For two nights this month, The Late Shows returns to transform Newcastle and Gateshead into a city-wide celebration of after-hours culture. Taking place on Friday 8th and Saturday 9th May, the free, award-winning event invites visitors to explore the region’s creative spaces long after closing time.
Spread across dozens of venues, the programme spans everything from contemporary galleries and artist studios to heritage sites and music venues. There is no set route and no need to book – just the freedom to wander. Visitors can dip in and out of spaces, discovering pop-up performances, exhibitions, and hands-on activities along the way.
Since launching in 2007, The Late Shows has grown into one of the North East’s most popular cultural events, drawing thousands each year. Part of its appeal lies in the access it offers – not just to the spaces themselves, but to the people behind them. Many venues open doors that are usually closed to the public, offering a glimpse into creative processes and behind-the-scenes work. With free entry to most venues and transport links connecting key locations, the focus remains firmly on exploration.
So what makes The Late Shows so distinctive? It is the sense of discovery – the opportunity to experience familiar places in a completely different way, and to uncover hidden corners of the region’s cultural landscape.
Whether you map out your evening or follow your instincts, The Late Shows offers a unique chance to experience the city’s creative scene in a new light.
For further information, head to thelateshows.org.uk.
