The Late Shows took place in 2007 and it continues to champion the cultural vibrancy of the region, encouraging visitors to curate their own route and enjoy a diverse tapestry of activities at their own pace.

Bill Griffiths Head of Programmes & Collections at North East Museums, said: “We are excited to unveil the programme for The Late Shows 2026, and this year promises to be one of our most dynamic editions yet. We’re delighted to continue working with Creative Central NCL and thrilled that Stagecoach North East is once again providing the free shuttle buses that help make the event accessible and sustainable. The Late Shows offers a weekend full of extraordinary after-hours experiences, and we can’t wait to welcome visitors to enjoy our annual ‘culture crawl’.”

The event will take place on Friday 8 May in the Ouseburn (6-10.30pm) and on Saturday 9 May it will be in venues across Gateshead (6-10pm) and central Newcastle (6-10.30pm).

A selection of highlights from the programme for 2026:

Friday 8 May – Ouseburn only

• A Free Music Party at Cobalt Studios: A high‑energy night of totally free global live music, plus open studios, exhibitions and a thriving creative crowd.

• Make Your Mark at Biscuit Tin Studios: Try three different printmaking techniques and create your own artwork to take home.

• Folk Stories at The Biscuit Factory: Enjoy an evening of art, music and storytelling with Kathryn Williams, creative drop‑in activities and slow‑living vibes inspired by the gallery’s exhibitions.

• ARS: Act Reflect Sustain at Albion Row Studios: Meet the artists of this independent studio collective as they open their workspaces for conversations, interactive activities and a special exhibition celebrating their new artist‑run project space.

• Be Live on Air at Radio Ouseburn CIC (The Cluny): Step into the studio and try your hand at being a live DJ. Introduce your favourite tracks or experiment with mixing and editing during this open‑studio broadcast experience.

Saturday 9 May – Gateshead

• The Lock‑In Sessions at Hidden Heights Creative Studio: An intimate archway‑studio party hosted by Hidden Sessions Radio, full of creative energy, local talent and a proper end‑of‑night boogie.

• Courtyard Beach Party at Atlas North East (Orbis Community Courtyard): An urban beach‑party takeover with music, dancing, art and fish & chips - a summer‑festival atmosphere right in the middle of Gateshead.

• Sunset at Dunston Staiths:
  Experience the Tyne from a new perspective at this historic riverside structure.

• The Power of Plants at Gateshead Central Library: Test your senses in hands‑on workshops exploring herbs, scents and plant‑based crafts. Make your own plant label, try vegetable printing, and discover the library as part of its 100‑year celebrations.

Saturday 9 May – Newcastle

• Grainger Unplugged, Grainger Market by Creative Central NCL: Live music will fill the market as bands and buskers pop up across the aisles. Explore performances, grab street‑food and drinks, and enjoy late‑night shopping in a lively, informal atmosphere.

• Seven Bridges & Golf Around the Galleries, Discovery Museum: Step onto sensor pads to unlock Seven Bridges, a collaborative sound installation by music producers, Salt, inspired by the Tyne’s iconic bridges. Then take on Golf around the Galleries, a playful 14‑hole mini‑golf course winding through the museum’s displays.

• True North, various locations with Creative Central NCL:
  A poetry trail by Amy Langdown celebrating Newcastle’s creativity, installed across six sites. Wander the city, look up, and follow words that champion curiosity and artistic energy.

• Splice Up Your Life with Tyneside Cinema: A film‑themed silent disco with remixed movie soundtracks and a 35mm film‑splicing station.

• Night at the Library!, Newcastle City Library:
  A lively late‑night opening featuring performances, activities and opportunities to explore the building after hours.

The full program, including a map of all participating venues, is available at https://thelateshows.org.uk/2026