With the onset of Autumn comes a glut of great shows, from rib-tickling comedy and multi-venue musical extravaganzas, to family fun and sporting greats – it’s all here! Get your diary handy…
Friday 22nd September
Tees Folk
A celebration of folk music, featuring performances from award-winning trio The Young’uns, Kris Drever, Megson and Amelia Coburn.
The Globe, Stockton
Saturday 23rd-Sunday 24th September
Festival of Thrift
The annual celebration of sustainability moves to a new location in Billingham, and presents a weekend full of crafty workshops, live performance, stalls and much more.
Billingham Town Centre & John Whitehead Park
Thursday 28th September-Saturday 7th October
Middlesbrough Art Week
Prepare to have your mind opened, with this week-long celebration of thought-provoking art exhibitions and installations. This year’s theme is ‘measure’, with artists encouraged to engage with ways of thinking of the past, present and future.
Venues across Middlesbrough
Saturday 30th September
The Gathering Sounds
Stockton does multi-venue festivals pretty well, and this celebration of new music is a great example. Check out exciting established and up and coming artists across a range of genres, including Andrew Cushin, ZUZU, The Skinner Brothers, King No One, Komparrison, Finn Forster, Girl Band and loads more.
ARC, Ku Bar, The Georgian Theatre, Stockton
Saturday 14th October
Twisterella
Middlesbrough’s metropolitan music festival goes from strength to strength, with a trailblazing line-up of thrilling live artists. On the line-up this year are the likes of Dutch Uncles, Prima Queen, Jen Dixon, Me Lost Me, Opus Kink, Eyeconic and many more. A must for any lover of new music.
Various venues in Middlesbrough
Thursday 19th October
Ultimate Dinosaurs
A must for your little monsters, go an exciting pre-historic adventure with Dr Ben Garrod who presents an entertaining, educational and interactive live show!
Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre
Saturday 21st October
Counterfest
Stockton’s ultimate tribute to tributes, see 18 of the UK’s best tribute acts spread over six stages in Stockton, with one ticket to access them all! Expect music by The Rolling Stones, ABBA, Elvis, KISS, Jimi Hendrix, Radiohead, Blur, Pulp, Red Hot Chili Peppers and more.
Various venues in Stockton
Sunday 22nd October
Big Time Pro Wrestling Experience
A family-friendly show featuring the world’s strongest, fastest, meanest, friendliest and funniest showmen.
Middlesbrough Town Hall
Wednesday 25th-Saturday 28th October
Tees Valley International Film Festival
A four day celebration of all aspects of the craft of filmmaking, including independent filmmakers who will share their wisdom, gala screenings of major films, audience Q&As with well known actors and directors, plus much more.
ARC, Stockton
Monday 6th-Friday 10th November
Animex Festival
An international festival of animation, games and VFX, and a must for anyone interested in a career in the field, or just a fan of the genres. Enjoy workshops, screenings, a special marketplace, networking events and more.
Various venues in Middlesbrough
Wednesday 8th November
Festival of Light & Colour
Stockton’s annual celebration to mark Diwali, with a variety of performances, delicious food and colourful entertainment.
ARC, Stockton
Friday 17th-Saturday 18th November
Stockton Steampunk Festival
A weekend of market stalls, live music, cabaret performances, screenings and a fashion show, all celebrating the glory of Steampunk!
ARC, Stockton
