What’s On in the North East 2026: Live Music, Concerts & Events

Looking for live music, concerts and events happening across the North East of England in 2026? Browse upcoming live music tickets and discover some of the standout shows coming to venues across the region.

From Newcastle upon Tyne and Sunderland to Darlington, Gateshead and Stockton-on-Tees, this guide highlights standout live shows and tours happening across the region.

In this guide, you’ll find:

• Major concerts and tours coming to the North East
• Standout shows and limited-date runs to book early
• Regional highlights from Newcastle upon Tyne, Sunderland, Gateshead and Stockton-on-Tees
• A practical FAQ to help plan your live events calendar

 

Major concerts & live music events in the North East

More events & musical moments across the North East

Beyond the headline shows, the North East's live calendar is packed with festivals, comedy, touring theatre and grassroots gigs across towns and cities throughout the region.

Looking for even more events in the North East?

Looking for even more concerts and live music across the North East? Explore upcoming events, tours and festivals happening throughout the region.

See more events in the North East

Live shows, festivals, tours & events

• Just Mustard — Tuesday 21st April 2026 (The Grove, Newcastle upon Tyne)
• Bloodworm — Thursday 30th April 2026 (Zerox, Newcastle upon Tyne)
• Demob Happy — Saturday 9th May 2026 (The Grove, Newcastle upon Tyne)
• Florence Road — Friday 15th May 2026 (Newcastle upon Tyne University SU)
• Finn Forster — Wednesday 20th May 2026 (The Grove, Newcastle upon Tyne)
• BAFTA Games in Concert — Saturday 23rd May 2026 (The Glasshouse International Centre for Music - Sage One, Gateshead)
• A Stone's Throw — Saturday 23rd May 2026 (Multiple Venues, Tynemouth)
• Bears In Trees - The World's Local Dirtbag Boyband — Wednesday 27th May 2026 (The Grove, Newcastle upon Tyne)
• Giles Strong Quartet - Saturday 30th May 2026 (Langley Tracks, Langley)
• Christone 'Kingfish' Ingram — Thursday 2nd July 2026 (Boiler Shop, Newcastle upon Tyne)
• Rachel Sermanni - Wednesday 8th July 2026 - (Langley Tracks, Hexham)
• Discovery Festival — Friday 7th – Sunday 9th August 2026 (Darlington Arena)
• The Molotovs — Friday 11th September 2026 (Digital, Newcastle upon Tyne)
• Toby Lee — Sunday 20th September 2026 (The Glasshouse International Centre for Music - Sage Two, Gateshead)
• Man/Woman/Chainsaw — Thursday 24th September 2026 (The Grove, Newcastle upon Tyne)
• Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks — Thursday 1st October 2026 (The Glasshouse International Centre for Music - Sage One, Gateshead)
• Toploader — Friday 23rd October 2026 (Independent, Sunderland)
• Gipsy Kings by André Reyes — Saturday 7th November 2026 (The Glasshouse International Centre for Music - Sage One, Gateshead)
• Young Knives — Saturday 21st November 2026 (The Grove, Newcastle upon Tyne)
• Tony Hadley — Friday 27th November 2026 (The Glasshouse International Centre for Music - Sage One, Gateshead)
• The Fratellis - Celebrating 20 years of Costello Music — Saturday 26th February 2027 (NX, Newcastle upon Tyne)
• Kim Wilde - The Singles Tour — Sunday 14th March 2027 (The Glasshouse International Centre for Music - Sage One, Gateshead)

 

Regional highlights — Where to go in the North East

Newcastle upon Tyne

Discover live music in Newcastle upon Tyne, a powerhouse of the North East’s music scene. From major concerts at Utilita Arena, O2 City Hall and NX Newcastle to standout shows at venues like Boiler Shop, The Cluny and Zerox, the city hosts everything from chart-topping acts to cutting-edge emerging talent.

Sunderland

Explore live music in Sunderland, a city with a proud musical heritage and a growing live scene. Enjoy major performances at The Fire Station, or catch local and touring artists at independent venues like Independent, Sunderland, alongside seasonal outdoor events and festivals.

Gateshead

Experience live music in Gateshead, home to some of the region’s most iconic venues. See world-class performances at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, or discover a diverse programme of live gigs and grassroots shows at venues like The Central and The Black Bull in this cultural hub on the banks of the Tyne.

Stockton-on-Tees

Find live music in Stockton-on-Tees, a town known for its strong ties to the UK music scene. Discover intimate gigs and major performances at venues such as The Georgian Theatre and Stockton Globe, with a wide range of live music happening throughout the year.

 

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NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE |  SUNDERLAND |  GATESHEAD |  DARLINGTON |  HARTLEPOOL |  STOCKTON-ON-TEES |  TYNEMOUTH |  DURHAM

 

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Need to know — North East events

 

When do tickets usually go on sale?
Most tickets go on sale shortly after an announcement, often on Friday mornings. Popular shows can sell out quickly, especially in smaller venues.

Which venues should I keep an eye on?
Key live music venues in the North East include Newcastle upon Tyne’s Utilita Arena, O2 City Hall, NX Newcastle, Boiler Shop, The Cluny and Zerox, Sunderland’s The Fire Station and Independent, Gateshead’s The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, The Central and The Black Bull, plus Stockton-on-Tees venues such as Stockton Globe and The Georgian Theatre.

Are there festivals in the North East this year?
Yes. The North East hosts a wide range of music festivals and live events throughout the year, including New Horizons Festival, Discovery Festival and A Stone’s Throw, alongside a variety of other independent and grassroots events across the region.

 

Ready to explore more live events across the North East?

Discover upcoming gigs, tours and festivals happening across Newcastle upon Tyne, Gateshead, Sunderland and beyond.

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