What’s on this Early May Bank Holiday weekend in Newcastle

Food and drink

At Newcastle Apartments we are firm believers that some good grub can elevate any bank holiday. Agree with us? Then look no further – Newcastle is bursting with dishes you can really get your teeth into. Here are our top food and drink picks if you’re looking to chow down this Early May Bank Holiday.

Brunch in Newcastle

Want to brunch at one of Newcastle’s best-kept secrets? Then head down to WC Newcastle in the centre of the historic Bigg Market.

What was once an 1800s water closet has been transformed into a hotspot for great cocktails, great music, and great vibes. Not sold yet? WC Newcastle is known for its Tipsy Tea Parties, complete with luxury sweet treats, signature cocktails, and bottomless fizz – perfect for a special weekend treat. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your mates, book your spot, and enjoy! You can find out more and make a reservation over on WC Newcastle’s website or @wc_newcastle on Instagram.

There are plenty of other bottomless brunch options across the ‘toon too. Slug & Lettuce Newcastle Central is hosting a Y2K-themed brunch packed with nostalgic hits, while venues like Manahatta, Victors, and Turtle Bay are all serving up lively bottomless brunch experiences throughout the weekend.

Slice Wars at Wylam Brewery

In Newcastle, we take pizza seriously, and this battle of the bases is not for the faint-hearted. If you fancy yourself as a bit of a pizza connoisseur, Wylam Brewery are offering the chance to try the best pizza the ‘toon has to offer and nominate your winner. Oh, and the best part? There’s a Star Wars theme. Vegan and vegetarian options are all available, dogs are welcome, and fancy dress is encouraged. See you there, Jedis … and may the sauce be with you.

And if you’re keeping the celebrations going into Sunday, Wylam Brewery also hosts events like Martin Kemp’s Ultimate 80s DJ sets – expect big throwback anthems, a lively crowd, and the perfect way to round off your bank holiday weekend.

You can find out more about Slice Wars on the event’s Facebook page here.

Hawkers Market at By The River Brew Co

If you wanna broaden your horizons and try something new this Bank Holiday weekend, then Hawkers Market at By The River Brew Co is the place for you. With a huge selection of ‘toon favourites like Dabbawal, Chuco’s Tacos, Lola Jean and Papa Ganoush, you’re bound to find something that tickles your fancy. Thirsty? Try the freshly-brewed beer or hand-crafted cocktails – and thank us later. Find out more about Hawkers Market here.

Student Race Night at Newcastle Racecourse

Calling all students! Fancy kicking off the bank holiday weekend in style? Get yourself along to Newcastle Racecourse for Student Race Night on Friday 1st May 2026. It’s a proper good excuse to round up your mates, get a bit dressed up, and soak up the buzz of the races.

There’s loads going on – big atmosphere, plenty of drinks flowing, and that Friday night energy you just can’t beat. Whether you’re there for the racing or just the craic, it’s a class way to start your bank holiday weekend.

Newcastle Food Festival at Exhibition Park

If you love your scran, the Newcastle Food Festival is an absolute must over the Early May Bank Holiday. It’s back at Exhibition Park from 2nd–4th May 2026, bringing loads of street food, local traders, and a proper good atmosphere.

Think tasty food from all over, bars, live music, and plenty going on while you wander about with something nice to eat in hand. Pop down for a quick bite, or why not make a full day of it? It’s a feel-good way to spend the weekend with your mates or family. If you want to take it easy this bank holiday, they also have freshly-brewed coffee, teas, juices and smoothies for those wanting a more relaxed, alcohol-free way to enjoy the day.

Something Different

Maybe you don’t want to indulge too much this Bank Holiday, and we don’t blame you – with two in one month, we probably should pace ourselves too. Never fear, though, because Newcastle is full of things to do that are easier on the wallet, and give you a chance to get to know the ‘toon a little better. What’s not to love?

Do a spot of sightseeing

There’s nothing like playing tourist for the day to make you appreciate the beauty of your city. In fact, it’s one of our favourite ways to spend a weekend. And luckily, Newcastle is full of iconic locations and historic sites to visit, with different neighbourhoods each offering their own different side of city life.

Why not spend a day at the city’s namesake, Newcastle Castle, and immerse yourself in the Medieval history of Old Newcastle with a castle tour? Or take a stroll along the Tyne Bridge? (Bonus points if you spot City Co-Living Newcastle, we’re pretty hard to miss!) With a city as steeped in history as Newcastle, spending a day getting lost in the ‘toon and soaking it all in can be just as fun as a boujee meal out. That’s what Newcastle is all about – you can uncover centuries of history by day, enjoy vibrant social spots by night, and truly work, play and live in the city centre.

Visit one of Newcastle’s museums or galleries

What better time than a long weekend to take in a bit of culture? With The Laing Art Gallery, The Biscuit Factory, Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, The Life Science Centre, and The Discovery Museum all close to the city centre, you’re pretty much spoilt for choice. If you want our recommendation, though, we’d say to catch Transformation No. 4, a striking lightbox installation by Nadia Huggins exploring the marine landscapes of the Caribbean, before they finish in June 2026.

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy at Tyneside Cinema

For a more laid-back bank holiday activity, Tyneside Cinema’s Lord of the Rings trilogy screening is hard to beat. Featuring the extended editions, it’s a full-day movie marathon that’s perfect for switching off and getting lost in Middle-earth.

With scheduled breaks between films, there’s plenty of time to stretch your legs, top up on snacks, and make sure you’re fully fuelled for the journey ahead. A must for film fans, and the perfect excuse to switch off for a few hours.

How are you planning to spend your bank holiday? Let us know over on our socials @ncapartments_.